An Investigation Of The Causes Of Accidents And Health Hazards On Construction Sites And Their Management In Kenya (Case Study Of Nairobi County)

Abstract

Construction industry is an important part of the economy in most countries; often seen as a driver of economic growth especially in developing countries. Typically, construction industry contributes significantly to gross domestic products (GDP) in most developing countries. Through the construction industry a number of facilities have been created such as transportation infrastructure, housing, health facilities, markets, electricity and water supply which also stimulate development of the other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing industries, tourism, and transportation. However, the construction industry in Kenya continues to fail to fulfill this fundamental role due to the increased accidents and health hazards. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors causing accidents and health hazards and their extent in the construction sites in Nairobi County. The factors identified in this study include workers false acts, inadequate safety performance, unusable materials, fate, low tool mainatances, supervisory fault and violations of safety procedures. The research design employed by the study was descriptive research. The target population was selected „Class A‟ construction firms in Nairobi. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and findings presented using tables summarized according to the common themes. From the study it can be concluded that the occupational Safety and Health Act of 2007 was enacted to provide for safety, health and welfare of workers and all persons lawfully present at workplaces, including construction project sites to enable the elimination of the factors that increase accidents and health hazards in the construction industry in Kenya. However, lack of a clear and well-defined supervisory authority in the construction industry means such guidelines exist only on paper. Therefore the health and safety of construction sites in Kenya has been left at the mercy of developers. In the construction project sites therefore there exist good health and safety rules and regulations but very little enforcement. Further research was recommended on the effectiveness and impact of health and safety management regulations on safety performance of construction companies in Kenya and the role and influence of clients and designers in construction.