Assessing the influence of site operatives’ attitudes on health and safety performance of construction project sites in Ghana a study of selected projects sites in the Northern Region

Abstract

Construction site accidents constitute a major source of hindrance to productivity on construction sites globally. Many construction site accidents happen as a result of unsafe behaviors of construction site operatives. Arguably, controlling or managing the attitudes of construction site operatives could enhance the health and safety performance of construction sites. The aim of the study was to to explore the relationship between site operatives’ attitudes on health and safety performance of project sites in Northern Region of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study include; to assess the health and safety attitudes of construction site operatives on construction site in Northern Region of Ghana, to identify the critical determinants of health and safety performance of construction project sites in Northern Region of Ghana in relation to attitudes of operatives, to assess the influence, if any, of health and safety attitudes of site operatives on health and safety performance of construction project sites in Northern Region of Ghana, and to make recommendations based on the findings of the study for improving health and safety performance of construction project sites in Northern Region of Ghana. The study employed a cross sectional survey design and a quantitative strategy. The target population comprised site managers and construction site operatives. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select experienced site managers and literate tradesmen who could read, understand, and respond to survey questions. The response rate achieved was 83%. The findings of the study revealed that the key health and safety attitudes of site operatives on project sites in the Northern Region include; willingness to identify hazards that could lead to accidents, reluctance to work during holidays and week-ends, developing hatred for management when they are either sick or hungry and willingness to participate in health and safety training. The study revealed that the critical determinants of health and safety performance in relations to attitudes of construction site operatives in Northern region included; effective communication, provision of adequate protective clothing, regular and periodic training, education and awareness creation and good cordial working relationship between management and workers. The findings of the study suggest that the health and safety attitude of construction site operatives significantly correlates with health and safety performance of construction sites. Based on the findings, the study has made recommendations for improving health and safety performance of project site