An investigation into the safety management practices on construction sites (case study: Nairobi area)

Abstract

The construction industry is considered as one of the most hazardous industrial sectors wherein the construction workers are more prone to accidents. In developed countries, there is strict legal enforcement of safety in the construction industry and also in the implementation of safety management systems which are designed to minimize or eliminate accidents at work places-'However, occupational safety in construction industry is very poor in developing countries such as Kenya. The study investigates the prevalent safety management practices in the construction industry in Kenya. This study sought to evaluate the extent to which safety management practices are adhered to on construction sites. This included establishing the adequacy of these management practices. The study relied on responses from questionnaires and interviews with Site managers, site agents and site foremen. Observation of site conditions was also undertaken. Findings indicate that safety management practices are not considered on most of the construction sites mainly due to cost implications of the same. There were also instances where construction site employees refused to observe safety measures. It is evident from the surveys that contractors are to blame for most of the unsafe site conditions. This may be due to lack of awareness of the benefits arising from safe work environments and also lack of proper safety management enforcement systems. A great deal needs to be done to improve safety management on construction sites. The scant safety management practices are not adequate to ensure reasonable levels of safety. The study concludes by giving recommendations on what can be done in future in order to improve the level of safety on construction sites