The influence of South African electrical transmission operational management on the safety culture in the era of loadshedding

Abstract

This study investigates the safety culture within Eskom's Transmission division, focusing on the impact of operational management practices during load shedding periods. Despite the implementation of a SHEQ policy advocating "Zero Harm," Eskom continues to report safety incidents, injuries, and fatalities, revealing a critical misalignment between policy intent and practical execution. The research addresses key gaps in the literature, including the lack of empirical studies on safety culture during operational disruptions like load shedding, inconsistencies in safety perceptions between hierarchical levels, and the underexplored efficacy of training programs under crisis conditions. Employing a quantitative survey-based methodology, structured questionnaires were administered to 156 employees and 37 management personnel to assess safety protocol adherence, communication effectiveness, leadership involvement, and training efficacy. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing (chi-square, t-tests) revealed significant disparities: while 85% of employees and 90% of management reported awareness of safety protocols, only 70% demonstrated consistent adherence during load shedding. Communication was rated as effective by 70% of employees and 75% of management, yet 30% of employees identified inefficiencies. Leadership engagement was perceived as strong by 65% of employees, but 35% reported limited involvement. Training programs were deemed ineffective by 40% of employees, highlighting a need for tailored interventions. The study's findings underscore the fragmented nature of Eskom's safety culture under load shedding pressures, with notable gaps in policy-practice alignment, communication, leadership visibility, and training relevance. Key recommendations include conducting regular safety audits, developing crisis-specific protocols, implementing multi-channel communication strategies, enhancing leadership accountability and revitalising training programs with scenario-based drills. These measures aim to bridge the identified gaps and foster a resilient safety culture. The research contributes to the broader discourse on operational safety by providing empirical evidence of the challenges posed by load shedding and proposing actionable solutions. Future studies should adopt mixed methods approaches to explore qualitative insights and validate interventions across Eskom's divisions. This study not only advances academic understanding but also offers practical strategies for improving safety culture in high-risk environments.