The Employability Rate and Health of Vulnerable Groups in Manufactucturing Companies

THE EMPLOYABILITY RATE AND HEALTH OF VULNERABLE
GROUPS IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES: A CASE OF

GABORONE, BOTSWANA.
Kedumetse Lesole 2018080170

Katlego Thekiso 2018080177
Kelebonye Motsamai 2018080175
Jumior Baelepi 2018080171
Chabongwa Seakelo 2018080174
COURSE TITLE: RESEARCH PROJECT

COURSE CODE: RP 401
SUPERVISOR: DR S. MOALOSI
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ..................................................................................................................................... 1
CHAPTER 1 ................................................................................................................................... .2
1.0 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 BACKGROUND STATEMENT ................................................................................................ 4
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT ......................................................................................................... 5
1.3AIMOF THESTUDY……………………………………………………………………………6
1.4 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................. 7
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS......................................................................................................... 8
1.6 HYPOTHESIS ............................................................................................................................ 9
1.7 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY…………………………………………………………...10
1.8LIMITATIONS………………………………………………………………………………...11
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................... 12
2.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 13
2.1 ISSUES AFFECTING PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. 14
2.2 OCCUPATIONAL RISKS AND EXPOSURES ON WOMEN AND NEW EXPECTANT
MOTHERS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY ........................................................................................ 15
2.3 EFFECTS OF INDUSTRIALIZATION AND WORK DESIGNS ON THE DISABLED
PERSONS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY ................................................................ 16
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ....................................................................... 17
3.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 18
3.1STUDY DESIGN ....................................................................................................................... 19
3.2 STUDY POPULATION ........................................................................................................... 20
3.3 SAMPLING METHOD ............................................................................................................ 21
3.4 DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................................................. 22
3.5 DATA COLLECTION TOOLS AND PROCEDURES ........................................................... 23
3.6 INSTRUMENTAL DEVELOPMENT ..................................................................................... 24
3.7 PILOT STUDY………………………………………………………………………………...25
3.8 DATA ANALYSIS………………….…………………………………………………………26
3.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS ........................................................................................................ 27
3.10 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION .............................................................................................. 28
3.11 STUDY PLAN / TIMELINE .................................................................................................. 29
3.12 STUDY BUDGET……………………………………………………………………………30
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS……………………………………………………………….31
4.0 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………..32
4.1 DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ANALYSIS………………………………………………………..33
4.2 ANALYSIS RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 1……………………………………..34
4.3 ANALYSIS REALTED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 2……………………………………..35
4.4 ANALYSIS REALTED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 3…………………………………….36
4.9 ANALYSIS REALTED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 8……………………………………..41
CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION……………………………………………43
5.0 DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS…………………………………………………..44
5.1 RESULTS ANALYSIS RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 1………………………...45
5.2 RESULTS OF ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 2……………..46
5.3 RESULTS OF ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 3……………..47
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………………………48
5.5 CONCLUSION………………………………………………………………………………...49
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................... …50
APENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE (ENGLISH)……………………………………………………51
APENDIX 2: CONSENT FORM (ENGLISH)…………………………………………………….52
APENDIX 3: DATA ANALYSIS TABLES……………………………………………………….53
APPENDIX 4: CLEARENCE LETTER…………………………………………………………... 54
APPENDIX 5: BOITEKANELO COLLEGE LETTER…………………………………………... 55
EMPLOYABILITY RATE AND HEALTH OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES: A CASE OF GABORONE, BOTSWANA.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: It is highly important to address health and safety issues in manufacturing

organisations concerning pregnant women and disabled persons to promote their safety and
competence in the workplace, since there are common occupational hazards such as toxic chemicals,
ergonomics involving, manual work, heavy lifting, long working hours and poor equipment designs,
that contribute to negative outcomes such as effects on the reproductive health of women as well as
Musculoskeletal disorders, poor executions, and impairment worsening on the disabled persons.
Therefore a work environment that is less conducive and not pregnancy/disability-friendly can be too
risky and unsafe for vulnerable groups, hence interventions such as the installation of local exhaust
ventilations to reduce chemical vapours and increased air circulation in the workplace is necessary
as well as the implementation of engineering controls such as the use of elevators, ramps and lifting
equipment’s involving forklifts and Conveyers to eliminate manual work for expectant mothers and
handicapped employees in the workforce. As part of the vulnerable group, companies must facilitate
the inclusion, employment and accommodation of disabled persons in the manufacturing industry,
including the implementation of organizational initiatives that adapt the workplace for them to benefit
accordingly for a sustainable living as their non-handicapped counterparts. It highly revealed that
the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workplace boosts the talent pool and uplifts company
revenue and productivity.
METHODS: A qualitative method was used to obtain data from the manufacturing workers in
Gaborone. The study instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire, and a purposive method of
sampling was used to select the study population.
RESULTS: There are mostly chemical hazards and unsafe actions involving ergonomics that affect
expectant women resulting in infertility and poor reproductive health for women. Study findings
reveals that there are poor work designs and lack of initiatives which brings musculoskeletal
disorders and poor execution for disabled persons in manufacturing companies.
Keywords: Disability, employment, Inclusion, Health, Safety, infertility, Hazard, pregnancy,

vulnerability.
CHAPTER 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The manufacturing industry is characterized by complex working environments, unsafe working

conditions, and actions that expose women, expectant workers, and disabled persons to accidents
and injuries (Sparkman,2018). Kulkarni (2018), who says that manufacturing companies give little
priority to the health and safety of women and disabled persons, supports the above statement. In
the workplace, expectant workers are at risk of exposure to chemicals, and physical hazards as well
as ergonomics. These risk factors in the workplace can consequently accelerate infertility rates, and
other reproductive hazards (Curtis et.al, 2018).
Women often get disadvantaged by falling pregnant while in employment. They face discriminations
in which they sometimes get dismissed from employment. Furthermore, the unavailability of
policies such as maternity leaves and other adequate legislation undermines the comfort and health
of expectant women at work (Salihu et.al 2012).
The European Directive guiding regulations of (2021) were made to protect the health and safety of
new and expectant workers and their babies. The regulations require employers to examine
workplace risks and to control such risks proactively. The regulations prohibited employers from
perceiving pregnancy as ill-health. It must be considered as a normal existence, and the health and
safety conditions and implications of pregnancy in the workplace shall be attended to. The European
Directive has ensured that a higher number of women continue working during pregnancy and
resume duty while breastfeeding. Notwithstanding the achievements of the European Directive,
some hazards may adversely affect breastfeeding mothers and their babies if there is limited health
and safety in the workplace (University of Leicester, 2015).
The newly industrializing economy poses challenges for disabled people in the labour sector.
Disabled persons are at risk of accidents and unfavourable conditions such as environments that are
not disability friendly (Yeomans,2020). The latter are being disadvantaged, ignored, and
overlooked, without any safety initiatives or competencies to address the related issues within the
workplace (Mellinger,2019). Work designs of companies must conform to standards to enable a safe
working environment. In consideration of the manufacturing sector, there is often discrimination of
the disabled people which leads to social exclusion and poverty among these vulnerable groups
(Krishnan & Ooi, 2010). Organizations do not fully allow or incorporate the impaired counterparts
in production as well, which limits their contribution to the economy both as responsible workers
and consumers (Mark et.al, 2019).
1.1 BACKGROUND
The manufacturing sector is constituted by a large percentage of women and pregnant mothers in
many countries. Therefore, environmental risks and work exposures that may be harmful to
expectant workers should be addressed and the suitable, pertinent strategies should be developed
to promote and protect maternal and infant health. According to Curtis, (2018), general working
conditions presents little hazards to the health of an infant; furthermore, expectancy can affect a
worker’s psychosocial health in the workplace. The central advice in improving maternal health
and improving industrial conditions for women workers include shifting the culture of an
organization to accommodate women in pregnancy; (ii) undertaking early medical screening for
work risks during the preconception period and (iii) controlling manual labour conditions,
including workplace environment and job tasks (Salihu et.al, 2012).
Discrimination in the workplace concerning pregnant workers was found to be prevalent and
showcases a large rate of claims brought against employers by women. In examining the work
experiences of women and views of pregnancy discrimination, the Employment Studies Institute in
Europe was assigned to conduct a qualitative study. The results of their study included in-depth
interviews with 35 women (in England and Scotland). These women had faced some form of
pregnancy-related discrimination at work, some of whom went on to pursue their complaint at an
employment tribunal. Furthermore, 12 focus groups were conducted with women (England,
Scotland, and Wales) who conceived recently and were in the workforce at the time of their
pregnancy. Pregnancy may lead to discrimination in the aspect of employment including hiring
pay job assignments, training, and work benefits.
Under existing US regulations pregnancy discrimination act (PDA) forbids disapproving

treatments on women (applicant or employee) because of their pregnancy. Botswana organizations
are bonded and adhere to ILO convections and the OSHA (SA) regulations to observe the rights of
women treatment in a work situation, including lack of employment due to circumstances arising
from their reproductive function. ILO Convention No.183 recognizes the fact that while
discrimination may be suffered on the job, it can negatively affect women, therefore measures
must be taken to prevent maternity from constituting a source of discrimination.
The existing literature is surprising in contrast with regulations and requirements for the
manufacturing sector. Companies in Botswana perform a great diversity of activities, each one
with a specific risk, but they still do not provide safety data sheets about materials and products
used in the workplace and employers are not trained and informed accordingly and discrimination
is still a pervasive problem in Botswana. The Ministry of labour showcases a concerning
percentage of employment complaints on the grounds of maternity. We recommend that Botswana
laws should be improved that promote maternity health and safety and non-discrimination in the
industry.
The disabled counterparts within the workplace should be treated equally in comparison with other
employees. The required Health conditions for disabled persons should not be regarded as a
defence or justification for not employing or not continuing to employ disabled people.
Furthermore, a healthy and accessible workplace for people with disabilities is also secure for all
employees (European agency for safety work).
Health and safety legislation (EU)
This is a standard that needs organisations to conduct risk assessments to produce suitable
preventative measures. The key aim is to identify risks at source and adjust work to employees.
Furthermore, employers are required:
1. To protect particularly disabled employees vulnerable to the dangers which specifically affect
them in the work environment.
2. To organize workplaces in a way that accommodates handicapped workers. This provision applies
to all spaces occupied by handicapped persons in an organisation, to eliminate conditions like
Ergonomic hazards.
DISCRIMINATION ACT
The European non-discriminatory framework also requires adjustments to work in the

manufacturing organizations. Companies are needed:
1. To offer considerable implementations to disabled persons to ensure they have egress in the
workplace and to take part in production.
2. To provide sound and adequate measures to adjust the work environment to the disabled individual
such as changing the work designs, the work equipment, and other inclusive resources.
For a lot of persons with disabilities, finding and sufficiently keeping a job is a challenge. An
estimation in the United States (US) reveals that only one in three (34.9%) persons with
disabilities are employed in comparison to 76% of their counterparts without disabilities, and this
inequality appears to be escalating over time (houtenville, 2017). Comparable gaps of employment
have been observed in other industrialized countries, for instance, the employment rate amongst
the working age. The rate of persons living with a disability in Canada is 49% while it is 79% for
those without a disability (Turcotte, 2014). Figures for the European Union are, 47.3% and 66.9%,
respectively (Eurostat,2017). The rate of employment varies across countries (WHO 2011). The
bottom line is, disabled persons are employed at a lower rate as compared to those without
disabilities all over the world, (Heymann, et.al.2014)
The literature is surprising on the fact that disabled people are not fully incorporated into
production, they are mostly overlooked and ignored. Their opportunity of employment and
equality is surprisingly nullified. The retention and employment of disabled people is important,
anti-discriminatory, and values the contribution that the disabled counterparts can bring to the
economy both as workers and consumers. There is no way an employee disability can present an
insurmountable obstacle to health and safety practice unless there are no risk assessments and
conformance to safety guidelines within the organization.
The historical view of disability in most countries is characterized by exclusion, discrimination,

and stigmatization of the handicapped (Mukhopadhyay,2015) and Botswana makes part of this
(Dart, Nkanotsang, Chizwe, & Kowa, 2010). We realize disapproving attitudes combined with a
lack of education and employment opportunities; inaccessible buildings, facilities, and
information, and employment rates have created significant barriers for individuals with
disabilities. The protagonism for disability in Botswana is weak and the efforts to advocate for the
rights of people with disabilities are yet to initiate, on top of this, the constitution of Botswana did
not include any disability-specific legislation which negates the movement. We recommend that
Botswana binds to regional and international standards to map out disability rights to develop a
sustainable status and a more equal society for everyone in Botswana.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Pregnant women and disabled people are at risk of occupational conditions, and they are accorded
less priority within the Urban organized sector (Kulkarni, 2018) hence the need for the promotion
of legislation and standards on the protection of expectant workers and inclusion of the disabled.
With the implementation of legislation and adequate standards, issues affecting pregnant women
and the prevalence of accidents on the disabled people in the workplace, will be highly reduced,
(Killeen, 2007). A study on the accommodation of Pregnancy in the workplace confirms that a
woman who becomes pregnant may be unable to work throughout the pregnancy and unfit to return
to work after delivery of the child unless she is provided with workplace accommodations designed
to permit her to perform and keep her job, including light-duty, flexible schedule, and disability
leave, (Callow, 2016).
Another article mentions and contemplates how pregnancy can affect one’s safety as a worker and
advises employers on the possible job hazards with the extra steps to be taken as well as the support
in the setting of occupational exposure limits (NIOSH, 2019). A research on Disabled people shows
that in the Manufacturing Industry, the involvement of people with disability is a problem that has
rarely been addressed. In this article, it is examined to what extent the industry offers effort for the
inclusion of people with disabilities in production. The Article continues with the survey of
Technological aids in the form of Worker assistance systems derived from the manufacturing sector.
The following examples have been examined, Sensorial aids, Physical aids, and Cognitive Aid
Systems. (Mark et.al, 2019).
The research poses less focus on the sensible actions that pregnant women should possess or the
specific behaviours they should avoid, in sustaining their health and safety in the workplace such as
their responsibility to wear protective clothing as appropriate and consulting the employers of their
specific circumstances and taking more precautions with workplace safety (NIOSH). Recent
research has as well neglected the awareness of pregnant women and disabled persons on their safety
in the workplace (Bachmann, 2019), but they were giving much interest in the need of implementing
necessary policies as a way of curbing the impacts and effects of factors affecting expectant mothers
(Mark, 2019).
In the study of the organizational setting using a qualitative method including employers, competent
personnel, and the vulnerable groups within the workplace, there is sufficient comprehension of the
Knowledge and Perception on the Safety and Health of Pregnant Women and Disabled People.
Adequate comprehension of the issues of health and safety can help employers to shift the
organizational culture to promote the safety of expectant mothers and disabled people in the
workplace.
1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY

The primary aim of the research is to get an understanding of the employability, as well as the health
and safety of vulnerable groups within the manufacturing industry. The study also intends to
discover the causes of pregnancy and disability related challenges such as discrimination and effects
of poor occupational interventions for vulnerable groups.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
2. To find out the health and safety issues affecting pregnant women in the manufacturing
industry.
3. To find out the effects of work factors on the reproductive health of expectant women within
the manufacturing industry.
4. To assess the employability rate of disabled persons in the manufacturing industry.
5. To assess the effects work designs and occupational exposures on disabled persons in the
manufacturing industry.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the health issues affecting pregnant women in the workplace within the
manufacturing industry?
2. What is the employability chance of disabled persons in the manufacturing industry?
3. What are the impacts of poor work designs and occupational exposures on people with
disabilities in the manufacturing industry?
4. What are the effects of work factors in the reproductive health of expectant women?
1.6 HYPOTHESIS
It is hypothesized that the inclusion and the recognition of the health & safety of pregnant women
and disabled people in the workplace promotes anti-discrimination, equality and increased
productivity within manufacturing companies.
1.7 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
This research targeted the exploration of the employment of expectant women and disabled persons
in the manufacturing industry in Botswana and to create an understanding of the cause of
discrimination incidences related to the latter, in their employment. The study was aiming at the
problem of women getting disadvantaged for employment due to pregnancy-related issues and raise
priority regarding their safety concerns in the manufacturing companies.
This research also aimed at the enforcement of legislation that promotes a healthful and safe working
environment for the expectant workers, such as maternity leave policies and other specific
regulations that promote disability-friendly workplaces. The research assessed the inclusion of
disabled persons in the manufacturing industry and looked for the attention of companies and other
researchers’ attention in promoting the accommodation of persons with disabilities in production.
The proactive incorporation of persons with disability builds morale and helps employees do their
best work, when it comes to execution.
Our study successfully adds value to the productivity of manufacturing companies by promoting
inclusive workplaces. Employers are currently convinced to focus on skills rather than stereotyping
which helps them to access an untapped pool of talent. Furthermore, inclusion also promotes
increased innovation since employees with diverse experiences will bring different approaches to
problem-solving. This in general builds strengthened workforces in the manufacturing industry
which benefits the economy of the nation.
1.8 LIMITATIONS OF DATA COLLECTION
Limited response
One of the major limitations of the questionnaire was that it became applicable to only those
respondents who have a considerable amount of education, hence we experienced less participation
from the semiliterate persons.
Poor response
The factors which affected the returns of findings were the layout of the questionnaire, which was
semi-structured and made respondents to become reluctant to give proper feedback. Organizations
were also unwilling to be involved in partaking in the study due to fear to be litigated.
Unreliability
The information collected from respondents were not very much reliable or valid. The participants
misinterpreted questions and gave incomplete responses.
Incomplete entries
Most of respondents filled up the questionnaire form very poorly. Others left out many questions
altogether or filled them in such a way that, it became very difficult for us to follow those
responses.
Illegibility
Illegible handwriting of the respondents sometimes created much difficulty for us to understand the
responses. Others wrote too much, hence creating many difficulties in understanding the answers.
Lack of rapport with the subject
Many people had interest in taking part in the research, but some of them indicated that the
questionnaire was not suitable for them, since it mentioned persons with disability and expectant
mothers hence it did not attract the respondent for a better response.
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
This study section reviews the literature on the employment rate and health and safety of the
expectant women and disabled persons on the manufacturing industries in Botswana, Gaborone.
Moreover, to explore issues affecting pregnant women in the manufacturing industry, as well as
identifying occupational risks and exposures on expectant women and lastly to assess the effects of
industrialization and work designs on the disabled persons in the manufacturing industry.
2.1 Issues affecting pregnant women in the manufacturing industries.
A study by Kitroeff and Greenberg, (2019) on pregnancy discrimination included in-depth

interviews after a random sample of women were selected to understand their problems during
work when they got pregnant. Kitroeff found out that they were dismissed from work and gained
fewer benefits and promotions. When expressing her feelings on pregnancy discrimination, one
participant said, “when I got pregnant, I was belittled on the trading floor, when I came back from
my maternity, I was told to pump milk in a supply closet cluttered with recycling bins, instead of
my qualified responsibilities”. This is one of the proofs that show that discrimination against
women is real. Similar research by Pedersen et.al, (2020) on the association of expectant mothers
within the work environment included a total of 910 pregnant women who completed a
questionnaire in their gestational weeks 12 (baseline) and 27 (on follow-up). A total of 133 women
(14.6%) reported ⩾14 days of sick leave at follow-up (27 weeks of gestation). Work-related risk
factors for sick leave were high work pace, low influence or incentive, low recognition, low job
satisfaction, conflict in work−family balance, long-standing/walking, heavy lifting, and shift
work/night shift. Health-related risk factors were burnout, stress, the possibility of depression, low
workability, and poor self-rated health.
2.2 Occupational risks and exposures on women and new expectant mothers within the
The increase of feminization within the manufacturing industry requires more attention to be taken
on the work conditions that impact female workers' safety and health (Berlin et. al,2011). In
exclusion of hazards during pregnancies and breastfeeding, there is minimal understanding on the
effects of occupational hazards on female reproductive functions, such as menstruation,
menopause, fertility, and sexuality, whereas there is sufficient proof that the manufacturing
industry in general, beginning with occupational stress to exposure to heavy metals and shift work,
impacts these functions in a negative way (European foundation, 2010). The latter impacts women
through pre and post reproductive health effects including, miscarriage, children born with
abnormalities and still birth.
According to Berlin, et.al, (2011) considering the member states of the EU, there are
implementations that focus on the health and safety of expectant mothers at work and sectors that
are constituted by women, like the health care. The initiatives include occupational health and
safety training focusing on female employees, and the increase of awareness and guidance on
occupational health issues occurring within organizations including female workers. In a survey of
employment protection for women by Salihu, (2012) it is revealed that many employers are
supportive during maternity while only a lower number of them are less supportive and give little
thoughtfulness to their pregnant workers or their needs and conditions.
A study which included interviews conducted by Lynette, (2013) on a few women identified that
women suffer negatively while on their maternity leave in consideration of raise in payments or
promotions. He further revealed that some of them come back to job responsibilities which they
are overqualified, especially the mothers who return to part time contracts. It is also stated that the
women returning from maternity are subjected to bad treatment by their employers, such as lack of
permission to adequate time off to cope with motherhood conditions and hesitation in allowing
them flexible working patterns. It is revealed that access to opportunities of flexible employment
and good paying employment can effectively enhance the working lives of mothers with young
children, (Alakeson, 2012).
2.3 Effects of industrialization and challenges faced by disabled persons in the

A study by Narayanan, (2018) was conducted in Malaysia to analyse the challenges faced by
disabled persons in the workplace. The author used the qualitative method in gathering this kind of
information in different private organizations around Klang valley, Malaysia. Questionnaires were
distributed randomly to identified respondents and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The
author also derived secondary information using library sources and articles. According to Tiun &
Khoo, (2013), only 8% of the working population is employed and are mainly employed in the
private sector. In a similar research by Bruyere, (2011) found out that the attitude of the co-
workers and supervisors such as stigmatization is of the most challenge faced by disabled people at
work, which affects their performance.
Another research on the participation of disabled persons in the workplace across the employment
cycle, says that even though different legal foundations are designed and put in place to change the
perception of people towards disabled persons, the latter still experience criticism since they are
denied job opportunities and apprehended as not fit for the job, as part of the findings of the study;
Kaye et.al, (2011,) revealed that upon managers receiving requests for employment, respond with
a belief that disability is inability and lack of power for work.
The discrimination of disabled persons continues to spread since most organizations find it
difficult to provide a better environment for persons with disability (Gold, 2012), this evidence
was proved by a participant in the study indicating that managers fail to address barriers to
advancement for people with disabilities on the speculation that they bring costs from engineering
and other accommodating interventions for the disabled. This shows that indeed this sensitive
group is exploited when it comes to the workplace. The study shows that, it is believed that the
reason there is delays or denials of persons with disability to get the job, is that they slow down the
job, since they operate at their own pace, hence delaying the productivity of the industry,
furthermore it is stated that the disabled contribute to a high number of work turnouts, late coming
as well as injuries reported constantly, (Hernandez et. al,2008).
In a similar study conducted by McDermott, (2016) to find out if manufacturing business creates
employment opportunities for disabled persons, found out that the industry has a long way to go in
terms of involvement of disabled persons since there are discriminations and beliefs that they are
not worthy of productivity within the industry. According to McDermott, in 2015 17% of the
disabled persons were hired in manufacturing industries, which is very low but in October 2016,
260 of 521 employees were disabled persons, which shows that there is an increase and progress
when it comes to hiring disabled people. Furthermore, the manufacturing industry in Minnesota
states that their workforce is made up of 50% of persons with disabilities. Peter McDermott found
out that disabled persons bring about a positive energy to the workplace and encourages
cooperation between people with or without disabilities.
In a survey of statutory instruments, Brussels (2010) found out that the OSH risks for workers with
disabilities compared to other workers may be different. Disabled persons can be exposed to many
risks than their non-handicapped colleagues, who are doing the same tasks due to the different
ways of performing their work that they need to adopt. Brussels further stated that, to elevate the
contribution of persons with disabilities in the workforce, the matters of recovery time and coming
back to duties after accidents or long-term sickness should be significantly considered. However,
Luxembourg, (2010) reveals that many workers with disabilities possess and owns low skilled
work, as well as part time contracts, and the two are prone to higher health and safety risks.
According to WHO, (2011) The rate of poverty for persons with disability is very high on a
worldwide scale, furthermore disability and employment is a prominent issue on the global field
since it is very transverse across areas of the United Nations (United Nations, 2016) and with the
passing of the United Nations conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities, there is
sufficient support for following the concerns of workers with disabilities (Nedelec et.al, 2014)
2.4 Conclusion
In our study we intended to explore the employment, health and safety of disabled persons and
expectant women in the manufacturing industries, the reviewed literature emphasizes more on the
impacts of discrimination on expectant mothers across the employment cycle, and to support the
literature we gathered more information and identified discrimination acts within the industry in
Botswana by issuing of questionnaires to a convenient population around the city in order to
address the problem to accommodate these vulnerable and sensitive groups in employment.
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.0 INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this chapter is to discuss the methodology of the study approach, through mixed
types of research techniques. The research approach which supported the study findings. In this
chapter the general design of the research and the methods used for data collection are explained in
detail. The sole purpose of this section is to indicate how the research was conducted. In this study
the methodology covered the following aspects, the research population and sample, data
collection, data analysis, credibility, reliability and lastly the study design.
3.1 STUDY DESIGN
A cross-sectional study was used to analyse the employment and health & safety of expectant
mothers and disabled persons within manufacturing companies in Gaborone. A cross-sectional
study is flexible and provides the ability to compare different variables at the same time, including
the age of participants, their gender, and other demography’s. Furthermore, this type of study had
less costs and took little time to conduct. We conducted an observational study using questions and
our investigation was to assess the employment and health & safety of the expectant women in
manufacturing companies, thus our study was Qualitative which was more flexible and had more
convenient responsiveness.
3.2 THE STUDY POPULATION
The population of the study refers to a comprehensive group of individuals or institutions and so
forth, with a common characteristic that is of interest to the study. It is the target group of interest
of the study, (Majid, 2018). The research population included manufacturing industry employees
in Gaborone since there were several manufacturing industrial clusters or companies bound. Four
different manufacturing factory companies were selected to identify the population to take part in
the study, namely, Kgalagadi breweries limited, Ebony, Senn foods and Clover which all deal with
the production of food, hair, and beverage drinks in a larger scale. This companies significantly
constituted a variety of complex manufacturing processes including a high population of
employees. Therefore, Health and safety conditions had to be emphasized especially on the
vulnerable groups. We expected a total of 40 participants from this companies altogether as
respondents to our questionnaire. In helping to conduct our study both males and females took part
in the study, both management and staff assisted in reaching the results of this study.
The age range for the study was 18- 45-years-old participants who were liable to take part in the
study since the nature of work requires physically active individuals, and more peculiarly
considering the manufacturing industry. Consideration of age was important in justifying the
sample since it framed our perception of demographic trends, in addition every specific age group
had a way of thinking. Individual participants were selected from different manufacturing
industries without any systematic selection hence purposive sampling technique was very
appropriate.
3.3 PURPOSIVE SAMPLING METHOD
Purposive sampling, also known as (selective or subjective sampling) was used to choose
participants who helped to answer our research questions and to achieve research objectives. This
is a technique in which we were dependent on our judgement when choosing participants for the
study. This method was appropriate for maximizing efficiency and validity hence suitable for the
achievement of a depth understanding of results. Purposive sampling became beneficial in terms of
anthropological issues such as our explorational study and it was also time effective and cost-
effective.
3.4 DATA COLLECTION
Structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. A self-structured

questionnaire is an information gathering technique where specific questions are presented to be
satisfied by the respondents in written form. Respondents were gathered into one place at one time.
We gave written and oral instructions and letting the respondents fill out the questionnaires, and
they were hand-delivered and collected after they were filled. Primary and secondary data was
used while keeping a close eye on the qualitative method.
First-hand information was gathered using questionnaires issued to individual participants
selected, also the secondary data was used to quantify the results found with a review of literature.
Upon using both primary and secondary data, it was beneficial since the data collected was
directly from the respondents, hence accurate and less biased. Moreover, the secondary
information which is a review of literature helped in quantifying more of the data collected, and it
also provided a broader view on what was being investigated since more information was collected
before. Qualitative research method surpassed the other methods since it uprooted the individual’s
way of doing things in relation with the study interest, it as well gave us a comprehensive
examination with our sample.
3.5 Data Collection Plan and Procedure
When collecting data, we began by introducing ourselves and introduced the study, as well as why
we are conducting it and its purpose to both the respondents, and the nation at large. The main
method we used to derive data from the participants was the semi-structured questionnaires, which
were suitable for anonymity, where respondents were allowed to be anonymous. Our
questionnaires consisted of the following sections.
Section A- Sociodemographic information
Section B- Health & Safety Issues affecting pregnant and new expectant women in the
Section C- Effects of poor work designs on the disabled persons in the manufacturing industry
The following data collection plan was followed in obtaining data at the manufacturing fields.
DATA COLLECTION PLAN
DESCRIPTION RESPONIBLE PLACE OF DATE SAMPLE COMMENTS

MEMBERS DATA AND TIME SIZE
COLLECTI
ON
Piloting research Chabongwa Boitekanelo 15 October 10 participants We
instruments: Seakelo and College 2021 from were selected experienced
To ensure Junior Baelepi 1000hrs to to answer the less
credibility we were responsible 1300hrs questionnaires. participation
conducted a pre- for piloting from the
test of our research respondents,
questionnaire on a instruments. only few
small sample of people were
respondents in willing.
OHS 401 class.
On the first Katlego Thekiso Kgalagadi On the 25 of 10information

schedule and Kelebonye breweries October questionnaires
collected from
questionnaires Motsamai 2021, from were given out
respondents
were given to 0800hrs to for participants
were not very
participants to 1600hrs to answer.
much reliable
answer. or valid.
A second batch of Katlego Thekiso Senn foods On the 27th 10 Participants
questionnaires and kelebonye October questionnaires gave
were given to Motsamai from were given out incomplete
participants to 0800hrs to for participants responses.
answer. 1530hrs to answer.
On the third kedumetse clover On the 1st A total number Responses
schedule, Lesole and November of 10 were
questionnaires Junior Baelepi 2021 from questionnaires satisfying. And
were given out to 0800hrs to were given out participants
participants to 1600hrs to participants were willing.
answer. to answer.
The last set of Chabongwa Veggie Land On the 8 of A set of 10 Illegible
questionnaires Seakelo and November questionnaires handwriting of
were given out to Junior Baelepi from were given out the respondents
participants to 0800hrs – to participants created much
answer. 1630hrs data to answer. difficulty for us
was to understand
collected. their responses.
3.6 INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT
It was vital to have an instrument that will be used to obtain data from the participants in the
manufacturing industry. Therefore, our study used Self-administered questionnaires, since
questionnaires are an effective means of measuring the opinions of a relatively large number of
subjects more cheaply and quickly. The questionnaire we designed consisted of semi-structured
questions, and these are questions that consisted of a dialogue between a researcher and
participant, supported by an interview as well as follow-up questions. According to Vaugh, (2013),
this method of questionnaires allows the researcher to collect open-ended data, as well as assessing
the feelings and thoughts of participants about a topic of concern. Structured questions are much
associated to a quantitative analysis since they require a researcher to know how many people, had
the same opinions on a certain topic being discussed (michalos,2014), Which made it wise for us
to use the semi-structured questions so that we can assess the thoughts and feelings of participants
briefly. The views and opinions of both employers and employees on the safety and health as well
as employment of disabled persons and expectant mothers in the manufacturing industrywere then
examined.
3.7 PILOT STUDY

A pilot study was undertaken as a part of the study to mitigate the chances of uncertainty in the
main research. The study helped on the generation of critical information used on the improvement
of the intended purpose of the study. The pilot data assisted on the redesigning of the research
structure and elimination of unanticipated problems. Issues with the study tools, questionnaire and
the study plan were revealed and successfully overcome after conducting pilot study.
3.8 DATA ANALYSIS
The process of analysing data involved the modelling and discovery of significant information for
decision-making. A decision was taken upon the extracted data for the analysis. The purpose of the
data analysis was to satisfy the research questions to rectify the gaps and the current circumstances
in the workplace. Ideas from participants were explored to shape and guide us to the conclusion
about the experience of expectant mothers and disabled persons in the manufacturing industries.
We utilised a thematic analysis method in analysing data. Which emphasized the identification and
the meaning within our qualitative data in the questionnaire. The method was suitable since it was
applicable to the research questions which went beyond an individual experience. It also allowed
for the inductive development of codes and themes for our data. It allowed a theoretical and
research design flexibility through a variety of knowledge and method including familiarization of
our data and the study coding.
3.8 DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
Manufacturing industry: The branch of manufacturing and trade based on the fabrication,
processing, or preparation of products from raw materials and commodities.
Occupational health: A field of medicine concerned with the wellbeing of employees in their
workplace.
Occupational Safety: A field of work aimed at the prevention of work hazards and unsafe
conditions in the workplace.
Risk Assessment: A process of identifying workplace risks and harmful conditions within an
organisation.
Employment: The state of having paid work where there is an agreement between an employer
and an employee that the employee will provide certain services.
Disability: Is a societal imposition on people who have impairments, making it more difficult for
people to do certain activities or interact with the world around them.
Healthy Workplace: Is one in which workers and managers collaborate to use a continual
improvement process to protect and promote the health, safety and well-being of all workers and
the sustainability of the workplace.
Discrimination: The adjustment or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people,

especially on the ground of gender, race, age, or disability.
3.9 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION
ANONYMITY
It is all about protecting the rights and identity of our participants. Our participants remained
anonymous during data collection using pseudonyms, their names were not disclosed in any part of
our document.
RIGHT TO WITHDRAW
Participants gained rights when it came to answering our questionnaires, such as the right to
withdraw from the study. They were not forced to answer the questionnaires or if they were not
comfortable, they had the right to withdraw without any disadvantage displayed.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Information provided by our participants was not shared with anyone and most importantly their
real names were not mentioned, for example, we classified participants alphabetically such as (A
or X) as a way of trying to protect their identity.
INFORMED CONSENT
This is a process of telling potential respondents on what to expect in the study, such as the key
elements on what their potential participation will involve. This process is one of the central
components of the ethical conduct of research with human subjects, therefore our participants were
provided with written consent documents containing the required elements in the presentation of
that information to prospective participants. Furthermore, the document was signed by participants
on the written consent form.
3.11 STUDY PLAN/ TIMELINE
Activities Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee Wee
k k k k k k k k k k k k k k
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Permissio
n to
conduct
research
Preparatio
n
For data
collection
Data
analysis
Report
writing
Presentati
on
Submissio
n
3.12 STUDY BUDGET
Activities Cost per unit Units TOTAL COST
Transport 800.00 1 800.00
Stationary 50.00 1 50.00
Internet 400.00 1 400.00
Printing 100.00 10 1000.000
Binding
10.00 5 50.00
Participant’s incentives 50.00 10 500.00
Total 1,410.00 28 2,800.00

CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
4.0 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we present the analysis of our data. We use tables and charts to present our analysis.
There are four sections, including section 4.1, where we discuss the demographic data, Section 4.2
where we discuss analysis data related to research question 1, and section 4.3 where we discuss
analysis data related to research question 2, as well as section 4.4 where the analysis data related to
research question 3 will be discussed. Analysis of data will continue up to section 4.9
4.1: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ANALYSIS
This section shows the distribution of demographic characteristics across our research data
collection. Our study population was a sum of 40 participants, and our characteristics constituted
(gender, age, nationality, and departments). There were 60% males and 40 % were females.
Between the age range of (18-30) we had 85 % of participants, (31-40) we had 12.5 % of
participants and the last was the (41-50) age range, where we had 2.5 % of participants. Most of
participants in the study were Batswana.
The above information will be displayed in a table below.

AGE 18-30 31-40 41-50
(34) (5) (1)
GENDER MALES FEMALES
(24) (16)
DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT STAFF OTHERS

(19) (19) (2)
4.2: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 1

4.2.1. DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS
Questionnaire items Related Research Data Descriptive Interpretive

Question Organization analysis Analysis
1.) What are the 1.) What are the Chemicals- There is 42.5 This means
Occupational health issues 17 % of that toxic
exposures and conditions Manual chemicals, chemicals are
that could be affecting work-3 7.5% of the most
harmful for pregnant Radiation- 2 Manual work, harmful
the expectant women in the Gases- 4 5 % of occupational
women in workplace Dust- 4 radiation, 10% exposure
your within the Asbestos- 2 of gases, 10% affecting
company? manufacturing Workload- 1 of dusts, 5 % expectant
industry? Falling of Asbestos, workers in the
Objects- 1 and 2.5 % manufacturing
Poor temps- 3 workload, 2.5 industry.
% of falling
objects and
7.5% of poor
temps exposed
to expectant
workers within
the
manufacturing
industry.
Table 1: Shows the analysis of items related to research question 1. The analysis shows that there is
42 % of toxic chemicals, 7.5% of Manual work, 5 % of radiation, 10% of harmful gases, 10% of
dust, 5 % of Asbestos, and 2.5 % workload/pressure, 2.5 % of falling objects and 7.5% of poor
temps exposed to expectant workers within the manufacturing industry.
4.2.2: INTERPRETIVE ANALYSIS

The findings reveal that toxic chemicals are the most harmful occupational exposure in the
manufacturing industry affecting expectant workers. This involves industrials chemicals such as
agents used in inks, glues, paints, adhesives, solvents, cosmetics, soaps, and other products.

4.3.1: DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS
Questionnaire Related Research Data Organization Descriptive Interpretive
items Question analysis Analysis
2) How can 2) What are the health Birth defects- 4 There is 10% of Expectant
Expectant issues affecting Intoxicant- 13 birth defects, 32.5 women get
women be pregnant women in the Inhalation- 9 of intoxication, affected by
affected by workplace within the Ergonomics- 4 22.5 % of exposures
the manufacturing Mutation-2 inhalation, 10% through
occupational industry? Not sure- 5 of ergonomics, intoxication
exposures in Miscarriage- 1 5% of mutation, of their
your Heat stress-2 2.5 %of bodies by
company? miscarriage, 5% inhalation
of heat stress and and contact
12.5% of of agents in
respondents not the
sure workplace.
Table 2: Shows the analysis of items related to research question 2. The descriptive analysis reveals
that there is 10% of birth defects, 32.5% of intoxications, 22.5 % of poisonous inhalation, 10% of
ergonomics, 5% of mutations, 2.5 % of miscarriage, 5% of heat stress and 12.5% of other unknown
cases affecting pregnant women in the manufacturing industry.
The result of the study shows that expectant women get affected by exposures through intoxication
of their bodies by inhalation and contact of agents in the workplace. Pungent chemical gases in the
manufacturing industry including, toxic vapours and fumes, methane, Nitrogen dioxide gases,
contaminates the atmosphere from industry productions hence exposed in harmful levels to the
pregnant workers causing severe cases to their health.

3) Are there 3) What are the effects Yes- 26 65% of people There are
any health & of work factors No- 8 said yes. 20% initiatives and
Safety in the Not sure-6 said No, while mandatory
initiatives or reproductive 15 % were not policies
policies that health of sure within the
protect women? manufacturing
expectant industry that
women in protect
your expectant
workplace? women
Table 3: Displays the percentages showcasing the availability of safety initiatives 65% of people
said yes. 20% said No, while 15 % were not sure.

The findings of the study identifies that there are initiatives and mandatory policies within the
manufacturing industry governing organizations on safe processes and procedures to protect
expectant women from common occupational hazards and exposures.

4) Is the work 4.) What are the health Yes- 31 77.5 % of The work
designs and issues affecting No- 6 respondents said and job
the workload pregnant women in the Maybe- 1 yes, While 15% tasks that
adjusted to workplace within Not satisfactory- 2 said No. and 2.5% expectant
accommodate manufacturing industry? who said maybe. women are
the capability With 5 % not expected to
of expectant satisfied. do, In a
women? specific
time is
adjusted
and
designed to
fit their
capabilities.
Table 4: Shows the percentages of the thoughts of participants on the availability of workplace
adjustments and accommodations for expectant mothers. There was 77.5 % of respondents who
agreed to the presence of adjustments, with 15% disagreeing, and 2.5% being unsure of any
occurring efforts and 5 % of respondents identified that improvements do not suffice to
accommodate the health and capacity of pregnant workers in their workplace.

The results from the study finally reveals that adjustments such as the work and job tasks that
expectant women are expected to do, In a specific time are altered and balanced to fit their
capabilities, to prevent common effects like increased stress, and (MSD’S).


5) What are 5) What are the Premature- 6 There is 15 % The common
the common effects of work Miscarriage- 7 premature birth, effect of work
effects of factors in the Not sure- 7 17.5% factors in the
work factors, reproductive Still births- 1 miscarriage, 17.5 reproductive
like manual health of Menstrual pattern- % not sure, 2.5 % health of
labour on the women? 2 still birth, 5 % women is
Reproductive Infertility- 8 menstrual pattern found to be
Health of Births defects-7 disruption, 20 % Infertility due
women? Child disorder- 2 infertility, and occupational
17.5% birth exposures.
defects and 5 %
child disorders.
Table 5: Shows that there are common effects of work factors on the reproductive health of
expectant women within the manufacturing industry. The reveals that there is 15 % premature
births, 17.5% miscarriages, 17.5 % unknown effects, 2.5 % still births, 5 % post menstrual pattern
disruptions, 20 % infertility, and 17.5% birth defects and 5 % child disorders.

The findings identifies that the common effect of work factors in the reproductive health of women
is Infertility due occupational exposures and stresses involving unsafe work conditions and
processes.

Questionnaire Related Research Data Descriptive Interpretive
items Question Organization analysis Analysis
6) Do you What is the Yes- 35 87.5% said yes, Manufacturing
think it is employability No-4 and 10 % said companies, does
possible for chance of Not sure- 1 no, while 2.5 % include, hire and
your disabled were not sure. engage the
company to persons in the disabled persons
include or health learning within the
Hire people institutions? industry.
with
disability?
Table 6: Presents the thoughts of participants about the possibility of their organizations to hire or
employ people with disability. There was 87.5% of participants who said yes, their company hires
people with disability and 10 % said no, while 2.5 % of participants were not sure.

Based on the above results, it shows that manufacturing companies, does include, hire and engage
the disabled persons within the industry. The inclusion of disabled persons within an organization
boosts its talent pool, and possibly increases its productivity.

Questionnaire Related Research Data Organization Descriptive Interpreti

items Question analysis ve
Analysis
7) What can be 7. What are the impacts Msds- 12 30% MSDS, 7.5 Musculo-
the possible of work designs Fatigue-3 % fatigue, 22.5 skeletal
effects of work and Poor execution- 9 poor execution, disorders
designs and industrialization Low productivity- 2.5 lower are found
occupational on people with 1 production, 5 % to be the
exposures in disabilities in the Limited capacity- limited capacity. effect of
your manufacturing 2 2.5 5% work
organization for industry? Not sure- 11 worsening of designs
a person with Impairment impairments and and work
disability? worsening- 1 2,5 % of injuries exposures
Injuries- 1 while 27.5 % for
were not sure disabled
persons
in the
manufact
uring
industry.
Table 7: Shows the impacts of work designs and higher organizational pace on disabled persons
within the industry. The analysis reveals that there is 30% of MSDS, 7.5 % fatigue, 22.5% poor
execution, 2.5% lower production, 5 % limited capacity. 2.5 5% worsening of impairments and 2,5
% of injuries while 27.5 % of participants did not know of any effects of poor work designs.

Based on the results, Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD’S) are found to be the effect of work
designs and work exposures for disabled persons in the manufacturing industry. Musculoskeletal
disorders are ailments affecting muscles and joints of the body, causing severe weaknesses on body.

8) Can a 8. What are the Yes-24 60 % said yes, It is
disabled person impacts of work No- 14 35% said no, confirmed
handle the designs and Depends- 2 While remaining that the
workload or industrialization 5 % indicated disabled
pace operated on people with that it depends persons can
within the disabilities in the different factors. handle the
organization? manufacturing workload and
industry? organizational
pace within
the
manufacturing
industry.
Table 8: Shows the perception of participants about whether a disabled person can handle the
workload, or the pace of work operated within their organization. 60 % of participants said yes,
35% said no, while 5 % indicated that it depends on different factors, which were not revealed.

The results above confirms that the disabled persons can handle the workload and organizational
pace within the manufacturing industry. This is made possible through strategizing in the workplace
and adjustments of work schedule to match the operation levels of a disabled person.


9) What is the 9. What are the Ramps- 9 22.5 % of It is found that
health & Safety impacts of work Policies- 5 ramps, 12.5% of good work
interventions designs and Not sure- 7 policies. 17.5 % design or use of
that help to industrialization Equipment not sure, With effective
accommodate on people with design- 4 10 % equipment schedules as
people with disabilities in the Good work design, 22.5 % well as the use
disability in manufacturing design- 9 good work of ramps in
your industry? None- 3 design, 7.5 % organizations
organization? Parking- 2 none, and 5% of are the
Lifts- 1 reserved interventions
parking’s, and that help to
2.5 % of Lifts accommodate
people with
disability within
organizations.
Table 9: Shows the interventions of safety and health in the manufacturing industry, as mentioned
by participants of different organizations. The analysis shows that there is 22.5 % use of ramps,
12.5% policies, with 10 % of good equipment design, 22.5 % good work design, and 5% of
reserved parking’s, and 2.5 % use of Lifts, and 17.5 % of participants were not sure, while 7.5 %
indicated there were no interventions implemented.

Based on the results, It is found that good work design or use of effective schedules as well as the
use of ramps within organizations are the main interventions that help to accommodate people with
disability in the manufacturing organizations.
CHAPTER 5.0: DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
Based on the results toxic chemicals are the most harmful occupational exposure affecting expectant
workers in the manufacturing industry. According to Marshall (2020) exposure to mercury can cause
mild to sense nervous system damage, before and during pregnancy, hence measures that avoid
exposure to high levels of mercury should be taken. Lead exposure can cause miscarriage and
expert’s report that children of mothers exposed to lead during pregnancy may have delayed
development. In the workplace, expectant mothers are at risk of exposure to chemical and physical
hazards as well as ergonomics. The risk factors in the workplace can accelerate infertility and other
reproductive hazards (Curtis et.al, 2018). Exposure to chemicals can have detrimental effects on the
development of unborn baby. This has led to the provision of guidelines and policies to protect
expectant women on the consequences of chemicals to the unborn babies.
Expectant women get affected by exposures through intoxication of their bodies by inhalation and
contact of agents in the workplace causing great risk to their health, physical contact with chemicals
during handling can lead to miscarriage, premature birth or child defects if there are absorbed in the
body. Furthermore, substances absorbed by expectant mothers may be present in potentially toxic
levels in the breast milk which might cause adverse effects in the offspring due to transfer in the milk
during the lactation period. Companies in Botswana perform a great diversity of activities involving
chemicals, each one with a specific risk, but they still do not provide safety data sheets for chemicals
and products used in the workplace hence pregnant workers are usually exposed to chemicals without
awareness which significantly intoxicates their bodies due to absence of chemical safety data sheets.
In the absence of complete information about safe occupational handling of chemicals, there should
be public health actions that include primary prevention activities such as reduction, substitution,
ventilation as well as protective equipment.
There are initiatives and mandatory policies within the manufacturing industry that protect
expectant women. The initiatives include occupational health and safety training focusing on
female employees, and the increase of awareness and guidance on occupational health issues
occurring within organizations including female workers. In a survey of employment protection
for women by Salihu, (2012) it is revealed that many employers are supportive during maternity
while only a lower number of them are less supportive and give little thoughtfulness to their
pregnant workers or their needs and conditions. Specific protocols for raising awareness of the
policy, legal and regulatory framework are developed to protect pregnant women. In addition to
their rights under anti-discrimination law, employees who are expectant may, if they satisfy certain
qualifying conditions, be entitled to benefits from a range of other employment rights which are
not available to other employees, which aim to protect them and to promote their equality of
opportunity in employment.
The work and job tasks that expectant women are expected to do, in a specific time is adjusted and
designed to fit their capabilities. Literature conversely states that the women returning from
maternity are usually subjected to bad treatment by their employers, such as lack of permission to
adequate time off to cope with motherhood conditions and hesitation in allowing them flexible
working patterns, in revealing the importance of access to opportunities of flexible employment
and good paying employment by Alakeson, (2012). Otherwise, research findings identify that
employers within the manufacturing industry provide an ideal workplace for pregnant women,
through the consideration of resting times or breaks and lesser workloads, as well as adjusted
working hours to allow them quick coping during pre or post pregnancy. The study findings
showcase that employers when needed, usually leaves and appreciates pregnant mothers as
temporarily disabled individuals, at the same time allowing them the benefits and privileges they
deserve.
The common effect of work factors in the reproductive health of women is found to be Infertility
due occupational exposures. In exclusion of hazards during pregnancies and breastfeeding, there is
minimal understanding on the effects of occupational hazards on female reproductive functions,
such as menstruation, menopause, fertility, and sexuality, whereas there is sufficient proof that the
manufacturing industry in general, beginning with occupational stress to exposure to heavy metals
and shift work, impacts these functions in a negative way (European foundation, 2010). The latter
impacts women through pre and post reproductive health effects including, miscarriage, children
born with abnormalities and still birth. Toxic exposures can cause direct cell damage in the
developing sperm and egg. Maternal exposure during pregnancy may disturb foetal development
by either direct or indirect interference with maternal placement or foetal function. Toxic exposure
can induce have wide range of effects e.g., foetal death, disturbance in cognitive development,
birth defects, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, postnatal death and chances in
immunological sensitivity or childhood cancer.
Based on the results manufacturing companies, does include, hire and engage the disabled persons
within the industry. Surprisingly, in a study conducted by McDermott, (2016) to find out if
manufacturing business creates employment opportunities for disabled persons, found out that the
industry has a long way to go in terms of involvement of disabled persons since there are
discriminations and beliefs that they are not worthy of productivity within the industry. According
to McDermott, in 2015 17% of the disabled persons were hired in manufacturing industries, which
is very low but in October 2016, 260 of 521 employees were disabled persons, which shows that
there is an increase and progress when it comes to hiring disabled people. Companies that succeed
in incorporating candidates with disabilities mange to see higher revenue, and higher net income,
whereas which do not involve them experience increased turnovers, higher organizational costs, and
lesser client outreach.
The results identifies that Musculo-skeletal disorders are found to be the effect of work designs and
work exposures for disabled persons in the manufacturing industry. A review by NIOSH, National
Institute Of Occupational Safety and Health, (2001) released evidence for work related Musculo-
Skeletal Disorders’, such as the daily exposure to vibration, overhead work, or performing repetitive
forceful tasks which results in chronic ailments like, back injuries, Carpal tunnel syndrome and
arthritis, Hence an organizational work design for a person with disability involving long working
hours, in the absence of work shifts or rests may potentially jeopardize their health and safety in
their occupation. In abstract, a suitable work environment should be created, from the tasks
provided and the conditions of the job to promote the health and work performance of persons with
disability in the workplace.
It is confirmed that the disabled persons can handle the workload and organizational pace within the
manufacturing industry. According to American disability act employers establish job related
requirements that allows disabled person carryout jobs that suits their capabilities. Evaluation
criteria are used to understand how employees with disabilities are performing both essential and
marginal functions and weather there are meeting the basic job requirements. Reasonable
accommodations are implemented to assist an employee in meeting specific production standard.
Comparatively a person with disability is comprehensive of their workplace, and completes their
tasks efficiently, which is made successful through, the distinctive accommodation that is brought
to the workplace by employers. Such as the traditional ways of doing things which helps people
with disabilities to fully participate in work-based expenses. For example, people with low vision in
the workplace can be provided with a sitting where the lighting best meets their individual needs or
adjusting equipment such as provision of large computer mouse for the person with lower vision or
eye impairment.
It is found that good work design or use of effective schedules as well as the use of ramps in
organizations are the interventions that help to accommodate people with disability within
organizations. The European Anti-discriminatory framework, (2014) supports the findings since it
provides directives which requires adjustments to the work environment in the manufacturing
organizations, to prohibit any forms of challenges or discrimination. The guidelines of this
framework requires Companies to offer considerable implementations to disabled persons to ensure
they have egress in the workplace and to take part in production. To provide sound and adequate
measures to adjust the work environment to the disabled individual such as changing the work
designs, the work equipment, and other inclusive resources. Further, the study results reveal that
workplace interventions and implementations helps in the accommodation and effective
functionality of persons with disability within the workplace.
5.1 RESULTS OF ANALYSIS RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 1
5.1.1 What are the health issues affecting pregnant women in the
workplace within the manufacturing industry?
The research findings identifies that there is 42.5 % of chemical exposures, 7.5% of Manual work, 5
% of workplace radiation, 10% of toxic gases, 10% of office dusts, 5 % of Asbestos debris, and 2.5
% workload and pressure, 2.5 % of falling objects and 7.5% of poor temperatures including
fluctuating high and low temperatures exposed to expectant workers within the manufacturing
industry.
This means that toxic chemicals are the most harmful occupational exposure affecting expectant
workers in the manufacturing industry.
5.2.1 What are the effects of work factors in the reproductive health of women?
The results revealed that there are common effects of work factors in the reproductive health of
expectant women. Our data displays that there are 15 % of premature births, 17.5% of miscarriages,
2.5 % still births, 5 % of menstrual pattern disruptions, 20 % infertility, 17.5% of birth anomalies and
5 % child disorders, with only 17.5 % of the population unsure of any factors affecting the
reproduction of expectant women in their workplaces.
Based on these results the common effect of work factors in the reproductive health of women, within
the manufacturing industry is found to be Infertility due occupational exposures.

5.3.1 What are the impacts of poor work designs and occupational exposures on people with
disabilities in the manufacturing industry?
Our results identifies that there are impacts of work designs and occupational exposures in disabled
persons. There are 30% revealed Musculoskeletal disorders, 7.5 % of fatigue occasions, 22.5 % of
poor execution, 2.5% of lower production, 5 % limited capacity, 2.5% of worsening impairments and
2,5 % of injuries while 27.5 % was constituted by respondents who were not sure of any impacts on
the disabled persons within their companies.
The findings above proves that Musculo-skeletal disorders are the common effect of work designs
and work exposures for disabled persons in the manufacturing industry.
5.4 RECOMMENDATIONS
1. ) Chemical exposures were identified as a major hazard in manufacturing industry, harmful to
expectant mothers; therefore, organizations should provide their employees with information
regarding safety when dealing with chemicals, as well as the installation of local exhaust
ventilations to reduce the amount of chemical vapours in the workplace, and All workers must be
provided with respiratory masks to protect them against chemicals, and if needed expectant workers
should be moved to separate areas where there are less chemical usages.
2.) Expectant women are mainly exposed to occupational factors through intoxication; therefore,
organizations must use chemicals that have safety data sheets which provides information on risks
about contained chemicals. All workers must be trained on the handling of chemicals and provided
with adequate personal protective equipment that helps to protect them from inhalation of
hazardous gases.
3.) In promoting initiatives and mandatory policies that protect expectant mothers, it is
recommended that companies adopt health and safety policies that protect expectant women in their
workplaces. Flexible schedules as well as light duties must be introduced to ensure that the health of
expectant mothers and unborn babies are not at risk. The policies must accommodate regular
medical check-ups and maternity leaves.
4.) It is recommended that the job tasks to be performed by expectant mothers, be adjusted to fit
their capabilities. Organizations must use lifts and ramps in the workplace to cater for the expectant
mothers. They should be given work schedules that does not exceed their capabilities, and to
prevent manual work effects in the health of expectant women, engineering interventions must be
incorporated such as use of forklifts, pallet jacks or conveyer belts to avoid bending and heavy
lifting which might cause bad results on the reproductive health of expectant mothers such as
infertility, premature births and child abnormalities.
5.5 CONCLUSION
The employment and health of vulnerable groups within the manufacturing industry is imperative
since the industry consists of complex working environments and unsafe conditions, which affects
the disabled persons and expectant mothers in production. Therefore, organizations must prioritize
the implementations of safety protocols and prevention measures to uplift safe production and
employee performance. The organizational initiatives, such as policies, effective work and
equipment design for vulnerable groups are necessary for the protection and effective accessibility.
The work schedules and tasks to be performed by vulnerable groups must be adjusted and reviewed
to fit them to their capabilities. If needed, organizations should appreciate the vulnerabilities that
expectant workers and disabled persons withhold, to purposively bring inclusivity and
comfortability of employees in the workplace.
REFERENCES
Akhter S. et.al (2017) Reproductive health
Akhter T. et.al (2018) Women during pregnancy, workplace factors and their effects.
Bachmann, (2021) Equality & Diversity Mainstreaming Report
Bonaccio S. (2020) The participation of people with disabilities in the workplace cycle.
Bruyere S.M (2011) The participation of people with disabilities in the workplace.
Callow C.M. (2019) Employment Considerations during pregnancy
Connelly C.E (2019) The participation of disabled persons in the workplace across the
employment cycle.
Curtis P (2019) Unit costs of Social Health and Care.

Emrick B, (2012) Addressing safety challenges faced by disabled workers.
Heymann J, (2014) Disability and Equity at Work.
Kaye H.S, et. al, (2011) Why Do not Employers Hire and Retain Workers with Disabilities.
Kitroeff. N, & Greenberg J.S (2019) Pregnancy Discrimination Act.
Kulkarni G.K (2018) Pregnancy risk assessment in the Workplace.
Krishnan G. (2010) Disabled people in a newly industrializing economy.
Mark B.A (2019) Inclusion of workers with disabilities in production, Legal foundations in
Europe and potentials through worker assistance system.
Majid, U (2018) Research Fundamentals: Study Design, Population, and
Sample Size
Salihu H.M (2012) Pregnancy in the workplace.
Sparkman D. (2018) Protecting pregnant women in the workplace.
McDermott P. (2019) Managing Disability in the Workplace
Narayanan N. (2018) Changes faced by disabled people in the workplace in Malaysia.
Nedelec B & Saunders S.L, (2014) What Work Means to People with Work Disability: A
Scoping Review
NIOSH, (2019) Pregnancy in The Workplace
Pedersen P, et.al (2020) Associations Between Work Environment, Health and Sick
Leave Among Pregnant Employees.
Russel H, Banks J, (2011) Pregnancy and Employment: A Literature Review- ESRI
Tiun, L.T & Khoo S.L (2013) Workplace discrimination against Malaysians with
disabilities: Living with it or fighting against it?
Vaugh L & Wagner E, (2013) Youth as Partners, Participants or Passive Recipients: A
Review of Children and Adolescents in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)
Vornholt K, (2017) Disability and Employment-Overview And Highlights
WHO, (2011) Disability and Employment.

Yeomans L, (2020) Workers with disability today-Health And Safety,UK.
APPENDIX 1: QUESTIONNAIRE
EMPLOYABILITY RATE AND HEALTH OF VULNERABLE GROUPS IN

HEALTH LEARNING INSTITUTIONS: A CASE OF GABORONE,
BOTSWANA.
SECTION A- DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
(Please tick inside the box) 
Gender: Male
Female
Age: 18-30
31-40
41-50
Nationality: Motswana
Other (specify)
_________________ Department: __________________
SECTION B
EXPECTANT WOMEN
1) What are the Occupational exposures that could be harmful for the expectant women
in your company?
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2) How can Expectant women be affected by the occupational exposures in your
company?
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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3) Are there any health & Safety initiatives or policies that protect expectant women in
your workplace?
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4) Is the work designs and the workload adjusted to accommodate the capability of
expectant women?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
5) What are the common effects of work factors, like manual labour on the
Reproductive Health of women?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………
6) After a maternity leave, does expectant women still return to their

employment and work positions?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………….
SECTION C
DISABILITY
6) Do you think it is possible for your company to include or Hire people with
disability?
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------------------
7) What can be the possible effects of work designs and occupational exposures in your
organization for a person with disability?
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
8) Can a disabled person handle the workload or pace operated within the organization?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
9) What is the health & Safety interventions that help to accommodate people with
disability in your organization?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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---------------
APPENDIX 2: CONSENT FORM (ENGLISH)
Consent to Participate in Research
Identification of Investigator & Purpose of the study
You are being asked to participate in a study about employment, health and safety of expectant
mothers and disabled personnel in manufacturing industry. The purpose of the study is to assess the
employment, health, and safety of workers. Questionnaires will be used to collected data for about
10 minutes.
Research Procedures
Should you decide to participate in this research study, you will be asked to sign this consent form
once all your questions have been answered to your satisfaction. This study consists of
questionnaires that will be administered to individual participants in selected manufacturing
companies in Gaborone. You will be asked to provide answers to a series of questions related to
assessing the employment, health and safety of expectant mothers and disabled personnel in
Time Required
Participation in this study will require a maximum of 10 minutes of your time to complete the
questionnaire.
Risks
The investigator does not perceive more than minimal risks from your involvement in this study.
Benefits
Potential benefits from participation in this study include increased knowledge and awareness of
associated risk faced by disabled workers and expectant mothers in the manufacturing industry.
Confidentiality
The results of this study will be coded in such a way that the respondent’s identity will not be
attached to the final form of this study. Information obtained from you will be kept confidential and
will not be shared with anyone and their real names will not be mentioned. All the data will be
stored in a secure location accessible only to the researcher. Upon completion of the study, all
information that matches up individual respondents with their answers will be destroyed.
Participation & Withdrawal
Taking part in the study is entirely voluntary. You are free to choose not to participate. Should you
choose to participate, you can withdraw at any time if you are not comfortable with questions
without any consequences of any kind. You may refuse to answer any individual question without
consequences.
Questions about the study
If you have questions or concerns during the time of your participation in this study, or after its
completion or you would like to receive a copy of the final aggregate results of this study, please
contact:
Lesole Kedumetse 75 565 579

Kelebonye Motsamai 76220276
Thekiso Katlego 76710082
Baelepi Junior 77816797
Chabongwa Seakelo 71200920
Research’s Name: (see the table above)
Department: Occupational health and safety
Institution: Boitekanelo college
Email Address: kedumetse.lesole@student.boitekanelo.ac.bw
Questions about Your Rights as a Research Subject
Bailey G. Balekang Roy Tapera
Coordinator, Institutional Review Board Chair, Institutional Review Board
Boitekanelo College Boikanelo College
Telephone Telephone
bbalekang@boitekanelo.ac.bw rtapera@boitekanelo.ac.bw
Participant Declaration
I have read (or it was read) to me and understood the content of this form. I have been informed that
taking part in this study is voluntary. I understand that I am free to withdraw from the study at any
time if I no longer want to participate. I have been informed that the information that I share with
the researcher will be kept with strict confidentiality.
My signature below shows that I freely agree to participate in the study.
Participant’s Name………………..............Signature……………………Date……...............
Study explained by…………………………Signature……………………Date……………

APPENDIX 2: CONSENT FORM (SETSWANA)
Tumalano ya go tsaya karolo mo ditshekatshekong Tsa Mmereko, Botsogo, le Tshireletsego

ya Bomme Ba Ba Itsholofetseng Le Banalebogole Mo Dikomponeng Tsa Madirelo Mo
Gaborone.
(Setswana)
Temogo ya motlhotlhomisi le maikaelelo a tshekatsheko
O kopiwa go tsaya karolo mo tshekatshekong ya tsa mmereko,botsogo le tshireletsego ya bomme b

aba itsholofetseng le bana le bogole mo komponeng ya madirelo. Maikalelo a ditshekatsheko tse, ke
go sekaseka seemo sa mmereko, botsogo le tshireletsego ya bomme ba ba itsholofetseng le bana le
bogole mo komponeng tsa madirelo. O kopiwa go tlatsa pampitshana e e nang le le dipotso mme re
tla kopa metsotso ele lesome fela ya nako ya gago.
Ditselana tsa tshekatsheko
Fa o sena go tsaya tshwetso ya go tsaya karolo mo tshekatshekong e, o tla kopiwa go baya

monwana go supa tumalano ena fa o sena go araba dipotso. Tshekatsheko e, e nale pampitshana ya
dipotso e tla bong e fiwa babereki ba kompone tsa madirelo mo Gaborone. O tla kopiwa go araba
dipotso ka go latelelana ga tsone go sekaseka kgang ya tsa mmereko, botsogo le tshireletsego ya
bomme 45 aba itsholofetseng le bana le bogole mo komponeng tsa madirelo.
Nako e e tlhokegang
Go tsaya karolo o tla kopiwa metsotso e le lesome.
Diphatsa
Go tsaya karolo mo tshekatshekong e go ka se beye botshelo jwa gago mo diphatseng dipe.
Bomolemo
Bomolemo jwa go tsaya karolo mo tshekatshekong e, ke go oketsa kitso ya batsaya karolo mo

tshireletsegong le botsogo jwa bone le go nna kelelelo ka diphatsa tse ba kopanang le tsone mo
tirong.
Tshireletso
Maduo a tla lemogiwang mo tshekatshekong e, a tla seke a supe maina a batsaya karolo mo
tshekatshekong. Re tla netafatsa fa sepe se o se kwalwang se tla seke se bonwe ke ope le maina a
gago a ka seke a omakiwe.
Go tsaya karolo le go ikgogela morago
Go tsaya karolo mo dipatlisisong tse, ga go patelediwe. O letlelelwa go sa tseye karolo ebile go sena
ditlamorago dipe.
Dipotso ka tsa tshekatsheko

Fa o nale dipotso dipe kgotsa dingongora fa o araba kana o sena go araba tshekatsheko o ka leletsa
ba ba latelang;
Leina la motlhotlhomisi; Kedumetse Lesole

Lephata: Occupational Health and Safety
Leina la sekolo: Boitekanelo College
Aterese ya maranyane: Kedumetse.lesole@student.boitekanelo.ac.bw
MAINA NOMORO
CLYDE LESOLE 75565579
MOTSAMAI KELEBONYE 76220276
JUNIOR BAELEPI 77816797
KATLEGO THEKISO 76710082
CHABONGWA SEAKELO 71200920
Dipotso ka ditshwanelo tsa gago ole mo tsaya karolo mo tshekatshekong
Bailey G. Balekang Roy Tapera
Coordinator, Institutional Review Board Chair, Institutional Review Board
Boitekanelo College Boikanelo College
Telephone Telephone
bbalekang@boitekanelo.ac.bw rtapera@boitekanelo.ac.
Maikano a motsaya karolo
Ke badile (kana ke baletswe) ebile ke tlhalogantse tumalano e. Ke itsisitswe fa go tsaya karolo mo

tshekatshekong e go sa patelediwe. Ke tlhaloganya fa ke gololesegile go ka tswa mo tshekatshekong
nako nngwe le nngwe fa ke sa tlhola ke batla go tsaya karolo. Ke boleletswe fa tshedimosetso e ke e
fang motlhotlhomisi e tla bewa sentle go itsa go itsiwe ke ope.
Monwana wa me o o fa tlase o supa fa ke dumetse go tsaya karolo mo tshekatshekong e.
Leina la motsaya karolo…………………………...Monwana………………….
Letsatsi…………………………. Tshekatsheko e tlhalositswe ke………………………

APPENDIX 3: DATA ANALYSIS TABLES
Questionnaire items Related Research Data Organization Descriptive Interpretive

Question analysis Analysis
2.) What are the 2.) What are the Chemicals- 17 There is 42.5 % This means that
Occupational Manual work-3 of chemicals, toxic chemicals
health issues
exposures Radiation- 2 7.5% of Manual are the most
that could be and conditions Gases- 4 work, 5 % of harmful
harmful for Dust- 4 radiation, 10% of occupational
affecting
the expectant Asbestos- 2 gases, 10% of exposure
pregnant Workload- 1 dusts, 5 % of affecting
women in
Falling Objects- 1 Asbestos, and 2.5 expectant
your women in the
Poor temps- 3 % workload, 2.5 workers in the
company? workplace % of falling manufacturing
objects and 7.5% industry.
within the
of poor temps
manufacturing exposed to
expectant workers
industry?
within the
manufacturing
industry.
2) How can 2) What are the health Birth defects- 4 There is 10% of Expectant
Expectant women issues affecting pregnant Intoxicant- 13 birth defects, 32.5 women get
be affected by the women in the workplace Inhalation- 9 of intoxication, affected by
occupational within health learning Ergonomics- 4 22.5 % of exposures
exposures in your institutions? Mutation-2 inhalation, 10% through
company? Not sure- 5 of ergonomics, intoxication of
Miscarriage- 1 5% of mutation, their bodies by
Heat stress-2 2.5 %of inhalation and
miscarriage, 5% contact of
of heat stress and agents in the
12.5% of workplace.
respondents not
sure
3) Are there any 3) What are the effects of Yes- 26 65% of people There are
health & Safety No- 8 said yes. 20% initiatives and
work factors in
initiatives or Not sure-6 said No, while 15 mandatory
policies that protect the reproductive % were not sure policies within
expectant women in the
health of women?
your workplace? manufacturing
industry that
protect
expectant
women
4) Is the work 4.) What are the health Yes- 31 77.5 % of The work and
designs and the No- 6 respondents said job tasks that
issues affecting pregnant
workload adjusted Maybe- 1 yes, while 15% expectant
to accommodate the women in the workplace Not satisfactory- 2 said No. and women are
capability of 2.5% who said expected to do,
within health learning
expectant women? maybe. With 5 % in a specific
institutions? not satisfied. time is adjusted
and designed to
fit their
capabilities.
5) What are the 5) What are the Premature- 6 There is 15 % The common
common effects of Miscarriage- 7 premature birth, effect of work
effects of work
work factors, like Not sure- 7 17.5% factors in the
manual labour on factors in the Still births- 1 miscarriage, 17.5 reproductive
the Reproductive Menstrual pattern- % not sure, 2.5 % health of
reproductive
Health of women? 2 still birth, 5 % women is found
health of women? Infertility- 8 menstrual pattern to be Infertility
Births defects-7 disruption, 20 % due
Child disorder- 2 infertility, and occupational
17.5% birth exposures.
defects and 5 %
child disorders.
6) Do you think it is What is the Yes- 35 87.5% said yes, Manufacturing
possible for your No-4 and 10 % said no, companies,
employability
company to include Not sure- 1 while 2.5 % were does include,
or Hire people with chance of disabled not sure. hire and engage
disability? the disabled
persons in the
persons within
health learning the industry.
institutions?
7) What can be the 7. What are the impacts of MSDS- 12 30% MSDS, 7.5 Musculo-
possible effects of Fatigue-3 % fatigue, 22.5 skeletal
work designs and
work designs and Poor execution- 9 poor execution, disorders are
occupational industrialization Low productivity- 2.5 lower found to be the
exposures in your 1 production, 5 % effect of work
on people with
organization for a Limited capacity- limited capacity. designs and
person with disabilities in the 2 2.5 5% worsening work exposures
disability? Not sure- 11 of impairments for disabled
manufacturing
Impairment and 2,5 % of persons in the
industry? worsening- 1 injuries while manufacturing
Injuries- 1 27.5 % were not industry.
sure
8) Can a disabled 8. What are
the Yes-24 60 % said yes, It is confirmed
person handle the No- 14 35% said no, that the
impacts of work
workload or pace Depends- 2 while remaining 5 disabled
operated within the designs and % indicated that it persons can
organization? depends different handle the
industrialization
factors. workload and
on people with organizational
pace within the
disabilities in the
manufacturing
industry?
9) What is the health 9. What are the Ramps- 9 22.5 % of ramps, It is found that
& Safety Policies- 5 12.5% of policies. good work
impacts of work
interventions that Not sure- 7 17.5 % not sure, design or use of
help to designs and Equipment design- With 10 % effective
accommodate 4 equipment schedules as
industrialization
people with Good work design- design, 22.5 % well as the use
disability in your on people with 9 good work of ramps in
organization? None- 3 design, 7.5 % organizations
disabilities in the
Parking- 2 none, and 5% of are the
health learning Lifts- 1 reserved interventions
parking’s, and 2.5 that help to
institutions?
% of Lifts accommodate
people with
disability within
organizations.
APPENDIX 3.1 QUESTIONNAIRE ITEMS & ALL PARTICIPANTS

The Employability Rate and Health of Vulnerable Groups in Manufactucturing Companies

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THE EMPLOYABILITY RATE AND HEALTH OF VULNERABLE

GROUPS IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES: A CASE OF

Kedumetse Lesole 2018080170

COURSE TITLE: RESEARCH PROJECT

BACKGROUND: It is highly important to address health and safety issues in manufacturing

Keywords: Disability, employment, Inclusion, Health, Safety, infertility, Hazard, pregnancy,

The manufacturing industry is characterized by complex working environments, unsafe working

Under existing US regulations pregnancy discrimination act (PDA) forbids disapproving

Health and safety legislation (EU)

The European non-discriminatory framework also requires adjustments to work in the

The historical view of disability in most countries is characterized by exclusion, discrimination,

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.7 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF DATA COLLECTION

Lack of rapport with the subject

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Issues affecting pregnant women in the manufacturing industries.

A study by Kitroeff and Greenberg, (2019) on pregnancy discrimination included in-depth

2.3 Effects of industrialization and challenges faced by disabled persons in the

3.1 STUDY DESIGN

3.2 THE STUDY POPULATION

3.3 PURPOSIVE SAMPLING METHOD

3.4 DATA COLLECTION

Structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. A self-structured

3.5 Data Collection Plan and Procedure

Section A- Sociodemographic information

DATA COLLECTION PLAN

DESCRIPTION RESPONIBLE PLACE OF DATE SAMPLE COMMENTS

On the first Katlego Thekiso Kgalagadi On the 25 of 10information

3.6 INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT

3.7 PILOT STUDY

3.8 DATA ANALYSIS

3.8 DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

Discrimination: The adjustment or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people,

3.9 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

3.11 STUDY PLAN/ TIMELINE

Activities Cost per unit Units TOTAL COST

Transport 800.00 1 800.00

Stationary 50.00 1 50.00

Internet 400.00 1 400.00

Printing 100.00 10 1000.000

Participant’s incentives 50.00 10 500.00

Total 1,410.00 28 2,800.00

4.1: DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ANALYSIS

The above information will be displayed in a table below.

GENDER MALES FEMALES

DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT STAFF OTHERS

4.2: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 1

Questionnaire items Related Research Data Descriptive Interpretive

4.2.2: INTERPRETIVE ANALYSIS

4.3: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 2

4.4: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 3

4.4.2: INTERPRETIVE ANALYSIS

4.5: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 4

4.5.2: INTERPRETIVE ANALYSIS

4.6: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 5

Questionnaire Related Research Data Organization Descriptive Interpretive

4.6.2: INTERPRETIVE ANALYSIS

4.7: ANALYSIS DATA RELATED TO RESEARCH QUESTION 6

4.7.2: INTERPRETIVE ANALYSIS