Health and safety hazards and risks in the construction industry

Globally, the construction industry is infamous for a high level of fatalities. Construction sites are a very important place, as a considerable number of workers are involved in the construction process and activities, and H&S is critical to reduce hazards and the risk of being injured at work. The aim of the study was to evolve a framework of interventions to mitigate hazards, diseases, illnesses, injuries, fatalities, stress, and absenteeism in the construction industry. The objectives were to determine: why workers become ill due to construction and the implications; the causes of stress among construction workers, and worker absenteeism; what injuries workers experience, and the causes of fatalities, and if the current control measures are sufficient or whether more can be done. The research process commenced with a literature review relative to hazards and risks in the construction industry. A quantitative study was conducted among civil engineers, site supervisors, and construction H&S officers (CHSOs) in the construction industry using a questionnaire. The salient findings of the study suggest that the existing H&S legal and regulatory framework is barely effective. Although building contractors are aware of the most common H&S hazards and risks in construction, compliance is irregular. The study concluded that the identification of H&S hazards and risks is critical to mitigate fatalities, injuries, and illness. H&S education and training, and hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) should be improved and intensified, and a comprehensive risk mitigation plan should be developed and implemented on projects.Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, 202