An Assessment of Manual Handling Hazards at a Mechanical Workshop. A Case Study of National Railways of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo

Table of Contents

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Statement of the problem

1.3 Objectives

1.3.1 General objective

1.3.2 Specific objective

1.4 Justification of the study

1.5 Scope of the study

1.6Limitations of the study

1.7Chapter summary

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.2 Conceptual framework

2.2 Trends of occupational accidents and injuries in Zimbabwe

2.3 Overview of manual handling

2.4 Manual handling Risk factors

2.5 Effects of manual handling

2.7 Management of manual handling hazards

2.7.1 Hazard identification

2.7.2 Engineering Controls

2.7.3 Administrative controls.

2.7.4 Personal protective equipment’s/ Clothes

2.8 Influence of manual handling training and awareness to employees

2.9 Knowledge gap

2.10 Chapter Summary

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. Introduction

3.2 Research Design

3.3 Target Population

3.4 Sample Size Determination

3.5 Methods of Data Collection

3.5.1 Questionnaires

3.5.2 Interviews

3.5.3 Field Observations

3.5.4 Secondary Data

3.6 Data analysis and presentation

3.7 Ethical considerations

3.8 Reliability and Validity

3.9 Chapter summary

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Introduction

4.2 Demographic characteristics of respondents

4.2.1 Response rate

4.2.2 Gender of respondents

4.2.3 Age of Respondents

4.2.4 Level of Education

4.2.5 Work experience

4.3 Manual Handling hazards

4.3.1 Forceful exertion/ efforts

4.3.2 Unstable loads

4.3.3 Vibration exposure

4.3.4 Repetitive movements

4.3.5 Awkward postures

4.4 Effects of Manual handling hazards

4.4.1 Manual Handling related injuries on a five years period

4.5 Level of awareness of workers on MH hazards

4.5.1 Respondents knowledge on MH

4.5.2 Awareness level of MH hazards.

4.6 Manual Handling control measures

4.6.1 Safe operating procedures and training

4.6.2 Safety Audits

4.6.3 Personal protective clothing / equipment

4.6.4 Legal framework guiding manual handling

4.6.5 Responses on evaluating control measures

4.7 Chapter summary

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion

5.2 Recommendations

5.3 Chapter Summary

Research Objectives and Focus Areas

This study aims to assess the manual handling hazards at the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) mechanical workshop in Bulawayo. The research investigates the prevalence of ergonomic hazards, evaluates the awareness levels of workers regarding these risks, and assesses the effectiveness of existing organizational control measures to ensure worker safety and mitigate occupational injuries.

• Identification of manual handling hazards such as awkward postures and repetitive movements.
• Evaluation of worker awareness regarding manual handling and associated health risks.
• Assessment of the effectiveness of existing administrative and engineering safety controls.
• Investigation into the impact of manual handling on musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rates within the workshop.
• Provision of recommendations for ergonomic interventions to improve occupational health and safety standards.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the context of manual handling, the history of the National Railways of Zimbabwe, and defines the problem statement, objectives, and scope of the study.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter reviews global and local trends in occupational injuries, explores manual handling risk factors and their effects, and discusses various management and control strategies for manual handling hazards.

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter outlines the research design, target population, sampling techniques, and data collection methods, including the use of questionnaires, interviews, and field observations.

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: This chapter presents the data gathered from the workshop, analyzing demographic characteristics, identified hazards, injury rates, worker awareness, and the effectiveness of current control measures.

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This chapter summarizes the research findings, concludes on the lack of awareness and effective control measures, and provides strategic recommendations for NRZ and NSSA.

Keywords

Manual Handling, Occupational Health, Ergonomics, Musculoskeletal Disorders, NRZ, Safety Measures, Workplace Hazards, Workforce Awareness, Injury Prevention, Risk Assessment, Mechanical Workshop, Zimbabwe, Occupational Safety, Industrial Accidents, Ergonomic Interventions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The research focuses on assessing manual handling hazards within the mechanical workshop of the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) in Bulawayo to improve occupational safety and health.

What are the core research objectives?

The objectives are to identify specific manual handling hazards, determine workers' awareness regarding these hazards, and evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures currently implemented by the organization.

Which industries are most affected by manual handling hazards?

According to the study, industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, construction, and transport exhibit high rates of exposure to manual handling risks.

What methodology was employed to gather data?

The researcher utilized a case study research design incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, including questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, field observations, and secondary data analysis.

What does the literature suggest regarding manual handling and worker health?

The literature indicates that poor manual handling practices lead to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which are a significant cause of absenteeism, reduced productivity, and increased medical costs.

What are the key findings concerning worker awareness at NRZ?

The study found a significant knowledge gap, with 73% of respondents indicating they are not aware of manual handling issues and 76% lacking general knowledge about manual handling risks.

How effective were the control measures at the NRZ mechanical workshop?

The research concluded that current control measures are largely ineffective, as they lack clear strategic action and regular implementation, often prioritizing production over worker safety.

What is the relationship between work experience and knowledge of manual handling?

The study performed a Chi-Square test, which revealed no significant association between a worker's years of experience and their knowledge of manual handling hazards, indicating a systemic lack of training.

What specific hazards were identified in the workshop?

Workers identified forceful exertions, unstable loads, exposure to vibration, repetitive movements, and awkward postures as the primary hazards they encounter daily.

What do the authors recommend for future improvements?

The recommendations include forming an ergonomics facilitation team, conducting regular risk assessments, providing continuous employee training, and strictly enforcing OSH regulations to ensure management prioritizes ergonomics.