Implementation Determinants of Zimbabwe National Occupational Safety and Health Policy in Willowvale Industrial Area, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe introduced the National Occupational Safety and Health Policy (ZNOSHP) in August 2014 with the vision and mission to eliminate occupational accidents, injuries, diseases, and fatalities and to promote Occupational Safety and Health (OSH). This study was therefore aimed at exploring the individual- and organizational-level determinants of ZNOSHP’s implementation. Data were collected from 309 workers in the Willowvale industrial area in Harare, Zimbabwe. Negative binomial regression models were used to explore the determinants of ZNOSHP’s implementation. After adjustment, participant’s knowledge of ZNOSHP (Incidence Rate Ratio, IRR = 1.32; 95% Confidence Interval, CI: 1.19–1.46; p ≤ 0.001), production department (IRR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.03–1.26; p ≤ 0.05), company years of operation (IRR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.21–1.46; p ≤ 0.001), participants who identified several implementation barriers (IRR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.01–1.25; p ≤ 0.001), and agricultural industry were associated with higher rates of ZNOSHP’s implementation. In conclusion, individual- and organizational-level determinants of implementation of OSH standards were explored, and positive associations were found. Policy implementation, enforcement, and follow up strategies need to be developed in order to ensure adherence to safety measures. This study should be extended to other parts of Zimbabwe in order to develop evidence-based policy.