INFLUENCE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN KENYA: A CASE STUDY OF KAPA OIL REFINERIES LIMITED

Abstract

Health and safety practices, programs and proceduresarekey components for organisational success and survival. For many organizations, link between health and safety programs and organisational performance has become a key challenge, and so firm’s need to incorporate health and safety practices if they want the organization’s survival. The general objective of the study was to establish the influence of occupational health and safetyon organizational performance in manufacturing sector in Kenya, a case study of Kapa Oil Refineries Limited in Nairobi County. A case study design wasused. The study targeteda population of 2000 employees of Kapa oil refineries, from which a sample of 100 respondents was drawn using 5% of the target population. This included the top management, middle level management and lower level management. The sample was selected using stratified sampling technique. The researcher collected primary data using a questionnaire while secondary data was collected through existing literature relevant to the current research topic under study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools namely frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while inferential statistical tools such as correlation and regression was used to determine and explain variable relationship; through SPSS Version 22 computer program. A correlation analysis revealed a weak positive relationship between health and safety training and performance of Kapa OilRefineries Limited. Regressionanalysis also indicated that 52.7 % of the variation of organization performance was explained by health and safety training. The study recommends the following; the management of Kapa Oil Refineries Limited should continually train its employees on health and safety issues. Training should also be carried out on health and safety and use of new equipment.The management should further conduct proper training to new staff and have efficient orientation programs. The management of Kapa Oil Refineries Limited and the Department of Occupational Health and Safety should come up with a safety design and preventive approach which mainly dealsin what should be designed to employees so as not to cause harm to employees. The government of Kenya should conduct proper audits. The management of Kapa Oil Refineries should show support, commitment and facilitate all health and safety programs in the organization through clear and visionary leadership in occupational health and safety programs.