An evaluation of safety practices on construction sites in Ghana: A case study in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

The issue of ensuring at construction firms remains a critical concern that every construction firm needs to adhere to. The progress and productivity of work output are greatly achieved when safety measures are instituted and observed at the workplace. The study sought to investigate safety practices of construction firms in the Accra Metropolis. A total number of 128 responded to the study out of the sample size of 150. The sampling technique used for choosing the sample size was convenience sampling and this was carried out based on the availability of the respondents to the study. It was found that accidents at the construction firms can lead to loss of lives; decrease in productivity; tarnishes the image of the affected firm; leads huge sums of compensation and can delay project. Challenges facing the firms in practicing safety were unplanned and complex sub-contracting; inadequate training facilities on safety practices; inadequate skilled personnel to undertake the training programmes and low education on existing laws on safety practices. Safety issues are not strictly adhered to by both the management and other employees of the construction firms. It is recommended that the firms should ensure that they follow and observe the safety rules and regulations on and the off site. It is imperative for state agencies responsible for enforcing the laws on safety to ensure compliance by the firms to be on their toes to effect measures that can promote effective compliance by the firms. Training programmes should be organized on safety measures for both management and employees.