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.