Workplace safety practices and employee commitment in the manufacturing industry in Uganda: a case study of century Bottling Company Limited

Abstract

This study was prompted by persistent commitment challenges within Uganda’s manufacturing sector and the limited understanding of how workplace safety practices influence employee commitment in this context. The specific objectives were to examine the influence of safety trainings, safety procedures, and management support to safety on employee commitment at Century Bottling Company Limited. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing a quantitative approach. Data were collected from a sample of 161 employees using structured questionnaires. The sample was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques to ensure representation across employment categories. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS Version 26, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis to determine the relationships between the variables. The findings revealed that all three workplace safety practices significantly and positively influenced employee commitment. Safety procedures (β = 0.156, t = 2.680, p = 0.008) indicated that clear safety rules, visible signage, and procedural enforcement foster higher levels of employee commitment. Safety trainings (β = 0.169, t = 2.509, p = 0.013) suggested that structured health and safety education enhances employee confidence and organizational attachment. Management support (β = 0.581, t = 8.098, p < 0.001) demonstrated that proactive leadership and responsiveness to safety concerns significantly improve emotional and moral attachment to the organization. The study concluded that workplace safety practices, particularly management support, play a crucial role in enhancing employee commitment in Uganda’s manufacturing sector. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Century Bottling Company strengthen its safety training programs, rigorously enforce safety procedures, and foster visible, consistent management involvement in workplace health and safety.