An empirical examination of under reporting of occupational health and safety accidents in the construction sector in Ghana

Abstract

Globally, governments have a shared responsibility for the management of occupational health and safety (OHS). In recognition of this responsibility, governments enact OHS laws with the prime objective of controlling occupational health and safety risks. The aim of the study was to explore under-reporting of OHS accidents by employees and employers in the construction industry in Ghana. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design with a mixed methods research strategy involving the administration of questionnaires and semistructured interviews. A sample size of 250 involving site managers and operatives was used. Descriptive statistics, and LISREL factor analysis and multiple linear regression were used. The findings revealed that, job security, workers’ attitude, education and training, blame culture, interpersonal relationships, poor safety culture, lack of management commitment, poor communication, and company’s goal contribute significantly to under-reporting of OHS accidents within the construction firms. Their mean scores exceeded the significant mean level of 4.0. The study also identified education and training, environment, politics/government, legal/regulations and socio-cultural practices as factors that influence under-reporting of accidents on construction sites to statutory authorities. Their mean scores were greater than the significant mean level of 4.0. It was established that temporary employment, lack of financial and management resources, lack of knowledge of health and safety issues, lack of human resource personnel, bureaucratic procedures, poor safety culture of companies, language barrier, and workload of workers are critical constraints to reporting of accidents. The study recommends that management of construction firms should always organise safety inductions, training and performance programmes for operatives, particularly casual and temporary workforce.