Consequences of occupational safety and health related stress among informal metal fabrication employees: a case of Gweru, Zimbabwe

Occupational stress is a pervasive issue, yet data remains scarce regarding its impacts within the informal metal fabrication sector. The study examined the consequences of occupational safety and health related stress among informal metal fabrication employees in Gweru, Zimbabwe. An explanatory sequential mixed method research design was utilized with a sample size of 134 employees across Mtapa ( n = 88) and Muyambo ( n = 46) light industries. Data were collected using questionnaires, semi- structured interviews and field observations. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (Chi-square tests) using IBM SPSS version 25 statistical tool. The results from the study indicated that the workforce was predominantly young males. Study participants identified high workloads and tight deadlines as prominent workplace stressors and perceived these work demands to be associated with adverse health outcomes which included mental health issues, insomnia, headaches and fatigue. A Chi-square test with p < 0.001 revealed a significant association between respondents’ age and the impact of stress on overall well-being with younger and less experienced workers demonstrating higher stress vulnerability. Strained social relations were also reported. Adopted strategies of occupational health and safety stress management included seeking peer support, taking short breaks, listening to music and substance use. The paper concludes that psychological factors emerge as the most critical stressors in the informal metal fabrication industry. Younger employees are disproportionately vulnerable to occupational stress, likely due to limited professional experience and poor adopted stress management strategies. Target interventions are required to mitigate health risks in this informal sector.