An investigation into the welfare provision for construction production workers and Its impact on the timely completion of projects - A Case study of Nairobi projects

Abstract

This study investigated the welfare of construction production workers, who included masons, carpenters and handsmen among others. Labour is a major input in the cost of building construction projects and its input can have an effect on the successful completion of the project. Building construction is labour intensive and a number of specific operations require highly skilled manpower and machinery will not be a substitute. Skilled and semi-skilled workers work hand in hand and this study covered both categories. The study investigated safety and health, and the prosperity of the workers. Labour welfare in the construction industry in the world is wanting and Kenya is not an exception. The study was therefore to find out the working conditions of site production workers and the effect this has on the successful completion of a project. A project is said be successful if it has been completed on time, within the budget and to the desired quality. In this study, the research concentrated on the provision of welfare of the workers and the effect it has on the success of a project in terms of timely completion. The study identified existing problem on the provision of welfare for site construction workers. Data was collected from sites in Nairobi by way of filling questionnaires, oral interviews and by observation of the activities and welfare provision at various sites. It was generally found that the site conditions and general provisions of welfare conditions were wanting and the projects had delayed in implementation contrary to their works programmes. The question is whether there is a correlation between the two. The following findings were prevalent in most of the sites. • Low wages and benefits." • Lack of job security. • Unsafe working environment • Poor working conditions In conclusion, this research recommends measures, which if implemented, could go a long way in improving the welfare of the site production workers, which will in effect, also improve project implementation.