Evaluating management of occupational safety and health on construction sites in Kampala
Abstract
The construction industry is an important part of the economy in many countries and is often
seen as a driver of economic growth especially in developing countries. Owing to it’s
relatively labor intensive nature, construction works provide opportunities for employment
for a wide range of people skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. Despite its importance,
Construction industry is considered risky with frequent and high accidents rates and ill health
problems to workers, practitioners and end users. This research therefore considered at
evaluating Management of Occupational safety and health on 16 construction sites in
Kampala using observation checklist to evaluate 30 measures taken in managing safety and
Health issues on these sites. This research further evaluated management of occupational
safety and health through questionnaire to get opinions of respondents on barriers/ challenges
in management and finding the important measures in ensuring safety and health on
construction sites.
This research found out that most construction sites had most of the necessary requirement
with exceptions of No smoke signs, no emergency contacts and site not affiliated to any
health unit for emergency. The research further showed that all site operatives had
information on occupational safety and Health from either study, training by companies,
managers, co-workers or from training by organizations. The research also revealed that
contractor relations and internal organizational factors are the major barriers to management
of safety and health on construction sites.
The research finally recommends that for improved safety and health management on
construction sites some of the following measures should not miss out:
Establishing safety and Health training and orientation for site operatives
Safety and Health auditing by safety committees and
Assignment of safety responsibility to all levels of management and
workers.