Assessing health and safety practices on building construction sites in the Central Region, a case study of building construction sites in the Gomoa West District

Abstract

The building construction industry is very important to the socio-economic development of a nation. It portrays its religions and cultural values as well as the wealth of the nation. In spite of its importance, the construction industry has been regarded as being risky with frequent and high accident rate and Ill-health problems to workers, practitioners and end users. The purpose of this project is therefore to assess the health and safety practices adopted on building construction sites in Gomoa West District and the level of compliance with health and safety regulations/measures, and to suggest strategies to be put in place to curb health and safety risks on building construction sites. The study adopted both survey and descriptive designs. The survey technique was used in gathering information from site supervisors, whereas questionnaires were used for gathering data from general workers. Interviews were conducted with project managers and casual workers on the importance of health and safety practices on site. The descriptive research was used for the study since it helped to identify the health and safety measures used on site and evaluate their enforcement mechanisms put in place. The questionnaires and the respondent’s views were analyzed in percentages, frequencies, mean score and standard deviation. Among the findings of the study were that; Management’s poor safety measures were the major causes of accidents on site, and lack of training personnel to train workers health and safety on the sites. The study recommended that management of construction firms should employ the services of a training personnel, and provide workers with protective equipment. Also, regulatory bodies should monitor the activities of contractor.