EFFECT OF SAFETY TRAINING ON EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY IN SUGAR MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN THE LAKE REGION, KENYA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of safety training on employee productivity in sugar manufacturing firms within Kenya's Lake Region Economic Block. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 9,857 employees across 11 sugar manufacturing firms. A sample of 384 respondents was determined using the Krejcie and Morgan formula, with 338 usable questionnaires (88.0% response rate). Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires measuring safety training (frequency, practicality, knowledge retention, participation, training materials, and hazard identification capability) and employee productivity. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analyzed thematically. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate levels of safety training implementation (M=3.28, SD=0.962). The highest-rated aspect was comprehensiveness of training materials and manuals (M=3.43, SD=0.852), while practical, hands-on training scored lowest (M=3.08, SD=1.080). Correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between safety training and employee productivity (r=0.747, p<0.01). Regression analysis confirmed that safety training has a significant positive effect on employee productivity (B=0.410, β=0.581, t=10.790, p<0.001), making it one of the strongest predictors among occupational health and safety practices. Qualitative findings revealed that training is predominantly theoretical, infrequent (once per year or less), and not contextualized to sugar industry hazards. Workers expressed need for practical, hands-on training delivered in local languages with regular refresher sessions. Safety training is a critical determinant of employee productivity in sugar manufacturing firms. Regular, practical, and context-specific safety training significantly enhances workers' hazard awareness, competence, confidence, and task efficiency. Current training programs are inadequate, being largely theoretical and sporadic, which limits their productivity-enhancing potential. Sugar manufacturing firms should transform safety training from theoretical classroom-based approaches to competency-based, practical on-the-job training. Implement regular refresher training, toolbox talks, and context-specific modules addressing sugar industry hazards. Simplify training content and deliver in local languages to improve comprehension and retention.