Management of health and safety risk factors at Ghanaian construction sites

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Date
2021-06-22
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the management of health and safety risk factors at construction sites in Ghana. With this aim, four (4) objectives were set which were to ascertain the awareness of health and safety risks at construction sites, to identify health and safety risk factors that occur at construction sites, to Identify the risk management approaches on construction sites and to ascertain the challenges in effective risk management on construction sites. The study adopted a quantitative research method in which structured questionnaire were designed and administered to D1K1 and D2K2 construction firms in Accra. The data was analyzed using the mean score ranking. From the analysis, it was realized that, construction firms have a satisfactory level of awareness on the health and safety risks on construction sites. Also, it was realized that, the most significant risk factor was working too close to other colleagues followed by noise. Furthermore, it was realized that, the most significant approach to risk management was reference to historical experience followed by brainstorming. With the final objective it was realized the most significant challenges to risk management was financial constraints followed by negligence or human error on the part of workers. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, flow charts should be mostly used to identify risks at construction sites. Every project is a unique engagement, and the risks of historic engagement may not be associated with the current project. However, the use of flow charts enables the identification of all activities that will take place in the delivery of a particular project; making it appropriate to identify the various risks that are inherent in the activities. Also, construction firms must develop and effectively implement safety policies, programmes and guidelines. This will enhance a structured supervision and an effective directive.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Construction Technology and Management, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Award Degree of Master of Science In Project Management.
Keywords
Risk management, Health and safety
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