Evaluation of knowledge and application of safety control techniques in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
NOVEMBER, 2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
In spite of all the efforts made to enhance the occupational health and safety (OHS) of the Ghanaian construction industry, damages and cases of dust related diseases and other ill health continue to be high in the industry. As results of these and other related cases in the industry, OHS management continues to be key issue requiring innovative solutions. Much studies and legislations have been made towards improving safety and health performances in the industry with a view to achieving a better OHS management in the industry, nevertheless the problems persist. Innovatively considered and contributing to the existing body of knowledge, this study was carried out to evaluate the consciousness and utilization of safety control techniques in the Ghanaian built environment. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire survey was conducted among respondents involving health and safety officers, site supervisors, site engineers, project managers, assistant project managers and project coordinators in the GCI who were purposively sampled for the study. Respondents’ responses were subjected to detailed analysis using Relative Important Index (RII) and descriptive statistical (percentages, frequencies and bar chart) through the use of computer applications known as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. The findings of the study revealed that professionals in the GCI are aware of safety control techniques and hence applies these techniques to ensure safety on construction projects. The professionals involved in the study further agrees generally that there are ten (10) common safety control techniques used in the GCI of which 8 are notable, as were confirmed by the study analysis and results. Conceivably however, the six (6) most important safety control techniques used in the GCI are in the order of ranking, Safety Records; Safety rules and regulations; Safety management; Safety policies; and Safety promotion. Reckoning its originality, this study is the only study that has focused on the application of safety control techniques in the GCI among the numerous health and safety studies conducted to date. The outcome of this research will therefore be valuable to policy makers and stakeholders in the construction industry who seeks innovative ways of improving safety in the industry.  
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Building Technology, College of Art and Built Environment, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science in Construction Management.
Keywords
Citation