Effect of Occupational Health and Safety Best Practices on Employee Performance in Private Companies in Rwanda
Abstract
The study titled "Effect of Occupational Health and Safety Best Practices on Employee Performance in Rwanda: Case of Sulfo Rwanda" explores the relationship between occupational health and safety (OHS) best practices and employee performance. The research aimed to investigate six key factors: the impact of safety training and awareness, incident reporting and investigation, safe work practices, regular inspections and audits, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and overall employee performance. Using an explanatory mixed-methods research design, the study relied on a population sample determined by the Yaman formula and employed a convenience sampling technique. Data was collected through questionnaires, interviews, and document reviews, with descriptive and inferential statistical methods used for analysis. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between all examined safety practices and employee performance at Sulfo Rwanda. Specifically, safety training and awareness, incident reporting, safe work practices, regular inspections and audits, and the use of PPE all contributed positively to enhancing employee performance. The study concluded that the implementation of robust occupational health and safety practices significantly improves employee performance. Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that Sulfo Rwanda's management establish health and safety committees with qualified staff, conduct regular workplace inspections, and actively involve workers in the inspection process to further improve safety standards
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