Enhancing safety in Zimbabwean manufacturing industry: The role of human factors engineering in reducing workplace accidents

Abstract

Workplace accidents continue to be major problem in Zimbabwean manufacturing enterprises impacting productivity, employee well-being and operational efficiency. The study sought to explore the extent to which Human Factors Engineering (HFE) can be utilised as a safety intervention in Zimbabwean manufacturing industries. Using a mixedmethod approach, including qualitative data on key human factors in accidents and quantitative data on the effectiveness of HFE interventions to mitigate these risks. By demonstrating that ergonomic design was significant in influencing operator training accidents, the results were used to show how safety culture can also mitigate such incidences at national level and hence enhance workplace general safety of Zimbabwean manufacturing operations.