Health and safety: A look at the construction industry

Issues in Construction Health and Safety

Safety of construction workers has been a constant challenge everywhere. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Authority of Malta, it is estimated that construction workers are three times more likely to be killed and twice as likely to be injured as workers in other occupations. Besides injuries from falls, cuts, fire outbreaks and other hazards, the health of these workers is also an issue of major concern. Such conditions as noise-induced hearing loss, respiratory infections and skin diseases arising from exposure to chemicals as well as musculoskeletal disorders are not uncommon in the industry.

To mitigate this situation, it is important that health and safety issues are incorporated at the design stage of a project. In most construction projects, tight budgets and deadlines often relegate health and safety considerations to the background. In a bit to cut costs and deliver a project on time, many contractors have little regard to safety measures beyond the very basic. Therefore, the choice of a contractor based solely on the lowest bid and fastest undertaking of delivery should not always be criteria to award. Instead, conscientious and responsible clients should insist on a discernible plan to keep the site safe during the entire construction period.

Companies that have recognized the importance of health and safety have invested in training for their workers and observe all OHS practices as required by local regulatory authorities. And with the emergence of the new challenge of COVID-19, it is increasingly important that workers’ health be safeguarded through clear communication of safety procedures as construction work continues. Workers must also be made to fully understand the ramifications of inadequate safety measures and supervisors must be there to ensure that all guidelines are fully complied with.

Availability of proper protective equipment recommended for particular tasks is also a key safety enabler. Different tasks call for specific protective gear. It is incumbent on the organization to properly train, equip and supervise workers to ensure such gear is not only used but also used in the right way.

In Kenya, OHS compliance in Kenya is a challenge that cuts across both private and public sectors according to Morisson Engineering Limited, a leading supplier of Fire Engineering, Power Engineering and Air Conditioning products in this region. “There is low awareness on OHS and fire safety among workers in the country.” Quoting a study conducted by ICOH 2013, Kenya had about 4% of the working population accessing OHS services compared to developed countries which had over 90%. “The implementation of fire safety and OHS guidelines largely depend on improvement of work, environment, training and creating awareness in different forums.”

There is however no shortage of organizations dealing with OHS products and services in the country. Besides Morison, whose division Atlas Fire Security provides fire safety products, other companies providing high quality products or services include Safepro Limited and Booth Fire Protection Limited. Safepro

creates health and safety management systems for players in the construction industry and supervises their implementation. Booth is renowned for its broad range of firefighting and detection products including fire extinguishers, hose reels, landing valves, breeching inlets, fire alarms systems, fire hydrants and fire suppression systems.

BOOTH FIRE PROTECTION LTD

Automatic Powder Fire Extinguisher

Fire Extinguishers

Fire Hydrant Valve Continuous Flow Hose Reel

• Hose Reel & Accessories • All types of Fire Extinguishers (EN3 approved) • Fire Safety Signs • Sprinkler/ Sprinkler System

Components/ Sprinkler Alarm Valve

Fire Hose Reel Trolley Fire Extinguishers

Wet & Dry Riser Equipment Fire Hydrants All type of Valves Extinguisher System Components Flow Control Equipment

Construction is booming now, but without safety its future is uncertain.

The Kenyan construction industry, like in any other part of the world, is growing fast, a steady growth that will continue over the next few years. This growth presents an increased concern on safety because hazardous conditions are part of the everyday working environment in the construction industry. These risks have made companies prioritize health and safety, more than it was back in the 80s and 90s. Despite increased revenue, creation of employment, improved infrastructure, just to mention a few, the construction industry has been on the frontline on injuries and fatalities. These accidents also have other indirect costs like time lost due to stoppages and investigations, training, and additional costs associated with replacing injured workers and loss or damage to material, machinery, and property.

Over the years, the number of laborers in this industry has gone up; most of them have not undergone the necessary training on their safety on site. Think of it in this term; some of the construction workers who went to work do not return home, which should not be the case need not be the case in this.

The most common hazards in construction include; falls from height, falling objects, on-site electrocutions, traps in or between, dust inhalation, motor vehicle accidents, among others. We can avoid this by emphasizing health and safety more than ever before. Contractors have the responsibility of the safety of their workers and can achieve this by getting competent advice from health and safety experts. At SAFEPRO Limited, we establish the health and safety management system for them and supervise its implementation at a fraction of the cost of non-compliance. Our journey begins with setting up the framework that guides all stakeholders from the top management to the least worker on site. This not only reduces losses but also build the profile of the contractor when bidding for future projects.

There is not job too urgent or too important that it cannot be done safely!

By Safepro Ltd-Environmental & Safety Consultants

Environmental Health & Safety Consultants

Our Services

OSHA - 2007 COMPLIANCE SERVICES | NEMA COMPLIANCE SERVICES. FIRST AID TRAINING | HYGIENE SURVEYS | FIRE TRAININGS. FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT | PPE & SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

CONTACT US:

Muthaiga Cool Breeze Gardens, Office B | P.O BOX 106121-00101 www.safepro.co.ke | info@safepro.co.ke 0725 254 536 | 0720 530 985