Assessment and Effectiveness of Health and Safety Work Practice On Construction Si

FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT MAY, 2009
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The necessity of construction firm to adopt safety policies has not been often questioned, but the
manner on which the construction industry is to pursue its general adherence to safety working
condition has often been argued. Trade union in the building industry has always called for
statutory control, while employees have preferred to deal with the situation without external
pressure, which the law can apply. (Chudley R, 1981)
Notwithstanding, this fundamental, there is universal recognition that there is a moral and
economic necessity to maintain safety working practices on the construction site. Unfortunately
the construction industry has been seen as an accident-prone industry because of the numerous
accidents that occurs. The accident rates experienced are directly related to the level of the
activities within the industry, indicating that, when work loading is higher, safety tends to
receive less attention.
An accident does not just happen but is the natural results of a chain of circumstances such as
exposure to unsafe condition or by performing an unsafe act. This affects the construction firm,
family of the victim and the nation as a whole through the disruption of work especially, if the
injured person is a key worker in the gang. If case of a leader, it leads to a complete loss of
waged earner to the family and also reduces the human recourse manpower of the nation. The
rate of accident in the construction industry will reduce or cease to occur only when management
ensures that health and safety policies of the firm are in place and employees adhere to them.
(Nash W. G, 1989).
ABABIO JONATHAN | 07060001 1

1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Safety is a major concern in the construction industry. When the potential for accident exist in
any business, the nature of construction increases the possibility of accidents. Therefore no study
of construction would be completed without review of the causes of accidents. The level of
accident in the construction industry continues to be a serious problem with construction having
accidents of greater severity than other industrial sectors. With a wider performance in the
construction industry, it has one of the fatal and major injuries.
Whilst there is good understanding of the extent and pattern of accident in construction industry,
there has only been limited objectives investigation regarding the full range of contributory
managerial, site and individual factors. Most accidents on site are problems arising from lack of
safety practices on site by workers or the worker team especially workers action or behavior and
workers capabilities. Lack of safety work practices on site which involves poor communication
with work team contributes to some accidents. In many cases, those involve in the accident tends
to be those who were not actually performing a constructional task, but moving around the site,
for example, workplace factors, most notably poor tidiness and problems with the site layout and
space availability. Standards of tidiness and work place layout with respect to health and safety
are low in construction when compare with other industrial sector, appendix vii shows a typical
example of an untidy construction site with a poor site layout with materials scattered any how
which is prone to serious accident occurrence on site.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Safety, which has been underestimated, has resulted in numerous accidents on construction site
causing injuries, deformities and death to workmen in the construction industry.
Accidents in the construction industry causes problem for the construction firm, the employees,
the nation as a whole as well as causing a grate deal of human suffering for the victims and the
families. These are few typical costs that would have to be expected in event of a serious
accident happening on site:
1. Payment of compensation to victim by the firm.

2. The delay in the progress of the work and consequent increase in site costs.
3. The suffering of pain and shock by victims and their families. The loss of morale by other
employees.
4. The loss of human resources in manpower to the nation.
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
AIM OF STUDY
The main aim of this study is to assess the health and safety work practices on construction sites
and their associate effects.
OBJECTIVES OF STUDY
The principal objectives of the research into the Health and Safety in the construction industry in
Koforidua Metropolis are to:
1. To investigate the causes of such accidents

2. Create the awareness of achieving high standard of health and safety on the sites
3. To examine the cost implication of construction site accidents.
4. Recommend possible measures of which can reduce the occurrences of accident on
construction sites in the construction industry.
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
This study will be carried out in various sites in Eastern Region, precisely, Koforidua
Metropolis.
Lack of the co-operation on the part of the respondents will affect the result interference of the
research. Due to the time and financial constrain, a much larger sample cannot be surveyed.
Generally work will be limited to building and civil engineering work sites in Koforidua
(Case study area). It is my hope that at the end of the study the outcome will be applicable to
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE
other construction company in Ghana.
3
This study seeks to put in place positive suggestions that will help in the implementation of
safety policies, organization and arrangement on construction sites in Koforidua site. It also
seeks to light the importance of an accident free construction industry. This will ensure that all
stage of the project will be planned adequately making allowance for the incorporation of safe
system of work in the industry.
1.6 LIMITATIONS
Accidents do occur everyday where construction activity is being undertaking, but because of the
short periods stipulated of the project to be carried out, the combination of the academic work on
campus and the unavailability of fun to travel around the whole country, made my research work
to be restricted to the case study area, that is Koforidua and its municipality, Eastern Region.
I also encountered some few problems during the site study, as the unresponsiveness of
questionnaires sent to the construction firms, restriction of taking of photographs of some
dangerous situations prevailing on their site lead to accidents on the sites.
Notwithstanding all these, I was able to receive most of the questionnaires issued out and
manage to take the photographs of some of the negative practices in the industry of Ghana (that
is the case study area).

CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Safety is the concern in all the construction industry from the top management to the workers on
site. The construction industry record is nothing good to write about, but however, with the
introduction of safety officers, more concentrated education and training methods, improvement
in the field should be reality. It is generally overlooked that, nationally over 20 million working
days are lost through accidents every year, which in financial terms is in the region of ¢500
million and when this is compared with the average 4 million working days lost each year
through strikes, the importance of safety can easily be seen.( Grundy J.T, 1989)
2.1 CONSTRUCTION WORK
Construction works include every aspect of carrying out the work from beginning to the end of
the project. It includes site clearance and investigation, the demolition and removal of spoil and
installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair or service such as telephone, electricity etc.
the interpretation of construction work is extended to include engineering work involve in the
installation, maintenance and dismantling of major process plant.
2.2 CAUSES AND TYPES OF ACCIDENT IN CONSTRUCTION
It is important to remember that accident do not just happen, there is always a cause of the
accidents. The human element of error he believed is the main case of accident, it is worthwhile
to consider how it happened, and what could have been done to prevent it. (Nash W. G, 1989).
The number of risks that are taken by example; craftsmen and operatives on sites quite
incredible, the chief factory inspector’s annual report and the publication of royal society of the
prevention of accidents (ROSA) in United Kingdom quote typical example of accident as
follows:
1. Falling from the roof because of crawling ladder was insecurely held at the ridge of the
roof
2. Being buried in a trench where in a trench no timbering as been installed
3. Not using correct protection clothing or equipment.
4. Removing formwork or struck by falling objects.

5. Scaffold cranes being erected on scaffolding, which not been strengthened or stabilized
6. Failing to carry out thorough inspection on machinery or equipment.
7. Removing formwork or struts before has had time to set or harden properly.
8. Cutting larger openings out of existing walling which weaken the structure to point of
collapse.
These are only few the accidents in the usage condition and usage acts which cause accident in
the construction industry
(Nash W. G, 1995)
2.2.1 SAFETY AND INCENTIVES
Working hours and incentives also have a bearing effect upon accident, and management may
wish to review policy on those issues in order to improve health and safety on their construction
sites
It has long been accepted that efficiency reduces when excessive overtime is worked, but
accompanying the fall in efficiently is a rise in accident rate.
In construction, the use of overtime is widely spread and the reason for this is clearly:
Workers lay the additional income and management can gain better utilization of existing
manpower.
However, the moral to be drawn is that, the manager who is concerned with safety and accident
prevention needs to look closely at overtime working and it may be necessary to limit the actual
working hours to 50% per week.
Construction workers are also highly dependant upon incentives payment to supplement the base
pay. Safety work is widely used in construction through the labor-only contracting system of
employment. It has often been suggested that, labor-only subcontracting dose little to improve
safety consciousness or to encourage safe working methods at site level. This may be the lack of
satiability within the labor-only workforce, and the financial gains to be reaped from any earlier
finish, all of which tends to be lessen the important that should be attached to safety working
condition.

Despites this, a survey undertaking by Langford (1974) illustrate that most agents interviewed
considered that, 78% of labor-only subcontractors were not aware of safety requirements. The
primary incentive scheme for direct employed works is a production bonus scheme. Various
reasons have been put forward for this. Many people have often agued that incentives do little to
directly motivate but benefit arise from the negligible effect of better organization or production
and this itself will create a safer working environment. Another view is that, incentives bonuses
as often as a lottery and has little to do with workers efforts.
Nevertheless, management must be aware of the additional hazards which may be created by
the use of bonus schemes and evaluate for incentives to safer performance can be incorporated
into their operation. There can be competitions between the sites to encourage better
performance; such schemes have the benefit of encouraging safety awareness on site and
fostering a spirit of co-operation between management and workers about safety matters.
(Nash W. G, 1989)
2.2.2 THE COST OF ACCIDENTS
In the construction industry, the cost of accident can be immense in 1979, the health and safety
executives estimated that the total losses in accident in the United Kingdom was £ 30 million, in
1979 which is approximately GH¢ 300000 in present day Ghana.
However this figure is merely an estimate and there is still the question, “can a meaningful cost
be applied to accidents?” For material lost in which no injury occurs, the accounting of loss can
easily be assessed, but where human loss is concerned, the cost become more difficult life or
physical facility cannot crudely be financially evaluated, yet it has been widely recognized that
monetary compensation to either the required party or relatives (in the event of the facility) has
to be paid. (Hanson Michael, Duke Richmond, (1962)
THE FIRM
The firm which suffers the loss of an operative would have to expect in the event of various
accidents happening on the site as the following:
1. The cost of working seriously disrupted, especially if the injured persons tends to be a
key worker in the gang.
2. The delay in the progress of work and consequently increase in the site cost.

3. The cost of supervisory staff and investigating the accident.

4. Re-planning of the work.
5. Preparing accident report and attending investigatory or injuries into the accident.
6. Repairing and possibly replacing damaged equipment.
7. Increased insurance premiums.
8. Additional time loss through other employees stopping work out of sympathy or out of
curiosity.
VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES
This may have serious effect on the victim’s family life such as;
1. The suffering of pain and shock.
2. The loss of direct earning.
3. In the event of death the complete loss of wage beneficiary to the family.
4. The cost of earning ability (capability in working in future).
5. The extra experienced that are incurred when someone is ill, for example, travelling to and
from the hospital, especially foods etc.
OTHER EMPLOYEES
It is believed that, production can also be affected because of the demoralization effect that an
accident has on victims work mates.
1. Possible loss of bonus due the delay in work, or the possible loss of the key person.
2. The loss of moral. This is difficult to assess in terms of money, but it has an adverse effect on
production. (Nash W. G, 1989)
1. Therefore, accidents create problem for every one and add cost as well as causing
grate deal of human suffering.

The relationship has two (2) components: Accident cost and Preventive cost. As risk is
reduced more money is spent on accident prevention.
Accidents
Preventive Cost
Fig. 1.1. The relationship of cost to safety measures.
2.3 SAFETY
Safety is the risk of being safe from harm or danger, is a positive thing and comes only with care.
Each supervisor will have his own way of handing the accident problems, International City
Managers Association in their bulleting 13 in the series on effective supervisory practices on
employees safety suggested that, the safety programmers should follow guideline that emphasize
preventive measure. According to them, the following five (5) element of safety will help
develop a good programme for preventing accident on site.
1. DESIRE TO STOP ACCIDENT
The supervisor must desire to stop accident and must have sincere interest in safety of his /her
employees.

2. LOCATE THE HAZARD
The site supervisor must cheek the things that caused job delays and injuries in the past. From
this information he will get ideas on things that might cause future accidents. Previous accident
will help when you stop the hazard and correct them promptly.
3. MAKE THE WORK SAFE
Make sure operative tools and equipment are as safe as possible. This will prove to your
employees that, you are interested in their welfares. Also, such action will eliminate many
hazards at the source.
4. CONTROL WORK HAZARD
Both unsafe condition and unsafe acts are involved in most occupational injuries. If you train
your employees to work safely, it will do a great deal to eliminate the causes of accident.
5. INCLUDE YOUR EMPLOYEES
1. Only when employees are interested in safety will they try to prevent accidents, include
their ideals in the safety programme. One good way is to ask their suggestions on how to
make their job safer. When you give instruction, always include safety precautions as part
of instructions. If you hold regular meetings; include a little accident prevention
coverage. Discuss the hazardous and how to eliminate them with your employees. Get
their ideas from improving safety conditions. (Clarke Tony, 1999).
2.3.1 SAFETY TRAINING
Many of the large contractors have a well developed programmer of safety training, but yet there
is not systematic or comprehensive training revision with industry where the local contractor can
also benefit.

Much of the training carried out is occasionally supplemented by the Construction Industry
Training Board (CTIB). (N, L, F, U, 1998)
Safety training should be designed with the new employee and continued throughout the time he
or she is with the construction firm. However it should be given to all employees regardless of
previous experience. The focus of the training should be the company’s safety policy, but
specific information many need to be implemented verbally with a discussion of the company’s
attitude to safety.
Such items as the necessity of wearing clothing for a particular task, location of first aid
equipment, the persons’ qualified to administer aid and pieces of basic information which can be
implemented verbally. One of the most effective means is the use of periodic safety meetings
with the use of visual aids to dramatize the effect of adherence to safe procedures.
1. However, such meetings should be long enough to provide the desired information, and
are often best under taken in an informal setting where workers can contribute to
observation concerning safety on site. Some of the matters that can be discussed at such
meetings could include:
1. Information on accident that have been elsewhere on similar sites (The company safety
officers should keep site managers informed about such accidents and conclusions have
been drawn from them).
2. Indicate precautionary measures necessary to enhance the workmen to provide more
positive attitude towards work.
3. Reviewing first aid procedures
4. Pointing out (preferably without mentioning names) any usage practices that have been
noticed.
To supplement such general training and in-depth training for specific trades and
sections, may necessary to enhance the workmen to develop more positive attitude
towards work. Clearly future certificate will necessitate and expansion of training
facilities and this may only be first step in having a more systematic approach, to safety
training. (Chudley R, 1987)

2.4 THE ROLE OF SAFETY OFFICERS OR INSPECTORS

Safety officers or inspectors are persons who are directly involve in the checking of
safety at a particular site, because of this, they are granted power to enter the site for the
purposes of inspection at any time. The inspector may involve in the taking of
photographs, sample of materials etc. Site managers may be asked to provide documents
or any information required by the inspector to carry out his duties. The inspector has a
duty to inform the workforce on site of any matters which are likely to deleterious to the
workers health and safety, but the inspector is also obliged to give the same information
to the employer.
Contractors should give useful thought to role of full-time safety officer .Two basic
concepts about this roles are:
1. Safety officer should be an advisor to site management and
2. The safety officer undertakes responsibilities on behalf of sites.
It has been agreed that, site managers must have a primary concern to safety on their
sites and therefore, it will seem consistent with this view that the role of the safety
officer should be advised to management of specific aspect of health and safety
matters.
Obviously, the role of the safety officer will vary from firm it firm; depending upon
the size of the organization and type of construction work undertaking, but it consists
of the following duties:
1. Formulating of the companies safety policy.
2. Advising management on safety maters.
3. Assist in the drafting of safety working procedure and code of practices.
4. Reporting and investigating accident with the preparation of safety records.
5. Safety training.
6. Safety assessment of site management
7. Carrying out inspection on site
(Hanson Michael, Duke Richmond, (1962)
In carrying out these duties, the safety officer must at all times, work in close
harmony with management to ensure no aspect of safety in negligible. Clearly, the
qualification of a safety officer offer will vary but as with most occupation in the

construction industry, energy, intelligence and personality are perhaps, the most
important personal characteristics.
In order that the safety officers can talk authoritatively to site managers, a
technical background is often desired, but they must be complemented by a strong
commitment to safety with an ability to convey this attribute to orders.
The company safety officer will also have to cooperate with other functional
specialist with the firm such as training officers, site engineers and foremen etc. to
ensure that internal company causes have adequate safety content.
(Chudley R, 1981)
2.5 THE HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION
The Health and Safety at wok Act 1974 supplement the old legislation such as the factory Act,
shop and railway premise Act. The act was initiated with the intention of creating legal and
administrative structure under which all workers and the general public at all large were to be
protected.
It is an enabling statue imposing a general care of the people associated with work activities and
so it is a change from previous health and safety legislation, which were more concerned with
physical harm. Generally the Act consists of at least more specific, obligation on managers,
supervisors and workers representatives.
2.5.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE LEGISLATION
AIMS
 To ensure health and safety and warfare of persons at work.

 To protect persons other than persons at work against to health and safety rising out of, or
in connection with, the activities of persons at work.
 To control the emission into the atmosphere of offensive substances.

OBJECTIVIES
The principal objective is to involve everybody at the workplace (management and workers) to
create an awareness of the importance or achieving high standard of safety and the responsibility
for doing what is necessary to avoid accidents.
2.5.2 DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
EMPLOYERS
With the Act, came specific duties that employers should perform. In particular, section 2 of the
Health and Safety a work Act 1974 specified that, employers are to ensure the health, safety and
welfare of all employees. From the generalize duty, employees have detailed responsibilities
such as:
 To develop system of work, which area practicable, safe and has no risk to health;
 To provide plant to facilitate this duty, and this general requirements is to cover all
plants used at work place;
 To provide training in the matter of health and safety; employers must provide the
instruction, training and supervisory necessary to ensure a safe working environment.
 To prepare written statement of safety policy and to establish an organization framework
for carrying out the policy, the policy must be brought directly to the attention of all the
employers.
EMPLOYEES
Specific duties are also given to the employees to make them conscious of their immediate
working environment, namely;
 To take care of their health and safety and that of all persons who would be affected by
the act or an omission at the workplace.

 To co-operate with the employer to enable any one to comply with the statutory
provisions. (Nash W. G, 1995).
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION TO THE

SAFETY INSPECTOR OR OFFICER
Health and Safety Executive allows safety inspectors to;
 Enter any premises where work is carried on without giving notice;

 Talk to people at work;
 Take photographs and samples;
 Impound dangerous equipment and substances;
 Issue advice and or warnings;
 Issue improvement notice;
 Issue prohibition notice;
 Mount prosecution against individuals, corporate bodies, nationalized industries or local
authorities;
 Investigate accidents;
 Seize evidence;
 Consult and appoint experts.
In addition, the average, about 25000 notices are 26000 prosecutions are made each year, 90
% of which are successful.
If the inspector or officer finds a site in breach of the requirement of the Acts, then three
possible remedies may be applied namely;
 NOTICE OF IMPROVEMENT
The notice of improvement means that if a site is in contravention of a statutory provision, as

inspector may serve an improvement notice, stating his opinion concerning the breach of

organization, the particulars of the breach, and the demand that the contractor rectify the
situation within a given period.
An inspector may serve as an improvement notice if he is of the opinion that a person is:
(a) Contravening one or more of the relevant statutory provisions, or

(b) Has contravened one or more of those provisions in circumstances that makes it likely
that the contravention will continue to be repeated.
In the improvement notice the inspector must:
(1) State that he is of the opinion in (a) and (b), and
(2) Specify the provision in his opinion contravened, and
(3) Give the particulars of the reason of the opinion, and
(4) Specify a period of time within which the person is required to remedy the contravention.
The person on whom the notice has been served then has 21 days to comply or with lodge an
appeal within an industrial tribunal. At the end of 21 days, the inspector will return if the
appeal has been lodge and if the notice has no been complied with it can have a serious penal
consequences. The maximum fine which can currently be imposed on summary convicted is
£ 5000 (criminal Justice act 1991). In certain circumstances, however, magistrates can
impose fine of £ 20 000. (Clarke Tony, 1999)
 INSTRUCTION ON SEIZES AND DESTROY
Under this instruction the inspector may seize and destroy any article or substance, which
causes imminent danger to persons.
 NOTICE OF PROHIBITION
The notice of prohibition arises when the inspector is of the view that the construction
activities been undertaken involve the risk of serious personal injury. He or she should state
why, in his or her own view, a provision notice is necessary. The notices will instruct a
person not to undertake only operation until measures have being put in place to improve
safety.
In addition, If an inspector is of the opinion that work place activities involves or will involve
the risk of a serious personal injury, he will serve a prohibition notice on that person. A
prohibition notice is different from an improvement notice in two important ways:
1. It is not necessary for an inspector to believe that a provision of the health and safety at
Work Act or any other statutory provision is being, or have been contravened.
2. It is enough for an inspector to anticipate danger.
In a prohibition notice an inspector must:
(a) State that he is of the opinion there is a hazardous activity or state of affairs.
(b) Specify the matters that create the risk.
(c) Where there is an actual or anticipated breach of a regulation, that state that he is of the
opinion that this is so and set out the reasons.
(d) Direct that the activities referred to in the notice must not be carried out, on, by or other
control of the person on whom the notice is served.
An improvement notice gives the person on whom it is served time to correct the
defect or the offending situation. A prohibition notice, which is a direction to stop the
work or activity in question, rather than to put it right, can take effect immediately on
issue.
Accordingly, it is a question of either an improvement notice or a prohibition notice. If
an offence is thought to have created serious risks to life or disclose flagrant disregards of
health and safety duties and alternatively the offence were persistent, the matter can be
laid before a Crown Court which can be imposed an unlimited fine and jail sentence.
(Clarke Tony, 1999)

2.6 SAFETY POLICIES, ORGANISATION AND ARRANGEMENT
The health and safety at wok Act radically departs from the previous safety law in that there
is strong element of self regulation of safety, with a view to firms having an efficient
organization for health and safety. This approach of self- regulation has created problems for
firms operating in the construction industry. It falls on management to control the various
problems, which arises from site to site during the progress of the job.
Climate, regional difference in the labor force, time of year, type of contract, method of
payment, type of employment practices, and the labor mobility all indicated that construction
management will have difficult job to control safety on site. Additionally, as employers have
expected a building to complete on time and within the estimated cost, safety has often
regarded as an imposition upon the drive to satisfy these primary objectives.
Successfully firms within the industry have solved their difficulties without affecting
productivity and have effectively integrated to safety and health of the workforce into the
main scream of their organization al operatives. Progressive management also argues that the
safety and health of workers must be as equally well organized as the commercial aspects of
the company. However, this is a wide diversity in attitudes to site within the industry. It is
noticeably that, of all the fatalities recoded in 1977, only 21% of the total occurred in large
industries, and this fact needs to be balanced against the large proportion of the industry’s
workforce employed by a larger contractor. Perhaps it is not surprising that the larger
organization have a better safe record than the more casual operators within the Industry,
since it is widely organized that a company’s safety policies lives or dies by the support
received from the top management. This commitment to safety from the top is important and
it must be emphasized to safe working condition throughout the company.
In general, safety policies must be backed by the organization and arrangements, which will
secure the maximum effect. A typical organizational structure for the control of safety is
shown in fig. (1). since each company has its own style and manner of operation, the
structure does not describe a detailed arrangement for the organization for safety. The
intention behind the self-regulation principle is that, safety policy should reflect a
compatibility of safety procedures and general organization.

Communication is an aspect that needs a very close attention. Firms in particular may need to
ensure that safety system manuals are transmitted to sites where they will be needed. There
should be flow of information between sites and head office to create the awareness or the
site conditions to site management alerting sites to their attitude towards safety. A good
communication system can assist in the circulation or information concerning new hazards
within the company and the industry in general.
(Grundy J.T, 1989)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FORMULATES POLICY AND
MONITORS IMPLEMENTATION
OF POLICY
MANAGING DIRECTOR
ACCOUNTABLE TO THE BOARD
FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF
HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY.
.
CONTRACT MANAGERS
SAFETY COMMITTEE SAFETY OFFICERS
ACCOUNTABLE TO MANAGING
ADVISORS ON ALC ADVISE ON SAFETY
DIRECTOR TO ENSURE THAT
MATTERS RELATING POLICIES AND RULES.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
TO HEALTH AND ENSURING THEY ARE
ARRANGEMENT ARE BEING
SAFETY IMPLEMENTED
EFFECTIVELY APPLIED.
SITE AGENT/ GENERAL FOREMAN

ACCOUNTABILITY TO
MANAGERS FOR APPLYING
SAFETY RULES AND PROCEDURE
ON SITE
OPERATIVES RESPONSIBLE FOR

ABIDING BY HEALTH AND SAFETY
RULES AND TAKING REASONABLY
CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND
OTHERS
SAFETY
INDIRECT
INDIRECT RELATIONSHIP
REPRESENTATIVES
ADVICE AND ASSIST IN
PROMOTION HEALTH AND DIRECT RELATIONSHIP
SAFETY
FIG. (1) A SAFETY STRUCTURE FOR A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.

2.6.1 GENERAL RULES FOR SAFETY ORGANISATION
 The delegation of responsibility for safety down to work force;

 The identification of key personnel’s to direct the safety effort in a specified area of
work;
 The development of job description which emphasizes that site managers are accountable
for safety on site;
 The monitoring of safety by the safety officer of a company and the submission of reports
to the senior management in such a manner that they have pictures of what is happening
on site in terms of health and safety;
 Placing strong emphasis on the development of safety systems of work;
 The importance of good communication between sites and head office over safety
matters.(Chudley R, 1987)
SITE HARZARDS
The extensive use of semi-permanent or temporary wiring on sites, the rough usage that
equipment gets, the hostile condition under which is used and often the lack of knowledge of
those using the equipment contributes to the higher risk potential to the use of electricity.
Compliance the electricity at work regulation will reduce the hazards which are divide into three
categories; namely;
 Electrocution
 Fire
 Glare
ELECTROCUTION
There are three operatives that carry the highest risk of electrocution
- The use of portable tools.

- Striking a buried cable.
- Cranes and diggers making contract with overheads power lines.
Portable tools are used extensively on sites and maintaining them and their connecting cables in
good repair is a critical factor of their safe use. Electrocution occurs when the body acts as

a conduction between the power line and earth, often because the earth connection on the
tools has broken or, less commonly, as a link between differently charge conductors. All
portable tools must be securely earthed and the plug on the head should be correctly fused.
The greater form of electrocution on construction site is through the use of a voltage system.
This is essential where potable hand tools are use and the system recommended is 110 V AC
with the center point of the secondary winding trapped to earth will be 55V, which normally is
reckoned to be non-fatal. The risk of electrocution from power tool is increased if they are used
in wet conditions. (Clarke Tony, 1999)
FIRE
Fires are usually caused through over loading a circuit, frequently because of wrong fusing.
Repeated rupturing of fuse should be investigated to find the cause rather than replacing the
fuse, should be investigated to find the cause rather than replacing the blown fuse by a larger
one in the hope that it will not blow. Water getting into apparatus also causes short circuit
which result in overheating of one part of the system. Electrical heaters used on sites should
be of the non-radiant type, either tabular fan or convector heaters.
(Grundy J.T, 1989)
GLARE
Glare can prevent a crane driver from seeing clearly what is happening to his load and causes
patches of darkness in access ways that prevent operators from seeing the floor or obstacles.
Electric are welding flash causes a painful condition known, as ‘arc-eyes’ so welding
operations should be shielded suitable flame-resistant screens. Floodlights are designed to
operate at a height of 6m or more and must never be taken down to use as local lighting as
the glare from such misuse could create areas of black shadow and may even cause eye
injury. (Grundy J.T, 1989)

2.6.2 DANGEROUS AND UNHEALTHY ATMOSPHERE
Conditions under which work is carried out on construction sites is largely dictated by the
weather, ranging from soaking wet to hot, dry and dusty, and suitable protection for the
health of the operators should be provided. However, there is a considerable range of
substances and working techniques now in use creating their own hazards, namely:
i. COLD AND WET
Cold is most damaging to health when it is associated with wet, as it is then very difficult to
maintain normal body temperature. Being cold and wet frequently and for substantial periods
may increase the likelihood of bronchitis and arthritis and other degenerating ailments. The
effect of cold and wet on the employee can be mitigated by three factors: food, clothing and
shelter. Where practicable, shelter from the worst of the wind and wet should be provided during
interruption of work owing to bad weather, could also be used for warming up and drying-out
breaks whenever men have become cold, wet and uncomfortable.
(Clarke Tony, 1999).
ii. HEAT
Excessive heat has tended to be discounted as a problem on construction sites, and cases
of heat exhaustion, which do occur during heat waves, are often attributed to some other
quite irrelevant cause. Common forms of heat stress produce symptoms such as;
lassitude, headache, and fainting and muscular cramp. Loss of fluids and salt from the
body is a direct result of sweating and when not compensated for by increased intake of
salt and fluids causes danger. If the body becomes seriously depleted it leads to severe
muscular cramps. (Nash W. G, 1989)
iii. DUST AND FUMES
Despite the general outdoors nature of work, construction workers are not immune from
the hazards of air bone contaminants. Though wind movement can dilute dust and fumes

through out the site, operatives on particular processes may have a dangerous
concentration in their immediate breathing area unless extraction is provided. Typical
construction processes creating hazardous dust and fumes are:
- Cadmium poisoning from dust and fumes arising from welding, brazing, soldering or
heating cadmium plated steel.
- Lead poisoning as a result of inhaling lead fumes when cutting of burning structures or
timber coated with lead paint.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by incomplete combustion in a confined space or
from the exhausts diesel and petrol engines.
- Metal fume fever from breathing zinc fumes when welding or burning good health on
site.
Each of the hazards can be prevented by the provision and use of suitable and adequate
exhaust ventilation or breathing mask. Food should not be consumed in such an area, and
the medical condition can be worsening through habitual smoking. A good standard of
personal hygiene is also an important factor in maintaining good health on site.
(Chudley R, 1987)
iv. INSUSTRIAL DERMATITIS
The increasing range of chemical base products use on sites poses a potential risk to those
who handle them unless suitable precautions are taken. The complaint is neither
infectious nor contagious, but once it develops the sufferer becomes allergic to the
particular chemical and will react to the smallest exposure. All chemical substance that is
supplied to sites should be well labeled or marked and if precautions recommended are
adhered to by users, then little or no effect should be experienced. Industrial gloves
provide the most effective protection and where necessary opinions, face marks and etc.
Good personal hygiene most importantly should be encouraged with the use of skin
conditioning creams after washing. (Chudley R, 1981)
v. SEWERS
Sewers, manholes and soak ways are all confined spaces and a proper assessment of risk
should be carried out before any work is carried out on them to determine the necessary
control measures to avoid the risk. Some precautions to be taken include, testing the
atmosphere for toxic and flammable gases and lack of oxygen. Respiration or breathing
apparatus should be worn where the atmosphere is foul.
(Nash W. G, 1989)
2.6.3 SAFETY FACTORS IN SPECIALIZE ACTIVITIES
2.6.3.1 SAFETY IN DEMOLITION WORK
Demolition is one of the processes involves in site clearing and that demolition which may be
partial or total is done for the following reasons:
(a) STRUCTURAL FAILURE: This may be due to failure of the structural members due to
age or degradation leading to instability, overstressing due to overloading of members. A
structure can also be demolition when it reaches its ultimate state or anticipated design
age.
(b) PROGRESS OF SOCIETY: Demolition are sometimes carried out to fulfill certain
requirements in the society such as:
Change of use of building, compliance with new legislation (e.g. on fire exits and to make
way of new schemes (e.g. Redevelopment of road.) ;
(c) ECONOMIC CONSIDERATION: Certain buildings have outlined their anticipated

useful life period and will be too expensive to repaired than to demolish and constructing
new ones. Sometimes also it may be due to uneconomic use of land.
(d) STATUTORY CONTROL: Before any demolishing work is carried out, Section 29 of
the public Health Act 1961 requires notice to be given to local authority (in England) or
the district surveyor or a warrant to be obtained from the building authority.

However, before the demolishing is undertakings, that is electricity, gas water, telephone
and other bodies. (Nash W. G, 1989)
2.6.3.2 RISK AND PROTECTION
Demolishing is one of the most dangerous of all operations in the construction industry
and an appreciation of all the risk involved, is therefore essential. The most important risk
to human can be divided between the operatives and the general public
(A) OPERATIVE
Accident to operatives may result from one of the following:
 Fall: fall from unsafe section of work, through holes created for debris to pass
through, over balancing etc.
 Falling Object: being hit by falling debris.
 Unintentional collapse of work structure: due to insufficient temporary support,
removal of structure important members, overloading of structural members.
 Fire: Fire caused by friction, flame cutting equipment, electricity shot circuits and
loss of control of small deliberate members.
 Lifting Operation: Incorrect procedure adopted both for physical and chemical
operations
 Injuries: Injuries to head, eyes, hands, and feet.
 Plant and equipment: Plants and equipments should be operated by competent
trained personnels.
Protection is best afforded by provision of suitable safety clothing in the form of
helmet, boots, goggles, gloves, and jacket. Debris should be channeled by persons
with a thorough knowledge of demolishing work, who will be able to foresee the
attendant problems. (Nash W. G, 1989)

(B) GENERAL PUBLIC

Demolishing work like construction work, attach interest for its own safety if the public
must be protected. Hoarding ideally 2.4m high, is used to enclose site for protection
where people, vehicles or other adjoining buildings are protected from falling objects, by
provided for hoarding erection.
Dust generation and smoke generation as a result of plant usage should be protected to
prevent pollution and fire should be extinguished well before workmen leave the site to
avoid problem of any possible fire out break.
For all demolition work carried out, it is essential to remember the TENS’S.
1. Survey the work carefully.
2. Stabilize the adjoining building.
3. Services should be disconnected or modified.
4. Specialist should be consulted as an early stage.
5. Salvage important material.
6. Small number of operation on site.
7. Supervise constantly.
8. Structural-collapse method economic when practical and safe.
9. Safety is the vital aim.
(Clarke Tony, 1999)
SHORING
This is form of temporary support which can be given to existing building with the primary
function of proving the necessary precautions to avoid change to any person from collapse of the
structure as required by construction (Health and safety and Warfare) Regulation 1996.
SHORING SYSTEMS
There are three (3) basic systems of shoring, which can be used separately or in combination
with one another to provide the support and these, are namely:
 Raking shoring: Use to support a combination of vertical and horizontal loading.

 Fling shoring: An alternative to raking shoring to a clear working space at ground
space at ground level.

2.7 PRECAUTION IN EXCAVATION WORK
All building and civil engineering works involve digging into the ground or surface of the earth.
This is done to the position the structure on a firm stratum to achieve structural stability. Certain
services such as Electricity, water, telephone, etc. are also buried in the excavations, likewise
manhole, and cesspool and inspection chamber. However, these excavations must be carried out
to ensure that there is safety for the employees and the general public during and after excavation
is completely sealed. The construction regulation 1961 of the United Kingdom is a statutory
instrument which set out the minimum requirements for the safe conduct of work in excavation
for building operation and works of engineering construction. The document state that:
1. An adequate supply of timber or other suitable material must be supplied and used to
prevent danger to any person employed in excavation over 1.2m deep from a fall.
2. The timbering should be carried out as the work proceed and must be excavated under the
direction of a competent person who must ensure that all materials used are adequately
strong and suitable for its intended function.
3. All excavation over 1.2m deep in which persons are employed must be inspected by a
competent person at least once a day and excavation over 2.0m must be inspected before
each shift commences.
4. Inspection of excavation must be carried out if there is substantial damage of support if
there had been an unacceptable fall of the earth or other materials.
5. A suitable fence or barrier must be provided to the sides of excavation over 2.0m deep or
alternatively they must be securely covered.
6. Material must not be placed near to the edges of excavations, nor is plant placed or
moved near excavations so that persons working in excavations are endangered.
(Chudley R, 1981)
In addition to all these safety measures, the safety officer on site or site supervisor must
ensure that operatives do not use timbering as a means to exit access or into excavation, but a
strong secured ladder place at suitable distances and use as means of entering and coming out
of excavations.


2.7.1 PRECAUTION IN SCAFFOLDING AND LADDERS
Scaffolding is a temporary structure for which persons gain access to place of work at higher
heights in other to carry out building, operation and supporting, materials during
construction, maintenance or alternative work. However, adequate precautions must be
considered during the erection and the progress of the work or walls after work has been
completed whiles scaffolding are left in position.
Scaffolding and ladders are normally constructed of timber, tabular steel or aluminum or
alloy. Attention must be given to the material and the personnel involve in the activity.
The basics requirements for scaffolds are to ensure that:
1. It is strong enough to carry all the loads that may be placed on it. Standards should not be
placed far apart.
2. It is suitable and will not bend or move in any direction. It is important that sufficient
bracing is provided both across and along its elevation.
3. Platforms are safe to work on and traps are left in boarding.
4. Material and tools do not falloff working platforms.
The construction regulation (UK) is intended to cover all of the foregoing point and their
main equipments are as outlined below:
 All materials should be of a good quality and in sound condition.

 Every scaffold should be in good condition.
 Every scaffold should be properly maintained.
 Standards should be vertically or slightly leaning towards the building, fixed and
sufficiently close together to secure the stability of the scaffold.
 The foot of scaffold standard should be on a firm base.
 A scaffold should be securely supported and properly strutted and braced or rigidly
connected to a building to ensure stability.
 No part of a building should be use to support a scaffold unless the structure is sound
of material and good construction.
 Ledges should be horizontal as possible and securely fasten to the upright.
(Nash W. G, 1989)
2.7.2 WORKING PLATFORMS AND GANGWAYS
This is often necessary to provide access to a platform by means of a gangway. These

must be constructed so as to prevent people from falling off them. They should never be
tool steep if two or more boarded are used. They should be braced together to prevent
accident occurring during frosty to rainy weather.

The construction regulation occurring also included in the following requirements;
1. All working platform and gangways should be closely boarded.

2. Boards to rest securely and evenly on support (not less than three (3) supports).
3. No plank to project greater than four (4) times its thickness (unless required).
(Nash W. G, 1995)
(a) WIDTH OF WORKING PLATFORMS
Platforms must be of sufficient width. This depends on the particular width for which
they are intended. Platform which a person is liable to fall out a distance more than 2m,
the following widths shall apply:
1. 640mm width if for footing only and for the deposit of material.
2. 870mm wide if used for deposit of material only.
3. 640mm wide if it is used for material.
4. Gangway must be at least 430m wide if need for persons only.
5. If a platform or gangway becomes slippery, then as soon as is reasonable practical,
steps should be taken to remedy the condition by sandy or cleaning
(b) GUARD RAILS AND TOES BOARDS
To prevent any one from falling off platform, guardrails should be securely fixed on the
inside of the standard .Text boards should also be prevent also material from being
pushed over the edges. The following regulation applies for any platform from a person is
liable to fall at a distance of more than 2.0m:
1. A guardrail should be fixed at a height 900mm and 1.15m above the platform.
2. A toe board of not less than 155m in height should be fixed.
3. Guide rails and toe boards should be fixed on the inside of the uprights.
4. The distance between the toe board or any other barrier and the guiderail should not
exceed 762mm.
© INSPECTION OF SCAFFLODS
Before a scaffold is used, a competent person must inspect it within the immediate
proceeding seven days according to the construction. Regulation1966. This statutory
instrument is designed to ensure that suitable and sufficient safe and access to every place
at which any person at the time work is provided and properly maintained.

Regulation 39 emphasize that, a scaffold must be inspected if the scaffold is subjected to

adverse weather condition, which are likely to affect its stability.
Report must be made in the prescribed register, which shows the following information:
1. The location and description of scaffold or equipment.

2. The date of inspection
3. The result of inspections (weather is good or not).
4. The signature of the person making the inspection.
The importance of providing safe and reliable scaffold form which to carry out operation
cannot be over emphasized, since badly constructed and non-maintained scaffold are
largely contributed to the higher rate of accident which prevails in the construction
industry today. (Nash W. G, 1989)
2.7.3 FAULT IN SCAFFOLDING
The following is a lot of some of the most common faults, which may be found in
scaffolds
A careful watch should be kept at all times to see that they don’t occur on site.
(a) Standard not truly plumbed in elevation.

(b) Base plate not placed underneath standard.
(c) Base plate not resting adequate soleplate.
(d) Ledges not truly horizontal.
(e) Insufficient ledge bracing been fixed.
(f) Traps been left in platform.
(g) Poor quality boards being used for platform.
(h) No handrail at all or handrails placed at the wrong height.
(i) Too grate space between the toe board and handrail improperly secured.
(j) Excavation being carried out near scaffolding without adequate precautions being taken
against possible collapse. (Nash W. G, 1989)

LADDER
All ladders must be of a good construction and adequate strength for the purpose for which
they are to be used. They must be properly maintained. The regulation for ladder includes the
following requirements:
1. No ladder should be used in which there are missing runners to stiles or sides.
2. Every ladder should have a firm and level footing.
3. A ladder should not stand or loose brick or other loose packing.
4. A ladder must be secured where necessary to prevent undue sagging or swaying.
5. Ladder rising to a vertical height of more than 9.14m should be provided with an
intermediate landing place.
6. These must be provided with guardrails and toe boards.
7. A ladder should be securely fixed out at its upper resting place and should extend to a
height of at least 1.5m above the platform.
(Chudley R, 1981)


2.7.5 ALL RISK INSURANCE POLICY
Insurance firms offer the policy to construction complainers, which undertake contracts.
This policy seeks to protect all temporary and permanent all temporary and permanent works and
all items of construction of the site such as plants and equipments and tools for the contactor. It
also covers the temporary building used as offices and their contents. Loss or damaged to the
unfixed material and equipment on site also catered for in this policy. The policy provided in all-
risk cover to contractors in the cause of construction and erections until jobs are handed over to
the client. (Grundy J.T, 1989)
2.8 COST OF SAFETY
In construction the cost of accidents can be very immense, in that this question always
remains: “can a meaningful cost be applied to accident?”. For material losses in which no
injury occurs the accounting of loss can be easily assessed; but where human loss is
concerned, the costing becomes more difficult. Life or a physical facility cannot be
crudely evaluated financially, yet it has been widely recognized that monetary
compensation to either the injured party or relatives has to be paid.
Contractor’s insurers pay the compensation, but this fact should not detract from an
incentive to improve safety. However, doubt has been raised as to whether the premium
loading is adequate, since many insurance companies will spread the risk rather than
sharply discriminate between good and bad risk organizations. This has often proved
frustration to companies with progressive accident prevention policies, because the
insurers do not recognize their attitude to the problem. One approach to this problem is to
treat the direct costs of accidents and the cost of the preventative measures taken to avoid
them as the total accident cost and find ways to minimize this cost. In construction the
cost of accidents will fall as safety measures increase. As risk is reducing, accident cost is
also reduce, but in order that risk must be reduce money must be spent on prevention or
accidents. The cost of accident prevention can be based upon more objective data.
Companies can abstract from records the costs of safety in terms of the prevision of
safety administration protective clothing and equipment, insurance, extra manning for
safety reasons, estimated loss of production due to in avoidable hazards on sites etc. the
value of cost per worker can be compared against the costs of accidents per worker.
However, it is important to stress that the economic aspects of safety should not be seen
as the prime motivator for construction safety. The central issue is the intangible element
of a whole and healthy workforce for construction. Cost consideration can only be seen
as a guide to determining priorities and improvements of health and safety in
construction. (Clarke Tony, 1999)

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.0 INTRODUCTION
In order to ascertain the level of heath and safety practices in the construction industry, and also
certain safety policies being implemented by construction firms against accident, this chapter
deals basically with the method used in collecting of data for the study.
3.1 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION
The author has adopted the following measures to carry out this research in both primary and
secondary source of information for the study.
3.2 DATA COLLECTION PROCEDURE
(1) Literature Review.

(2) Physical Observation
(3) Questionnaires
(4) Interviews
3.2.1 LITERATURE REVIEW
Various literatures were reviewed to acquire first hand information on health and safety in
construction industry in Koforidua Metropolis.
The review looked at such areas as shown below:
 Causes and types of accident in construction.

 The cost of safety.
 Safety training.
 The role of safety officers.
 Safety incentives.
 Safety in demolition work.
 Precautions in scaffolding and ladders.

 All-risk insurance policy.
3.2.2 PHYSICAL OBSERVATIONS
The author embarked on a series of site visits to assess the degree of safety measures on
construction site by construction firm to obtain primary data and some other basic information
needed for the study. A general survey was conducted on building construction sites and road
construction site in the case study area. This was aimed at identifying the problems associated
with accident on construction site; looking critically the right safety measures are implemented.
Photographs of some of the dangerous situation prevailing on the site which normally causes
accident were taken.
3.2.3 QUESTIONNAIRES
Sixteen (16) questionnaires were administered for the construction firms in Koforidua
Metropolis to collect information on health and safety practices on construction site. Fourteen
(14) responds were received. It was designed for both the management and the operatives on site
to access the rate at which safety measurers are observed on site.
Refer to appendix (xii) for the preview of the questionnaire used.
3.2.4 INTERVIEW
Since the questionnaires, literature reviews and observation alone weren’t enough to ensure
exhaustive data collection, site supervisors and management of various construction firms were
interviewed to assess their performances on enforcing rules and regulation on their site for this
research.

CHARPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENATION AND ANALYSIS
4.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter of the research work seeks to present and discuss fully the findings from the
objectives, interviews and questionnaires etc. which were issued to the construction firms.
In all sixteen (16) questionnaires were issued to the construction firm in the case study area, to
collect data, and there was fourteen (14) responses. Physical observations were made to sites to
asses the degree of safety. Interviews were conducted with site supervisors, operatives, and
management of the various firms and workmen, which has been fully presented and discussed.
4.1 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
4.1.1 IN SAFETY POLICY IN CONSTRUCTION FIRMS
From the data collection, thirteen (13) companies out of fourteen (14) representing 93%
confirmed that they have safety policies.
During the interviews with some of the management of the firms upon a request of firms of their
safety polices, none of the firms were able to show any documents to the researcher to which
they claim to posses.
A supervisor I interviewed and said that “we have company’s safety policy, but I cannot brief
you on it since the safety officer is not around, he should have been
the person to do that”
An interviewee commented: “we advice the workmen on safety on site, but we don’t have any
written document about what we tell them”.
However, safety policy is a company’s own self-regulation based on its own size and resources
and this policy must be made known to all supervisors and then give instructions down to all the
workmen in the firm towards the prevention of accident on site.
These accidents, case fatalities to workmen to which firms pay medical expenses and
compensations to these victims are an extra cost to the construction firms. (Grundy J.T, 1989)
Safety policy is therefore a lay down rule to construction companies to help check both
operatives and laborers on site so as to prevent miss happenings, thereby preventing serious
accident which will result in serious injuries, death etc. This is the essence of meetings and in-
service training for the officers and operatives as well as laborers organization being an
important as already mentioned in chapter two, to ensure that they are adhere to.
4.1.2 SAFETY OFFICERS TRAINING AND MEETINGS
It was found out from the study that, eleven companies out of fourteen companies have safety
officers and they organize safety training and meetings for their employees while three of the
companies don’t have safety officers.
A more thorough investigation with some site supervisor and workmen revealed that, the site
supervisors were the safety officer for the firms. There’s no safety officer to give advice to
management on the necessary action to take in order to ensure that safety regulation are effected
on sites.
Some of the workmen who were interviewed have this to say: “Our managers do not take care of
us in terms of provision of safety boots, overalls, gloves, helmets etc. as we expected them to do.
They don’t organize meetings nor train us on safety practices; we have been working for a long
time and have acquired some experience and techniques which we always use on site”
It is as a result of negative attitude on the part of the firms that have been causing serious and
numerous accidents on construction firms.
According to “Construction Management in Practice” safety officer are to be employed based on

the size of the company to draft safety policy for the firms, advice management on safety
regulation, organize periodic safety meetings and training on site for workmen and supervisor on
what technique they must adopt to ensure compliances to safety rules to reduce or prevent
accident occurrences on site, to some of the companies in terms of extra expenses and lives of
workmen.

4.1.3 CONSTRUCTION SITE ACCIDENTS
The major cause of accident as found from the study could be attributed to negligence. It was
found out that, out of the fourteen firms surveyed, nine of the site was not having safety
measures put in place. Six firms said it is a result of forsaking safety precautions on the part of
workmen on site.
Moreover, some firms indicated that they keep records on all accidents occurred, while others
stated that they don’t keep records.
Observations made by the researcher portrayed certain negative practiced on the part of
workmen such as:
 Working with T-shirt and bare chested,

Refer to appendix (I) a and b for the photograph
 Wearing of bathroom slippers and some times bear footed whiles working on site.
Refer to appendix (II) a and b for the photograph
 Wearing of cement paper of helmet.

 Refer to appendix (III) for the photograph
 Working with iron rods and other metals without hand gloves.
Refer to appendix (IV) for the photograph
 Working on narrow scaffolds.

Refer to appendix (V) for the photograph
 Roofing a building without the prescribe scaffold used in a confined area etc.
Refer to appendix (VI) for the photograph
 Poor site layout with materials scattered any how on site which is prone to serious
accidents
Refer to appendix (VII) for the photograph
 Painting work being on higher levels e.g. roofs without gloves, helmets, overall etc. nor
hat to shield workmen from the scotching sun
Refer to appendix (VIII) for the photograph

 An unprotected excavated trench without any warning notes nor timbering to support
their sides on site which can be very dangerous to workers on site
Refer to appendix (IX) and (X) for the photograph
Site supervisors permit such things to go on unchecked on their site, which can lead to certain
common accident occurring at the site which could be avoided by proper supervision. Falling
from scaffolds, striking ones head by a falling material or an object from above, striking ones
foot against an object are some examples.
Accidents on construction site are due to usage activity on the part of workmen and supervisors.
This truly reflects what is happening on the site and photographs were taken to show these
activities. (Chudley R, 1987)
Although, the construction, companies indicated that nothing like records book but rather, the
records were kept in minds of the supervisors or the foremen. It is important that records are kept
for future reference and policies. Records also serve as a measure of improvement on activities.
An attempt by the author to obtain these records from government organization such as statistical
service motor trafficking transport unit (MTTU) proves futile. These establishments indicate that
they don’t have records which made it impossible for the author to state the magnitude of
accident occurring in Ghana.
However, observation and interview on some of the sites supervised by white men were having a
very safe and healthy atmosphere. An interview with some of the labors testified that, any one
who tends to be in an unsafe manner, and having been cautioned for more than three times by the
safety officer, is being sacked immediately.
Refer to appendix (XI) a and b for the photograph of a safe and healthy atmosphere
observed on some of the site supervised by some of the foreigners heading companies.

4.1.4 DISPLAYING OF WARNING NOTICE AND EARTHWORK SUPPORT BY
FIRMS
Form the data collected, convey the issue of displaying of warning notices and earth work
support by firms. Fourteen (14) companies thus 100% said they display this warning notice
regularly on their site, four (4) representing 29% of the companies’ stated that they only display
these notices only on intensive projects.
With the provision of earthwork support to the sides of exaction, 79% of the side of the
companies indicated that they provide these supports, 43% of the companies used timbering,
whiles 29% of the companies indicated that, the nature of the soil determines whether to provide
earthwork support or not.
Also, on provision of warning notices and protection of adjoining properties, during demolition
work 86% of the companies stated that, they provide all these things.
Further analysis of the results indicated that 86% of the firms do inspect scaffolds/ladders
before they are being used, 7% stated they don’t inspect it before they are used.
In similar manner, 29% of the firms said they have trained scaffolding employees and 64%
proved that, they don’t have specially trained scaffold inspectors.
Observation by the author revealed that, only the road contractors normally had this notices
displayed, such as:
-“Slow down men at work”
-“Road diversion”
-“Loose chippings drive with care” etc.
But on the site of the building contractors, nothing of this sort were seen, although there are
trenches, septic tank, holes etc. on site which workmen and passer-by (general public) can beg
victim to these depressions unknowingly thereby causing sever injuries or even death.

Construction Regulation 1961 of United Kingdom U K stipulated that “excavation activities

must be carried out to ensure that, there is safety for the employees and the general public during
and after excavation until the excavation is completely covered”
Majority of the construction firms indicated that provision is being made to support the sides of
excavation, whiles 14% also clearly stated that the nature of the soil determines whether to
provide support or not.
Observations made by the author during site visits revealed that, some excavations made were
more than 1.2meters deep without any timbering support, but excavation being done is beyond
1.2meters deep, it requires the sides to be supported to prevent any collapse or injuries to
endanger workmen”
Although it have been realized that this is one area that accidents normally occurs but contractor
consider profit more important than human life. (Grundy J.T, 1989)
4.1.5 TRANSPORTING OF WORKMEN AND MATERIAL TO CONSTRUCTION
SITE
The respondent from the questionnaires showed that, 70% of the firms transport their
workmen in pickups, 7% stated that they transport their workmen in buses.
Transportation of workmen and materials to construction site is one of the most important things
that can facilitate or retard construction project. But the means by which these workmen are
conveyed to the site is a problem.
Almost all the workmen in Ghana transport their workmen in tipper trucks and pick ups to site.
Conveying workmen to site in this manner is against the roadwork regulations on Ghana and that
insurance coverage on those vehicles do not cover workmen except the driver and two other
people, should any accident occurs, according to insurance firms in Ghana.

Management of some of the firms which were visited were of the view that to, acquire bus to
convey workmen will be an extra cost to them and, that pickup or the tipper truck is the only
mean by which they can offer.
4.1.6 PROVISION OF CLOTHING, SAFETY BOOT ETC FOR WORK MEN AND
FIRST AIDERS ON SITE
It was expected that employers provide their employees with safety clothing such as; safety
boots, overall clothing, gloves, helmet etc. all of the firms representing 100% admitted that they
provide their work men with safety out fits. It was clearly shown that 86% of the firms showed
that, they have first aiders who treat workmen who get injured on site and 14% indicated that,
they do not have first aiders.
Wearing of overall clothes, safety boots, helmets, gloves etc. all the construction firms state that
they make provision for their workmen. Meanwhile, observation revealed that, some of the
workmen were wearing ordinary T-shirt, normal trousers with ordinary boots, some even were
working bear cheated with bath room sandals etc. some of the workmen who were interviewed
stated this: “its only the consultant who normally comes round for inspection do wear these
clothing. When other enquiries were made about why some workmen were not seen wearing
safety equipment, a foreman explained that, most of the employees were as employed casual
workers and cannot move them from site to site, but those who are permanently employed are
provided with safety equipments. Only foreign companies and big companies who undertake
complex and multi-story buildings do provide safety equipment to their workmen.
It is out of ignorance on the part of the workmen that makes management and site supervisors’ o
construction firms deprive their workmen of acquiring these safety equipments or items.
On construction site, minor injuries which occur are treated by site supervisors and sometimes
the workers. These injuries caused are supposed to be treated or handled by competent, well
trained first aiders by organization institution such as RED CROSS, HOSPITALS etc. the firms
must employ such people to handle injuries on site with professionalism and even offer technical
advice to management of construction firms on health and safety.

4.1.7 PAYMENT OF COMPENSATIONS AND INCENTIVE SCHEMES
Payment of compensation and taking care of medical expenses of victims of fatal accidents on
the construction site were the response by all firms.
However, on incentive schemes for the employees and worker section who adhere to strictly to
safety rules, 71% of the firms discussed not having that sort of provision, whiles 29% stated that
they have schemes and bonuses, prices etc. to employees.
Motivating workmen on site through incentives schemes builds confidence and joy in the worker
on site thereby ensuring carefulness and safety attitude towards work. Unfortunately, majority of
the construction firms have nothing of this sort for their employees. It was further indicated that
this is not a practice and taken prizes were giving to them at the end of the every year on
successful execution of a project without any accident occurrences.
Without a motivation in the form of incentive schemes to worker on construction site, these to
workmen working carelessly which can result in accident on site.
4.1.8 INSURANCE POLICY
Contractors’ all-risk insurance policy which is requirement for certain type of project for
construction firms to take insurance companies when being awarded a contract attracted. 93%,
indicated that, majority of the construction firms do take these policies.
It is very favorable on the part of contractors since it serves as security and assurance to
contractors and clients, should there be any unexpected incident such as theft and damages
during the execution of the project.
Although, fourteen (14) construction firms answered the questionnaires that were issued
positively, it never reflected the true situation prevailing on their site and according t the
observation and interviews conducted by the author during his visit.

4.2 NAMES OF SOME CONSTRUCTION SITES OR FIRMS VISITED AT CASE

STUDY AREA (KOFORIDUA METROPOLIS).
During my research at the case study area, I made a lot of trips to different sites in Koforidua.
Some of these sites were headed by private contractor without a company name but, during the
site visit by the author, they all contributed in answering question and contributing to interviews.
The list below shows a table of some construction sites or firms the researcher visited which
were having names and with their corresponding project executing.
NAME OF CONSTRUCTION FIRM PROJECT EXECUTION
Antatic contract works All nation main campus construction
Denys engineering works Re –development of construction site
Bomaf ventures 3 Storey building
Mudu contact works 4 Storey building
Opanyin aye construction limited Road sectional rehabilitation
Linda contract works 2 Storey building
Consa construction limited 2 storey renovation
Nagesting construction limited Road rehabilitation
Aya construction limited Road reconstruction
Nana Kena construction limited 4 Bedroom house construction
4.3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

From the analysis of the data collected, it is seen that even though safety management is of
paramount importance on every site, little or no attention was given to it on all the sites visited.
The following was the deduction from the data analyzed.
1. The sites visited had no safety officer.

2. Safety responsibilities on site were delegated to site engineers, foremen and supervisors.
3. The sites had no sites policy and workers used their own discretion to carryout work in any
way they deem safe.
4. Firms with larger workforce recorded the highest percentage of accidents.
5. Most accidents and hazards on site were due to physical, natural and environmental
elements.
6. The few protective gear provided by the firms are not properly utilized by workers.
7. Some of the workers do not comply with some of the company’s regulation on
construction methods thus exposing them to risk on job.
8. Safety signboards were hardly displayed at unsafe working places.
9. The factory inspectorate does not visit the firms.
CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.0 INTRODUCTION
This chapter seeks to conclude and make recommendations of the presentation and analysis of
the data collected from construction firms
5.1 CONCLUSION
From the presentation and discussion of data collected, the author would like to arrive at the
following conclusions to the research:
 Most of the construction firms do not really understand the effect of the safety and
healthy working environment it has on the worker and the on firm as a whole.
 Supervisors on some sites attach less importance to the health and safety of workers.
 Lack of safety officer on site contributes a great deal to exposure of workers to health
hazards and accidents.
 Majority of construction firms in Ghana don’t have nor engage the service of a safety
officer, there is, no safety training and meetings organized for workmen to equip them
with the necessary techniques and experiences to guard themselves against accident on
site.
 Accident occurrences on construction site are due to negligence and forsaking safety
precautions on the part of workmen and lack of safety measures of the companies.
 Workers are exposed to health hazards and accidents due to their negligence of safety
precautions.
 The larger the work force of the firm, the less attention is given to safety precaution on
sites.
 Construction firms in Ghana do not keep records, o accident, and there is no government
agency on heath and safety that is in charge of monitoring construction activities in the
construction industry, and keeps accident records in the country so as to know the
magnitude of accident problems in Ghana.
 Excavations on site of most building contracts do not have displayed warning notices on
their construction sites.

 Timbering or excavations supports to excavation are not practiced in Ghana by

construction firms with the reason that, the soil here is self-supporting.
 Construction firms do not have trained scaffolders and also scaffolding /ladder inspection
are not carried out regularly on site before used by workmen.
 In Ghana, construction firms convey their workers in tipper trucks and pickups to
construction site.
 Provision of safety item such as overall clothing, safety boots, gloves and helmet are not
made available to workmen by firms in Ghana except the foreign construction firms.
 Constructors take all-risk insurance just because the clients require them before the
project is executed.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

Principal conclusions have been drawn based on the analysis and discussions of the research
work. The author now deems it fit and appropriate to make the following recommendations
for consideration and adoption by construction industry so as to create safety awareness in
the construction industry in Ghana, and for a better management of health and safety of
human resources on construction sites, the following are being recommended.
 Construction firms must formulate their own safety policies to control activities on their
construction sites against accidents as required by regulation.
 Construction firms must make it a point to engage the service of a safety officer in other
to draft safety policy and advice management on safety rules and regulations for their
companies.
 Proper communication on health and safety matters should be the priority of the entire
workforce
 Government of Ghana should set up a Natural safety council. The terms of reference for
the council should be as follows:
(a) Formulation of safety policies (rules and regulation) for the construction industry.
(b) Ensuring that the construction firms adopt the policy and go by it.
(c) Conduct routine inspection of construction firms in order to control activities of the firms.
(d) Ensure that proper documentation of accident is out.
(e) Advice firms and government on safety issues.
 Special training course should be established to train scaffolders and also, site supervisors
must ensure constant inspection of these scaffoldings/ladders before usage by employees.
 In cases where the firms cannot employ the service of the safety officer, the site foreman
and supervisor should be given safety training.
 The management upon report reports and recommendation from the safety committees
should discipline a person who beach safety laws and codes of practice.
 Any firm that refuse or fails to implement safety working methods at construction sites
should be prosecuted.
 Construction firms must be advice by Motor Traffic Transport Unit ( MTTU) to acquire
staff buses to convey workmen to and from site in accordance with Road Regulations of
Ghana.

 Incentives schemes should be used to encourage workmen on overtime periods to ensure

efficiency and accident free atmosphere on construction firms on Ghana.
 Project consultant must always insist the construction firms in Ghana; take construction
all-risk insurance on project that they deem it fit after the award such of contracts.

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FINAL YEAR PROJECT REPORT MAY, 2009

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

pressure, which the law can apply. (Chudley R, 1981)

receive less attention.

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1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

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1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

1. Payment of compensation to victim by the firm.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF STUDY

1. To investigate the causes of such accidents

1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY

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2.1 CONSTRUCTION WORK

2.2 CAUSES AND TYPES OF ACCIDENT IN CONSTRUCTION

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2.2.1 SAFETY AND INCENTIVES

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2.2.2 THE COST OF ACCIDENTS

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3. The cost of supervisory staff and investigating the accident.

VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES

1. The suffering of pain and shock.

2. The loss of direct earning.

4. The cost of earning ability (capability in working in future).

grate deal of human suffering.

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Fig. 1.1. The relationship of cost to safety measures.

1. DESIRE TO STOP ACCIDENT

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2. LOCATE THE HAZARD

3. MAKE THE WORK SAFE

4. CONTROL WORK HAZARD

5. INCLUDE YOUR EMPLOYEES

2.3.1 SAFETY TRAINING

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2.4 THE ROLE OF SAFETY OFFICERS OR INSPECTORS

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2.5 THE HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION

2.5.1 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE LEGISLATION

 To ensure health and safety and warfare of persons at work.

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2.5.2 DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

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THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION TO THE

Health and Safety Executive allows safety inspectors to;

 Enter any premises where work is carried on without giving notice;

The notice of improvement means that if a site is in contravention of a statutory provision, as

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(a) Contravening one or more of the relevant statutory provisions, or

 INSTRUCTION ON SEIZES AND DESTROY

In a prohibition notice an inspector must:

(Clarke Tony, 1999)

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2.6 SAFETY POLICIES, ORGANISATION AND ARRANGEMENT

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(Grundy J.T, 1989)

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SITE AGENT/ GENERAL FOREMAN

OPERATIVES RESPONSIBLE FOR

FIG. (1) A SAFETY STRUCTURE FOR A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.