Occupational health and safety management systems - a review of practices in enterprises in Botswana

Abstract

Unsafe working conditions create heavy burdens in workplaces and on the wellbeing of workers. Despite this, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) to reduce accidents and diseases in workplaces remain inadequate in many countries, including Botswana. An exploratory cross-sectional study, using secondary data, was undertaken to establish OHSMS practices in various industrial sectors in Botswana. The results showed that a quarter (27.6%) and about half of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), respectively, and just over half (60%) of large enterprises, have existing OHSMS. Only 29.2% of enterprises had an OHS policy statement. The elements of OHSMS were not uniformly implemented across all enterprises, with SMEs faring poorly. However, 71.1% of enterprises reported provision of induction courses. OHSMS is not widely practiced in Botswana, raising concerns for worker wellbeing, particularly in SMEs. Further research is needed to identify gaps and the development of a coherent OHSMS for the country.