An investigation into worker satisfaction with construction site welfare provisions

Abstract

Provision of welfare facilities on construction site tends to have an impact on productivity of works and can be costly if workers are dissatisfied. Construction workers on site need a place to change, drink water, eats meals and snacks, visit lavatory and wash hands. Also during break, they need a place to rest and to recover from fatigue each working day and if welfare facilities are not available for use it affects their output and makes them dissatisfied. The thrust of this research was to investigate worker satisfaction with construction site welfare provisions in Ghana. The study set objectives to determine the adequacy of welfare facilities on construction sites; to assess the state of welfare facilities on construction sites; to assess worker satisfaction with construction site welfare provision; and to establish factors that influence level of satisfaction of workers with welfare provisions. A questionnaire survey was conducted on permanent workers at the construction site of class D1K1 contractors at Kotoka International Airport vicinity. The data collected was analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to perform descriptive statistics and the results presented using tables. The study revealed that minimum welfare facilities were mostly not provided on site and in cases where they were provided the numbers were not adequate. Workers were generally dissatisfied with the provision, adequacy and condition of welfare facilities on their site. The recommendation made were that, construction firms should be committed to providing adequate welfare facilities at sites, client and consultant should ensure the minimum welfare facilities are provided on site before approval is given to start actual construction works, welfare facilities on sites should be properly maintained, adequate number must be provided and the space should be well ventilated. Facilities should be accessible, properly identified, clean and hygienic to use.