Factors that influence implementation of occupational safety and health management system at public universities in kenya-a case study of egerton university

Despite the increasing level of interest in Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS), there have been few formal evaluation studies published. There is a relative paucity of information about how these systems work and how effective they are in preventing occupational injury and diseases. A general observation shows that hazards are present at work places in universities despite existence of overwhelming information on the importance of occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS). An Occupational Safety and Health Management System is a planned, documented and verifiable tool for managing hazards and their associated risks. The effectiveness of an OSHMS, and its ability to adapt and improve, hinges on how well its performance can be evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that influence implementation of OSHMS at public universities in Kenya. OSHMS was developed in response to widespread demand for a recognized standard against which to be assessed and certified. This study was conducted at Egerton University’s four campuses within Nakuru. The method of study was a case study descriptive survey research design. Data was collected using; observation check lists, structured interview schedules and questionnaires. Findings obtained showed that the factors affecting implementation of OSHMS included; lack of initial review of hazards (10%), inefficient development of systems (25%), failure to formulate OSH Objectives (30%) and inadequate hazard prevention mechanism( 30).Data were analysed qualitatively using content analysis and also statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 16 computer program.The study recommended that an OSH policy be developed and implemented, participation of workers be encouraged, collaborative and support from the government be promoted and a system for continual improvement be designed.