MJAMR

Relationship Between Occupational Health Risks and Productivity in Uganda’s Food Processing Industry: A Case Study of PepsiCo Uganda.

Ojok Alex, Okee Jill Margaret


Abstract

This study explored the relationship between occupational health risks and productivity in Uganda’s food processing industry, specifically focusing on PepsiCo Uganda. The research aimed to identify the types of health risks present in the workplace, assess their impact on worker productivity, and evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures implemented to mitigate these risks. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data collected through surveys with statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple and logistic regression models. The study's findings revealed that workers were primarily exposed to chemical, ergonomic, physical, and biological hazards, with chemical exposure and ergonomic hazards being the most prevalent. These health risks were found to significantly reduce worker productivity, manifested through increased absenteeism, higher accident rates, and decreased work efficiency. The multiple regression analysis indicated that chemical exposure and ergonomic hazards were strong predictors of reduced productivity. Additionally, the study found that safety measures such as safety training, protective equipment, and regular safety audits had a significant positive impact on productivity, helping to reduce the adverse effects of health risks. The logistic regression analysis showed that companies with better safety practices experienced fewer accidents and less absenteeism, ultimately enhancing productivity. The results were consistent with theories such as the Health Belief Model and the Job Demands-Resources model, which emphasize the relationship between health risks, safety interventions, and work performance. Based on these findings, the study recommended that PepsiCo Uganda invest in regular safety training, provide better protective equipment, and improve ergonomic conditions to reduce health risks and enhance productivity. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how occupational health risks affect productivity in Uganda’s food processing industry and offers valuable insights for improving workplace safety practices, which could be applied to other
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research

Cite This Article

Ojok Alex & Okee Jill Margaret (2025). Relationship Between Occupational Health Risks and Productivity in Uganda’s Food Processing Industry: A Case Study of PepsiCo Uganda. Metropolitan Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research, 4(3). https://journals.miu.ac.ug/pages/article.php?article_id=803