Disaster preparedness for records management at the Workers’ Compensation Fund, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

The study examined disaster preparedness for managing records in the Workers’ Compensation Fund (WCF) in Tanzania. Specifically, the study identified potential disasters that can affect records and the facilities available for disaster preparedness in managing records, established the level of skills in disaster preparedness among WCF staff and identified challenges WCF staff faced in disaster preparedness for managing records. The study employed a mixed methods research design to assess the disaster preparedness programme for managing records at the WCF. The study findings indicated that the WCF is ill-prepared for potential disasters that may affect their records and inadequate staff training on disaster preparedness for managing records. Limited storage capacity for records and a lack of a written disaster preparedness plan were among the major challenges faced by the institution. The study recommends that the WCF should develop a disaster management plan as a proactive approach towards the management of their records and develop a comprehensive training programme to orient staff on disaster preparedness.