Knowledge, attitudes and practices on occupational safety and health among casual workers at construction sites in Mukono Municipality, Mokono District.

Abstract

Introduction:Every day, approximately 6,000 lives are lost globally due to work-related accidents or diseases, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO). This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need to address occupational hazards and promote a safer working environment. In the bustling city of Kampala and its neighboring districts of Mukono and Wakiso, a study revealed that accidents occur at construction sites with a concerning prevalence of 32.4%. Among those most vulnerable to these risks are casual workers, who often lack proper training, possess limited skills and experience, earn lower wages compared to qualified professionals, and endure long working hours. Against this backdrop, this study delves into the current state of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding occupational health and safety specifically among casual workers at construction sites in Mukono Municipality, Mukono District. By shedding light on this crucial issue, we aim to uncover valuable insights and pave the way for targeted interventions that prioritize the well-being and protection of these vulnerable workers. Objective: To assess the Knowledge, attitudes and practices on occupational health and safety among casual workers at construction sites in Mukono Municipality. Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design with quantitative methods. Data was collected using EPICOLLECT5 phone-based application. Three hundred seventy casual workers at active building construction sites in Mukono Municipality will be selected using multi-stage sampling methods. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Results were presented in tables and graphs. Results: The workforce was predominantly male (94.05%) with a high response rate (100%). Participants had basic secondary education (39.73%) and few had tertiary education (31.62%). Long working hours were prevalent (99.19% worked over 8 hours), posing risks. Workers demonstrated good knowledge of hazards (98.6%) and the importance of safety regulations (95.4%) and personal protective equipment (95.1%). However, awareness and training gaps were identified, with 44.3% not familiar with occupational safety and health and 57.6% lacking training. Positive attitudes were observed, particularly regarding employer-provided training (Likert mean 4.06) and adequate PPE provision (Likert mean 4.01). Compliance with glove usage was low (5.7%), but safety shoe usage was high (100%). Face mask usage (3.5%) and earplug usage (1.1%) were low. Conclusion: The findings reveal fairly good knowledge and attitude in regards to occupational safety and health but poor safety practices. There is need to bridge awareness and training gaps among casual workers, as a significant percentage remains unfamiliar with occupational safety and health. There is also need for employers to provide personal protective equipment and involvement of casual workers in safety management. By enhancing awareness, strengthening safety protocols, and fostering collaborative efforts, there will be construction sites where workers thrive in a culture of safety and well-being in Mukono Municipality.