An Assessment on the effectiveness of ISO 45001:2018 on combating workplace accidents in the construction industry of Zimbabwe. A case study of Masimba Construction at number 14 Tilbury Road Willowvale Harare.

Abstract

The research project is based on an assessment of occupation health and safety management systems in the construction industry in Zimbabwe targeting companies which are registered or classified under category A as they are expected to be the barometer of the industry in terms of adherence to systems and performance. A mixed method utilising both the literature review and questionnaires was used for analysing data. The research concludes that the level of implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Management systems is still limited in Zimbabwe. There is need for improvement in the implementation of formal OHS Management Systems such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration Series (OHSAS) 18001 at company level and for big Clients such as National Social Security Authority (NSSA) to provide incentives to companies implementing standards that are certifiable. The management of OHS issues is being carried out in an ad-hoc basis in most enterprises and there is need to improve the capacity of the Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) departments. Further research concluded that a few companies in the construction industry in Zimbabwe adhere to regulations in order to prevent occupational health and hazards. Research recommends that policy makers need to strengthen the implementation of OHS regulations in Zimbabwe including regular follow-up of corporate performance and inspections in the construction sector. A further study to examine the implementation of OHS systems for emerging contractors in Zimbabwe is recommended.