Globally, investigations into food-borne illnesses show that the majority of cases involve poor hand hygiene of the food handler. The challenge of providing safe food therefore requires new strategies for evaluating cross-contamination of pathogenic micro-organisms on the food handler's hands, which might be detrimental or hazardous to the health of the patient Although food-borne diseases may be multifactorial in aetiology, no standards or evaluation systems, such as an occupational health surveillance programme, are available to monitor and ensure that food is free of pathogens. The formulation and implementation of standards may contribute to ensuring that food handlers comply with hand hygiene practices during food handling. Such practices guarantee that food reaching the patient is safe. The objectives in this research project originated from the occupational health practice and gave direction of the empirical research project. The literature was reviewed to discover what is currently known concerning the food handlers' hand hygiene during food handling and food-borne illnesses and the theoretical framework gave direction and guidance to the survey design of the empirical research, which was quantitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature. The food handlers from the food preparation sections of the four major healthcare services in Potchefstroom, in the North West Province, South Africa, were the target population and the sampling method was all-inclusive (n=110). Eighty (75.47%) food handlers participated in the research project. The design entailed three steps. The first was conducted with a questionnaire, to identify the food handlers' compliance with hand hygiene during food handling. The second step involved determining the prevalence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on the food handlers' hands. The results were used for the formulation of standards for the hand hygiene of food handlers. Finally, recommendations for practice, education and research were made. The implementation of these recommendations could contribute knowledge to the body of nursing and promote good hand hygiene practices in the healthcare service. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / O objeto deste estudo são as repercussões do modelo neoliberal na saúde dos trabalhadores de enfermagem que atuam no contexto hospitalar. Os objetivos foram: (I) identificar as características do modelo produtivo neoliberal no trabalho hospitalar e de enfermagem; (II) analisar as implicações do neoliberalismo no processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores de enfermagem; e (III) propor recomendações à organização do trabalho para minimização dos efeitos do modelo neoliberal na saúde desses trabalhadores. A pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, foi desenvolvida em um hospital universitário localizado no Município do Rio de Janeiro. Os sujeitos são trabalhadores de enfermagem, dos quais 14 são enfermeiros e 20, técnicos de enfermagem. O instrumento de coleta de dados caracteriza-se na entrevista semiestruturada. O projeto foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética da instituição na qual se desenvolveu o estudo, sob número de protocolo 365.716, conforme resolução 466/12. A técnica utilizada para o tratamento dos dados coletados é a Análise Temática de Conteúdo, que fez emergir quatro categorias. I) As configurações da organização e processo de trabalho hospitalar no contexto neoliberal, em que se discutem as características dessa organização laboral e do processo de trabalho da enfermagem diante do impacto do modelo neoliberal na forma de gestão. Elabora-se também uma análise dos efeitos desse modelo tanto na previsão e provisão de recursos, humano e material, quanto na precarização dos vínculos de trabalho e seus efeitos sobre a qualidade e a quantidade da produtividade da enfermagem. Discute-se ainda o modo operatório dos trabalhadores de enfermagem diante das transformações do mundo do trabalho, impostas pela influência do neoliberalismo no ambiente hospitalar. II) O modelo neoliberal no ambiente hospitalar: implicações políticas e interpessoais no coletivo de enfermagem, em que se discutem (i) as relações hierárquicas e de poder tecidas nesse contexto; e (ii) o uso e as consequências das tecnologias em saúde e a demanda por capacitação e treinamento dos profissionais. III) Os impactos do modelo neoliberal no processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores, em que se analisa que, devido à configuração da organização do trabalho, há muitas repercussões negativas para o processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores, tais como estresse, taquicardia, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, sonolência, sudorese, esgotamento físico e mental, depressão, desgaste físico, cefaleia, dor epigástrica e irritabilidade. IV) As recomendações para melhoria do ambiente de trabalho na ótica dos profissionais, em que (i) se discutem as propostas para melhoria das condições laborais e do processo de trabalho dos profissionais de enfermagem e (ii) se elencam sugestões para minimização dos impactos causados pelas inúmeras formas de precarização presentes nesse contexto laboral, objetivando assim, o incremento da qualidade de vida e da saúde dos trabalhadores. Conclui-se que diversas foram as repercussões do neoliberalismo para o processo e organização do trabalho hospitalar, assim como para a saúde do trabalhador. / The object of this study are the effects of the neoliberal model on health of nursing workers who work in hospitals. The objectives were: (I) identifying the characteristics of the productive neoliberal model in hospital and of nursing; (II) analysing the implications of neoliberalism in the health-disease process of nursing workers; and (III) proposing recommendations to the organization of work for minimization of the effects of the neoliberal model in the health of these workers. The research, of a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory character, was developed in a university hospital located in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The subjects are nursing staff, including 14 nurses and 20 nursing technicians. The instrument for data collection is characterized in semi-structured interviews. The project was approved by the ethics committee of the institution where the study was developed, under the protocol n. 365.716, in accordance with resolution 466/12. The technique used for the treatment of the collected data is the Content Analysis, which did emerge four categories. I) The settings of the organization and the hospital work process in neoliberal context in which they discuss the characteristics of work organization and process of nursing work on the impact of the neoliberal model in the form of management. Also prepares an analysis of the effects of this model, both in forecasting and provision of resources, human and material, as the precariousness of work contracts and their effects on the quality and quantity of nursing productivity. Still discuss the experimental procedure of nursing on the changing world of work imposed by the influence of neoliberalism in the hospital environment. II) The neoliberal model in the hospital environment: policies and interpersonal implications on the collective nursing, in which we discuss (i) the hierarchical and power relationships woven in this context, and (ii) the use and consequences of health technologies and demand for capacity buiding and training of professionals. III) The impacts of the neoliberal model in the health and illness of workers, who reported that, due to the configuration of work organization, there are many negative repercussions for the health-disease process of workers, such as stress, tachycardia, systemic hypertension, drowsiness, sweating, physical and mental exhaustion, depression, physical fatigue, headache, abdominal pain and irritability. IV) The recommendations for improvement of working environment under the professionals optics, in which (i) is discussed the proposals for improving the working conditions and the working process of nursing professionals and (ii) if recommends suggestions for minimizing the impacts caused by numerous forms of precariousness present in this laboral context, so, looking for the increment of the quality of life and health of workers. It is concluded that were several repercussions from neoliberalism for the process and organization of hospital work, as well as for the health of the work.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / O objeto deste estudo são as repercussões do modelo neoliberal na saúde dos trabalhadores de enfermagem que atuam no contexto hospitalar. Os objetivos foram: (I) identificar as características do modelo produtivo neoliberal no trabalho hospitalar e de enfermagem; (II) analisar as implicações do neoliberalismo no processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores de enfermagem; e (III) propor recomendações à organização do trabalho para minimização dos efeitos do modelo neoliberal na saúde desses trabalhadores. A pesquisa, de caráter qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, foi desenvolvida em um hospital universitário localizado no Município do Rio de Janeiro. Os sujeitos são trabalhadores de enfermagem, dos quais 14 são enfermeiros e 20, técnicos de enfermagem. O instrumento de coleta de dados caracteriza-se na entrevista semiestruturada. O projeto foi aprovado pelo comitê de ética da instituição na qual se desenvolveu o estudo, sob número de protocolo 365.716, conforme resolução 466/12. A técnica utilizada para o tratamento dos dados coletados é a Análise Temática de Conteúdo, que fez emergir quatro categorias. I) As configurações da organização e processo de trabalho hospitalar no contexto neoliberal, em que se discutem as características dessa organização laboral e do processo de trabalho da enfermagem diante do impacto do modelo neoliberal na forma de gestão. Elabora-se também uma análise dos efeitos desse modelo tanto na previsão e provisão de recursos, humano e material, quanto na precarização dos vínculos de trabalho e seus efeitos sobre a qualidade e a quantidade da produtividade da enfermagem. Discute-se ainda o modo operatório dos trabalhadores de enfermagem diante das transformações do mundo do trabalho, impostas pela influência do neoliberalismo no ambiente hospitalar. II) O modelo neoliberal no ambiente hospitalar: implicações políticas e interpessoais no coletivo de enfermagem, em que se discutem (i) as relações hierárquicas e de poder tecidas nesse contexto; e (ii) o uso e as consequências das tecnologias em saúde e a demanda por capacitação e treinamento dos profissionais. III) Os impactos do modelo neoliberal no processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores, em que se analisa que, devido à configuração da organização do trabalho, há muitas repercussões negativas para o processo saúde-doença dos trabalhadores, tais como estresse, taquicardia, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, sonolência, sudorese, esgotamento físico e mental, depressão, desgaste físico, cefaleia, dor epigástrica e irritabilidade. IV) As recomendações para melhoria do ambiente de trabalho na ótica dos profissionais, em que (i) se discutem as propostas para melhoria das condições laborais e do processo de trabalho dos profissionais de enfermagem e (ii) se elencam sugestões para minimização dos impactos causados pelas inúmeras formas de precarização presentes nesse contexto laboral, objetivando assim, o incremento da qualidade de vida e da saúde dos trabalhadores. Conclui-se que diversas foram as repercussões do neoliberalismo para o processo e organização do trabalho hospitalar, assim como para a saúde do trabalhador. / The object of this study are the effects of the neoliberal model on health of nursing workers who work in hospitals. The objectives were: (I) identifying the characteristics of the productive neoliberal model in hospital and of nursing; (II) analysing the implications of neoliberalism in the health-disease process of nursing workers; and (III) proposing recommendations to the organization of work for minimization of the effects of the neoliberal model in the health of these workers. The research, of a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory character, was developed in a university hospital located in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The subjects are nursing staff, including 14 nurses and 20 nursing technicians. The instrument for data collection is characterized in semi-structured interviews. The project was approved by the ethics committee of the institution where the study was developed, under the protocol n. 365.716, in accordance with resolution 466/12. The technique used for the treatment of the collected data is the Content Analysis, which did emerge four categories. I) The settings of the organization and the hospital work process in neoliberal context in which they discuss the characteristics of work organization and process of nursing work on the impact of the neoliberal model in the form of management. Also prepares an analysis of the effects of this model, both in forecasting and provision of resources, human and material, as the precariousness of work contracts and their effects on the quality and quantity of nursing productivity. Still discuss the experimental procedure of nursing on the changing world of work imposed by the influence of neoliberalism in the hospital environment. II) The neoliberal model in the hospital environment: policies and interpersonal implications on the collective nursing, in which we discuss (i) the hierarchical and power relationships woven in this context, and (ii) the use and consequences of health technologies and demand for capacity buiding and training of professionals. III) The impacts of the neoliberal model in the health and illness of workers, who reported that, due to the configuration of work organization, there are many negative repercussions for the health-disease process of workers, such as stress, tachycardia, systemic hypertension, drowsiness, sweating, physical and mental exhaustion, depression, physical fatigue, headache, abdominal pain and irritability. IV) The recommendations for improvement of working environment under the professionals optics, in which (i) is discussed the proposals for improving the working conditions and the working process of nursing professionals and (ii) if recommends suggestions for minimizing the impacts caused by numerous forms of precariousness present in this laboral context, so, looking for the increment of the quality of life and health of workers. It is concluded that were several repercussions from neoliberalism for the process and organization of hospital work, as well as for the health of the work.

M.Cur. / Occupational health nurses are qualified registered nurses with a post-graduate qualification in occupational health nursing as a specialised discipline, and provide the basic healthcare aspect of the occupational health programme. Their most important activity is to identify and assess the health hazard risks in the workplace. Health risk assessments are conducted by occupational health nurses to determine all the stresses, e.g. hazardous chemicals, vibration, insufficient lighting, noise exposure and thermal exposure, which may affect employees‟ health and working efficiency. The researcher conducted audits and, over a period of time, observed that 85% (n=23) of occupational health nurses in different settings conduct health risk assessments only to a certain extent. The following questions were raised: To what extent do occupational health nurses conduct health risk assessments? What are the possible reasons for them conducting the health risk assessments only to a certain extent, or not at all? What can be done to improve this? The purpose of this study was thus to explore and describe the extent to which occupational health nurses conduct health risk assessments; and the possible reasons for not conducting them or conducting them only to a certain extent. Guidelines were developed to assist occupational health nurses in conducting health risk assessments. A quantitative, descriptive design was used in this study. A sampling frame was developed from a list of all the members of the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN) in Gauteng. From the target population of occupational health nurses in Gauteng, a systematic cluster sampling method was used. A developed questionnaire was distributed by mail and e-mails, and reminders were sent by the researcher to the respondents (Burns & Grove, 2006). The researcher ensured validity and reliability throughout the study by means of theoretical review, content securing and statistical assistance (Burns & Grove, 2006). Ethical standards of the right to self-determination, right to privacy, right to confidentiality and autonomy, right to fair treatment and right to protection from discomfort and harm were adhered to. The findings revealed that the occupational health nurse is a mature, predominately female experienced practitioner who operates on behalf of a disproportionably large number of employees. Four factors influencing these nurses in conducting a health risk assessment to a certain extent were identified: competence, ignorance about the role of the occupational health nurse, workload and attitude. The researcher formulated guidelines to assist practising occupational health nurses to conduct health risk assessments.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD), specifically physical and muscular discomfort in the upper arm, lower arm, thigh, lower leg, wrist, shoulders, back, or neck, are among the most frequently reported workplace injuries in the United States. The dearth of knowledge about the types of workloads that may contribute to the development of WRMSD was the impetus of this research. The study aimed to identify antecedents of WRMSD among warehouse workers in order to reduce WRMSDs and increase productivity as expressed in a systems perspective on industrial health. The research questions examined the prevalence of specific WRMSDs, the relationship of high-risk tasks of warehouse personnel with WRMSD incidence, and the relationship of job category and workload with WRMSD incidence. The sample included 82 warehouse workers, stockroom clerks, and forklift drivers. MANOVA was used as the data analysis technique. The results showed that WRMSD was the most prevalent in the upper back, lower back, knees, and lower legs. Various high-risk tasks were linked to WRMSD incidence including repeatedly bending to lift objects was associated with discomfort in the lower back, shoulders, and lower legs. Furthermore, the use of pallets led to reduced discomfort and work interference in the hips and buttocks, upper arms, and knees. Proper lifting form may reduce WRMSD in the shoulders, forearms, lower back, and wrists in particular. The social change implications of this study stem from the notion that increasing the employers' WRMSD prevention awareness will lead to an increase in safety attentiveness and decrease workers' injuries.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; firefighters are at a greater risk for both the disease and death. Their exposure to stress, toxic fumes and smoke, unhealthy eating habits, excessive weight, and low levels of physical activity are all contributing risk factors to this disease. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effectiveness of a multi-faceted program of exercise and nutritional counseling to decrease body fat composition and increase fitness levels nine months after initial implementation among a sample of 202 firefighters. Social learning theory was the theoretical foundation for the study, as the firefighting population utilizes strong social networks which aid in the ability to observe, model, and imitate new learned healthier behaviors. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between pre- and post-body composition. There were significant differences seen between pretest- and posttest fitness scores. The implication for positive social change lies in the fact that these study findings indicate that voluntary exercise and nutrition programs may not be adequate to address the issue of obesity among the firefighter population. Results can be used to inform better nutrition and exercise interventions for firefighters, thus helping them attain their goal of becoming a healthier workforce.

Till största delen anlitas företagshälsan för efterhjälpande insatser på individnivå. Alla arbetsgivare ska enligt arbetsmiljölagen bedriva ett förebyggande systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete (SAM). Företagshälsans kompetens utnyttjas sällan i SAM, även om arbetsmiljölagen föreskriver att det ska göras om kompetensen saknas i den egna organisationen. Vid Arbetsmiljöenheten, som är Region Jönköpings läns inbyggda företagshälsa, har en metod arbetats fram för att användas i företagshälsans förebyggande arbetsmiljöarbete. Den kallas SMAK (Strukturerad Multidisciplinär Arbetsmiljökartläggning). Den bygger på nära samarbete med arbetsgivarorganisationen och dess anställda och den ligger till grund för arbetsmiljöarbete och utvärdering av effekten av olika interventioner insatta i syfte att förbättra arbetsmiljön. Arbetssättet har testats i liten skala med goda erfarenheter och syftet med förbättringsarbetet var att skala upp användningen och att fler av medarbetarna på Arbetsmiljöenheten skulle vara involverade. Förbättringsidén var att ett utbildningskoncept utformades och genomfördes för medarbetarna vid Arbetsmiljöenheten och som avslutades med att möjligheter och hinder identifierades tillsammans för den fortsatta utvecklingen av arbetssättet. För att studera vilken påverkan utbildningskonceptet haft för de anställda på Arbetsmiljöenheten användes flermetodsperspektiv. Förbättringsarbetet ledde inte till att SMAK användningen skalades upp eller att fler involverades i det under projekttiden. Däremot ökade uppfattningen om användbarheten för SMAK i företagshälsans arbete och för egen del. De möjligheter och hinder som identifierades ligger till grund för fortsatt arbete. Studien visade att förbättringsarbetet har stärkt det interna samarbetet och bidragit med entusiasm inför en fortsatt gemensam utveckling av användningen av SMAK i förebyggande arbetsmiljöarbete. Studien visade också att även om initiativet till det utvidgade arbetssättet kom från företagshälsans ledning så har förbättringsarbetet lett till en grund för fortsatt utveckling som utgår från medarbetarna på företagshälsan, vilket är en viktig faktor för att lyckas med förbättringsarbete. / The Occupational Health Service (OHS) mostly work with aftercare for the individual. There are general demands for every employer to work with the occupational environment in a planned and systematic way. The competence in OHS is rarely used in the proactive work environment management. The Swedish Work Environment Act tells us to involve the OHS if knowledge and capabilities in your organization is not sufficient. At Arbetsmiljöenheten, which is Region Jönköping County built in OHS, has a tool developed to be used in the OHS involvement in proactive work environment management. It is called SMET (Structured Multidisciplinary Work Evaluation Tool). It depends on close cooperation with the employer and the employees and is the basis for work environment management and evaluation of interventions done to improve the work environment. SMET has been tested with good experiences in a small scale and the aim of the improvement work was to scale up the use and let it be possible for more of the coworkers at Arbetsmiljöenheten to use the tool. The idea to test in the improvement work was to construct an educational program for the coworker at the OHS and then together identify possibilities and obstacles for future work. A multi perspective approach was used to study the effect for the coworkers. There was no increase in the usage of SMET, neither were more coworkers involved during the project. However, coworkers thought SMET was usable both for them as individuals and for the OHS. The possibilities and the obstacles identified after the education became the base for the future work. The result from the study tells that the improvement work has strengthen the cooperation at the occupational health service and there is an enthusiasm for the future codevelopment of the way to work with SMET in preventive and proactive work environment management. The result from the study also says that even if the initiative for an extended way of working initially come from the management, the improvement work has led to a foundation on which to build on where the coworkers are central, which is important for successful improvement work.

Bakgrund: Arbetsgivaren har det övergripande ansvaret för att arbetsmiljön är tillfredställande på arbetsplatsen - bruksskedet. Flertalet av de fysiska arbetsmiljöfaktorerna som arbetsgivaren har att ansvara för bestäms tidigt i byggprocessen, i planerings- och projekteringsstadiet. Arbetsmiljölagen beskriver vilka uppgifter och ansvar som åligger byggherre och projektörer som låter utföra ett byggnads- eller anläggningsarbete. Litteraturen beskriver en utveckling där arkitekter och andra projektörers ansvar för att beakta arbetsmiljöaspekten har ökat. Ett ansvar där deras insatser ofta är begränsade. Syfte: Syftet med uppsatsen är att undersöka vilken roll arbetsmiljö­ingenjören kan ha i att beakta arbetsmiljön gällande bruksskedet vid planering och projektering av nya kontorsarbetsplatser. Metod: Uppsatsen bygger på litteraturgenomgång samt intervjuer med huvudsakligen arbetsmiljöingenjörer och arkitekter. Resultat: Litteratur och intervjuer visar att arbetsmiljöingenjörer engageras sent i processen vilket resulterar i brister i arbetsmiljön och ombyggnationer som åtgärd. Här framträder också en situation där kunskapsläget runt arbetsmiljöfrågor hos arkitekter upplevs som svagt, vilket bekräftas av de intervjuade. Respondenterna menar att checklista som arbetsverktyg används i mer eller mindre stor utsträckning. Befintliga checklistor från Arbetsmiljöverket presenteras i uppsatsen, dessa rekommenderas som arbetsverktyg. Slutsats: Av intervjuerna framkommer att respondenterna menar att arbetsmiljöingenjören kan agera sakkunnig, utifrån sin kunskap och erfarenhet, i projekteringsprocessen. Arbetsmiljöingenjören utgör därmed med sin sakkunskap runt arbetsmiljöfrågor ett stöd för byggherre och projektör. Den ansvarsroll som Arbetsmiljölagen beskriver, Byggarbets­miljösamordnare - planering och projektering (BAS-P), torde utgöra en naturlig roll för arbetsmiljöingenjören. I och med detta får arbetsmiljöingenjören en naturlig roll tidigt i byggprocessen.   Nyckelord: Byggprojektering, arkitekt, arbetsmiljö, företagshälsa, checklista. / Abstract Background: The employer has the overall responsibility that the work environment is satisfactory in the work place, the usage stage. Most of the physical working environment factors which the employer has the responsibility for are determined early in the construction process, in the planning and design stage. Work environment legislation describes the tasks and responsibilities for the property developer and design engineers, how the work environment should be considered and who is responsible for the construction process from design to operation stage. The literature describes a development in which architects and other property developers responsibility to take into account the working environment aspect has increased. A responsibility where their efforts are often limited. Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to examine which role the occupational health and safetey (OHS) engineer may have to take into account in the planning and design of new office workplaces. Method: The thesis is based on literature review and interviews with mainly working engineers and architects. Results: The literature and interviews shows that the OHS engineer is involved late in the process, resulting in shortages and rebuilding as a measure. It also emerges a situation where the knowledge of work environment legislation of architects are perceived as weak, which is confirmed by those interviewed. Respondents believe that checklist as a tool is used more or less often. Existing checklists from the Swedish Work Environment Authority (Arbetsmiljöverket) are presented in the thesis and are recommended as tool to be used. Conclusion: The interviews reveal that respondents believe that the OHS engineer can act as an expert, based on their knowledge and experience in the planning process. The OHS engineer thus constitutes its expertise and supports the property developer and the design engineer. The role, described in Swedish Work Environment Legislation (Arbetsmiljöverket), construction work environmental coordinator - planning and design (BAS-P) would be a natural role for the OHS engineer. The OHS engineer is given a natural role early in the construction process. Keywords: Construction planning, Architect, Work Environment, Occupational Health Service, Checklist

Occupational Health and Safety focuses on the well-being of individuals or groups of people in the workplace. Barnett-Schuster (2008:1) states that Occupational Health and Safety is a concept compiled from many different disciplines. Among others, it includes: biological hazards, physical hazards, chemical hazards, mechanical/electrical hazards and psycho-social hazards. The employer has to understand that Occupational Health and Safety should follow a holistic approach. Occupational Health and Safety is a Constitutional imperative – a command, - not a request. Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa no. 108 of 1996, The Bill of Rights provides protection to such an extent that human dignity may remain intact. Therefore, compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation is of cardinal value to any organization or business. An organization or business can also improve their financial standing and public image by complying with Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace is guided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa no. 85 of 1993, which was implemented in 1994. The Occupational Health and Safety Act further aims to present clear explanations on concepts related to Health and Safety and enables both employers and employees to gain an understanding of their distinct responsibilities. Occupational Health and Safety is a concept that has been around for decades – especially focusing on the mining sector of South Africa. Occupational Health and Safety is observed in the South African technical schools. Statistics from the Children’s Institute show that 350 000 of these children are currently not attending school. In most cases, many parents/guardians do not take the time to assess the safety of their children at school before enrolling their child. This assessment should not only be looking at security measures applied in the school, but if and how true Occupational Health and Safety measures are in place. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is measures put in place so that learners/children are free from risk, injury, disease or harm. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools is in direct conflict with the Constitution of South Africa. As stated earlier, Occupational Health and Safety is a Constitutional imperative which is the responsibility and the right of each individual in South Africa. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools is a human rights issue based on the dignity of children. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools can be seen as a policy flaw. This study intends to create a holistic view of the managing and implementing Occupational Health and Safety in the South African school environment. Occupational Health and Safety is an integral part of teaching and learning. The research problem addressed in this study is: “How School Management Teams (SMT) experience, manage and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies in South African schools?”. The main aim of the research is to investigate how School Management Teams (SMT) experience, manage and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies in South African schools. By exploring Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools, this study would strive to obtain clarity on whether enough is being done to ensure the health and safety of learners in the school environment by means to explore the current Occupational Health and Safety management in the South African schools, identify the guidance provided on the Occupational Health and Safety implementation policy, investigate provisions for continual assessment of the process of the Occupational Health and Safety policy and provide recommendations for the lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Occupational Health and Safety focuses on the well-being of individuals or groups of people in the workplace. Barnett-Schuster (2008:1) states that Occupational Health and Safety is a concept compiled from many different disciplines. Among others, it includes: biological hazards, physical hazards, chemical hazards, mechanical/electrical hazards and psycho-social hazards. The employer has to understand that Occupational Health and Safety should follow a holistic approach. Occupational Health and Safety is a Constitutional imperative – a command, - not a request. Chapter 2 of the Constitution of South Africa no. 108 of 1996, The Bill of Rights provides protection to such an extent that human dignity may remain intact. Therefore, compliance with Occupational Health and Safety legislation is of cardinal value to any organization or business. An organization or business can also improve their financial standing and public image by complying with Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace is guided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa no. 85 of 1993, which was implemented in 1994. The Occupational Health and Safety Act further aims to present clear explanations on concepts related to Health and Safety and enables both employers and employees to gain an understanding of their distinct responsibilities. Occupational Health and Safety is a concept that has been around for decades – especially focusing on the mining sector of South Africa. Occupational Health and Safety is observed in the South African technical schools. Statistics from the Children’s Institute show that 350 000 of these children are currently not attending school. In most cases, many parents/guardians do not take the time to assess the safety of their children at school before enrolling their child. This assessment should not only be looking at security measures applied in the school, but if and how true Occupational Health and Safety measures are in place. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is measures put in place so that learners/children are free from risk, injury, disease or harm. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools is in direct conflict with the Constitution of South Africa. As stated earlier, Occupational Health and Safety is a Constitutional imperative which is the responsibility and the right of each individual in South Africa. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools is a human rights issue based on the dignity of children. The lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools can be seen as a policy flaw. This study intends to create a holistic view of the managing and implementing Occupational Health and Safety in the South African school environment. Occupational Health and Safety is an integral part of teaching and learning. The research problem addressed in this study is: “How School Management Teams (SMT) experience, manage and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies in South African schools?”. The main aim of the research is to investigate how School Management Teams (SMT) experience, manage and implement Occupational Health and Safety policies in South African schools. By exploring Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools, this study would strive to obtain clarity on whether enough is being done to ensure the health and safety of learners in the school environment by means to explore the current Occupational Health and Safety management in the South African schools, identify the guidance provided on the Occupational Health and Safety implementation policy, investigate provisions for continual assessment of the process of the Occupational Health and Safety policy and provide recommendations for the lack of Occupational Health and Safety in South African schools. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)