An evaluation of the occupational health programmes of the on-site clinic at a newspaper production industry in South Africa

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relevance, efficiency and effectiveness of occupational health (OH) programmes implemented at the on-site clinic for a specific newspaper production industry in South Africa. Donabedian's structure, process and outcome model was the framework for this contextual descriptive survey using a mixed method approach. A random sample (N=180) of 600 full-time employees completed a structured questionnaire. A workplace survey using a checklist for identifying hazards, controls and surveillance was used to collect data. Data were analysed using content analysis, frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical data. The results of the study showed that OH programmes implemented were not based on the nature of hazards prevailing in various departments, the focus was on curative care and employees were not satisfied with many aspects of the service. It was thus concluded that the OH programmes needed to be adjusted and address the nature of hazards associated with newspaper production activities.