ABSTRACT
The construction industry is possibly the most hazardous industry with regard to the health and safety (H&S) of workers. In Uganda, there has been poor management of H&S at construction sites and, as a result, the industry registers increased frequencies of safety incidents. These incidents have led to loss of lives, injuries, damage to property and equipment, reduced productivity and loss of revenue, amongst other pitfalls . Unfortunately, these H&S incidents are reported after the occurrence and do not show preventive measures undertaken. The aim of this study was to analyse the H&S performance in Uganda’s construction industry in order to propose measures for effective preventive management. Construction firms that had active construction projects within the Kampala, Mukono and Wakiso Districts during the study period were assessed. The data on performance were collected using questionnaires and observation checklists. Data on accident records were collected using documented accident reports. The results showed that contracting firms were generally aware of the need to uphold good H&S practices, but that only 35% of the H&S programmes were implemented at a good level or above. On average, 40% of the construction site practices were generally unsafe. Objectively, H&S performance was characterised by a high accident injury rate (20.2), non-fatal injury rate (18.2) and fatal injury rate (2.0) per 100 equivalent full-time workers (EFTW). The Ugandan government should incorporate the identified 17 H&S programmes into a formal regulation and strengthen the laws governing H&S in the construction industry. Construction firms should train their workers on H&S requirements in order to improve their H&S regimes.
