Abstract:
Occupational Health and Safety has become one of the leading concerns throughout the cleaning
industry. Compliance with safety regulations among cleaners of the University of Venda is still a
challenge. The study aims to investigate factors contributing to non-compliance with safety
regulations among cleaners: A selected rural university in South Africa.
The study was conducted at the University of Venda, South Africa. A quantitative approach using
cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed. A pre-test was carried out to determine
the reliability of the researcher-developed questionnaire. A total population will be applied and all
the 164 was included in the study. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS 23.0. Data was
presented in the form of graphs, tables and charts. A self-administrated questionnaire was used
to collect data.
Results: A total population of 164 cleaners took part in the research project, 119 (74%) were
females and 45 (26%) were males. Among the participant 5%, n = 9 had no form of education
background, 28%, n = 46 with a primary education background, 48%, n = 79 with a secondary
education back and only 19%, n = 30 with a post-secondary background. Participants with a post-
Matric back ground showed significant understanding (90%, n = 27) on the importance of
complying with safety guidelines, as compared to those with no form of formal education (44%, n
= 4). There was a significant relationship between gender and level of education with regards to
the factors contributing to non-compliance with safety regulations among cleaners. The study
revealed that the female participants are more likely to adhere to safety regulations (65%, n = 74)
as compared to male participants (63%, n = 26). Majority of cleaners have a fair knowledge on
the safety compliance within the working environment, however there is a need to put more effort
on the safety regulations practice.
Conclusion: The study concludes that female participants are more cautious within the
workplace as compared to the male participants and that the level of education also has significant
relationship on the level of compliance with regards to safety regulations. Recommendations:
There is a need to have a functional safety committee that will ensure that all safety protocols are
being followed, the committee may also amend the existing policy on given period of time.
