The Impact of Occupational Safety and Health on the Performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (Smes) in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of health and safety on the performance of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe, SMEs significantly contribute to the nation`s economy, helping to eradicate hunger and poverty, generating employment and boosting economic growth, hence the need to promote a healthy and safe environment for them. This study uses quantitative methods to collect and analyse data from 289 respondents, drawn from different respondents employed in SMEs in Zimbabwe. A structured online questionnaire was used to solicit information from the respondents who were selected using the simple random sampling method. Krejcie and Morgan‘s sample size determination formula was used to estimate a sample size of 384, giving a response rate of 75.3%. The results highlight that there is a positive relationship between implementation of effective occupational safety and health practices in SMEs and their performance, as measured by employee productivity and profitability. The study recommends measures to strengthen health and safety practices in Zimbabwean SMEs by availing protective equipment, emergency procedures, safety training programmes and complying with relevant laws and regulations.