The Effectiveness of Occupational Health and Safety Procedures at the General Electricity Company of Libya: A Critical Analytical Study in Light of International Standards

Abstract

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a major concern in vital sectors such as the energy sector, especially in countries where law enforcement and safety practices are still developing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) implemented at the General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL), in light of international standards and global best practices. The research adopted a quantitative and qualitative analytical methodology by analyzing secondary data related to injuries and accidents during the period (2012-2014), in addition to analyzing a field questionnaire that included a sample of workers. The results showed a significant weakness in the application of occupational health and safety management systems, as the percentage of injuries resulting from safety instruction violations reached 36% in 2012, 20% in 2013, and 27% in 2014. The study also revealed the absence of effective supervision, lack of training, and insufficient personal protective equipment . The study concludes with the necessity of adopting an Integrated Occupational Health and Safety Strategy that includes planning, implementation, review, and continuous improvement, emphasizing the importance of training, awareness, and the presence of effective supervisory systems such as ISO 45001. It is important for the company to implement a specific occupational health and safety system, which may be designed by the company or based on international systems.