Occupational Safety and Health in Construction Sites in Nairobi, Kenya

This study included collection of field data using questionnaires and analysis of secondary data from Kenya's Directorate of occupational safety and Health (DOSH) covering the period between 2010 and 2014. It was established that 74 % of the workers injured or killed in construction accidents sites were below 40 years. 26% of accidents occurred during the busiest months of the year, June and July. Further, a third of construction accidents occur during the busiest hours of the day (10-11 am, and 3-4 pm). Falling from height and being hit by falling objects contributes towards about 64% of all construction site accidents. Majority of companies allocate less than 1% of budget to health and safety probably due lack of have a clear accident prevention policy. Five administrative factors rated on a scaled of 0-5 contributed to accidents: (1) reluctance to provide resources for safety (4.10±0.2); (2) lack of staff training (4.07±0.2); (3) safety regulations not enforced (3.98±0.2); (4) workers not safety conscious (3.83±0.2); (5) top leaders not being safety aware (3.71±0.2). Thus investment in Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) and training in health and safety are paramount.

Autorentext

Dr (Eng) CK Kabubo holds a BSc in Civil Engineering (University of Nairobi) and a PhD in Construction Engineering and Management from Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT). He is a practicing professional civil engineer with over 25 years experience. He is currently the Director of SMARTEC and a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering (JKUAT).