Browsing by Subject "Workplace"

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    Open Access
    Cybersecurity in the workplace: factors that influence positive cybersecurity behavior against phishing in South African institutions
    (2025) Pilane, Karabo; Ruhwanya, Zainab
    In South Africa one of the top cybersecurity threats is phishing. Furthermore, employees' responses to phishing emails can either bolster or weaken an organisation's cyber security. It is estimated that more than 90% of data breaches are due to successful phishing attacks. They bring the maximum benefits with little to no cost for cyber attackers. Hence, this study aims to explain the factors that influence cybersecurity protective behaviour against phishing in South African organisations. A quantitative method was used, and data were collected online through a questionnaire survey. One hundred and twenty respondents from South African organisations participated. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling platform provided in SmartPLS-4 was used to model the data. SmartPLS was used to calculate and analyse reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, path coefficients, and significance of relationships. Factors that were identified as influencing cybersecurity protective behaviour against phishing were remote working, cybersecurity awareness, perceived user self-efficacy, facilitating conditions, perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, response efficacy, response costs, and government cyber laws enforcement.
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    Open Access
    The epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in office-based workers residing in low middle-Income countries (LMICs): a systematic review and meta-analysis
    (2026) Dreyer, Kirsten Robyn; Engel, Mark; S-J Hohlfeld, Ameer
    Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are a significant health concern worldwide, accounting for 1% of disability adjusted life years in developing countries. In occupational health, the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is heightened in roles with varied risks—such as office work—due to exposures like awkward or static postures, repetitive movements, and psychosocial strain, underscoring the need for targeted research. Currently, the extent of WMSD in developing countries among office workers is largely undocumented. Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of WMSDs in office-based workers residing in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and, secondly to document putative risk factors associated with WMSD. Search Strategy: PubMed and Scopus were searched, from their respective earliest dates to 31 October 2024, for cross-sectional and cohort studies assessing WMSD in office workers in LMICs, excluding studies from high income counties underlying musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Study appraisal and synthesis methods: Two researchers independently screened and extracted data, applying RoB-SPEO, and conducted a meta-analysis using a random effects model to estimate pooled prevalence of WMSD by affected body regions and risk ratios for associated risk factors. Deviations from the protocol were recorded in the discussion. Results: The systematic review included 25 studies (3 cohort and 22 cross-sectional, n= 9842 from 14 LMICs). Pooled prevalence of WMSD were 70% (95% CI 51% to 85%; 5 studies; n = 1236, I2 = 97.8%). Pooled estimates of WMSD by body region were lower back (44%), (95% CI 36% to 53%, I2 = 96.5%), neck, 38% (95% CI 31% to 46%, I2 = 96.4 and back, 37% (95% CI 15% to 62%, I2 = 98.4). The remaining body regions (arm, elbow, hand, shoulder, wrist and hand and wrist) each amounted to prevalence estimates of below 30%. Subgroup analysis of putative risk factors (BMI, age and length of day) and WMSD found no statistical association. Conclusions: High WMSD prevalence among office workers in LMICs, notably in the lower back region, was found. Limited data and categorization variability, hindered risk identification, highlighting the need for additional research. Recommendations include office layout assessment and more frequent breaks from static positions.
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    Open Access
    The extent of problematic alcohol and other drug use within selected South African workplaces
    (2013) Harker Burnhams, Nadine; Dada, Siphokazi; Linda, Betty; Myers, Bronwyn; Parry, Charles
    BACKGROUND: The use of alcohol and other drugs (AODs) in the workplace has a major impact on the health and productivity of the workforce globally. Yet information on this issue is limited in South Africa (SA). OBJECTIVE: To describe the nature and extent of AOD problems in selected workplace settings in SA. METHODS: Secondary data analysis was conducted on a large dataset compiled by an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service provider in SA. As part of an EAP risk audit, assessments for AOD-related problems were completed for each employee accessing EAP services (n=10 428) between 2005 and 2011. Data on the socio-demographic profiles, AOD use and impact of AOD use on the work performance of employees were analysed. RESULTS: Findings indicate that employed men are more likely to experience alcohol-related problems than women, the latter demonstrating a higher percentage of drug-related problems. The majority of referrals to the EAPs emanate from the public, industrial and financial sectors. AOD-related problems were also found to significantly impact on employee work performance. CONCLUSIONS: The study begins to address the knowledge gap on the extent of AOD use in SA workplaces and points to the need for further investigations into the exact nature of AOD use. In addition, the study highlights the need for intervention programmes and policies suited to the workplace.