SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT KERICHO COUNTY REFERRAL HOSPITAL, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of the Study: This study sought to examine the influence of a safe work environment on employee performance at Kericho County Referral Hospital, Kenya.
Short Introduction of the Problem Statement: Public hospitals in Kenya continue to grapple with occupational hazards, inconsistent safety training and gaps in the provision of personal protective equipment, raising concerns over the extent to which workplace safety measures support the performance of healthcare workers.
Methodology: The study was anchored on the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory and adopted a correlational research design, targeting 208 staff at Kericho County Referral Hospital, from whom 137 respondents were selected using the Yamane formula and stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, which was pilot-tested using 14 respondents at Longisa County Referral Hospital in Bomet County. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis in SPSS.
Results: The study established a positive and statistically significant relationship between a safe work environment and employee performance (r = 0.541, p < 0.001). Regression analysis further established that a safe work environment had a positive and statistically significant effect on employee performance (β = 0.245, p = 0.022), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis.
Conclusion: A safe work environment, through adherence to safety protocols, provision of adequate protective equipment, and regular safety training, significantly enhances employee performance at Kericho County Referral Hospital.
Recommendation: Hospital management should enforce strict occupational safety protocols, ensure the regular provision of personal protective equipment, and institute a dedicated occupational safety committee to strengthen workplace safety oversight.
Keywords: Safe Work Environment, Employee Performance, Occupational Safety, Job Demands-Resources Theory
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