| dc.description.abstract | The research set out to find out factors affecting health and safety of manual
workers in the construction industry within Kisumu Town East constituency. This is
because manual workers perform many tasks that are labour intensive. Nevertheless, the
principles of ergonomics that guide the construction industry in order to improve health
and safety are largely ignored and poorly understood by the contractors and manual
workers.
Descriptive survey method was used to collect information by observing,
interviewing and administering questionnaires to a sample of individuals. The states of
affairs were described as they were. Measurement, classification, analysis, comparison
and interpretation of data were done.
The findings were that in manual handling, force grip, repetition, vibration, time
and recovery breaks were the main factors influencing musculoskeletal disorders. These
included back pain, muscle aches, fractures, cut and lacerations. The research has shown
that different factors like worker characteristics, tasks and environmental factors have
effects on the muscles and skeleton of the workers. This eventually affected health and
safety and the quality of work.
The study concluded that to alleviate the musculoskeletal problems of the manual
workers, principles of ergonomics had to be addressed. Work conditions must be
improved to ensure manual workers are attracted and retained in the industry.
The recommendations were that regulations be streamlined in order to reduce
costs and time of compliance. Finally, each construction firm to employ a safety officer
on the construction. | en |
