An investigation of the health and safety practices at ISSA Auto Garage Limited, Nakawa

Abstract

Motor vehicle repair workshops are a key sector in Uganda's economy, yet employees are exposed to extreme occupational health and safety risks. This study aimed to assess the health and safety practices at Issa Auto Garage Limited, to determine hazards, their effects, and determining if the garage was in accordance with HSE practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, with desk research, questionnaires completed by workshop employees, and interviews with the owner of the garage. Physical risks such as exposure to radiation and vibrations, chemical risks through solvents and fumes, and ergonomic risks through lifting and posture were identified through the research. The impact of these risks included instances of injury, illness, and reduced productivity. Further, the study examined compliance of the garage with Occupational Health and Safety national standards and enforcement of protective practices such as the provision and use of personal protective equipment. The findings of this study are critical to the development of targeted strategies aimed at mitigating occupational hazards, improving the work environment, and enhancing the health, safety, and productivity of mechanics in Issa Auto Garage Limited and, by extension, towards the ultimate goal of a healthy and safe workforce in Uganda's automobile sector.