Alcohol abuse and illicit drug use at construction sites: Perception of workers at construction sites

This study aims at establishing the perception of workers at the construction sites regarding illicit drug use and alcohol abuse. Specifically the study attempts to investigate the key causes of substance abuse, awareness among workers on the effects of alcohol and illicit drug in workplaces and put forward possible measures that may be employed to control the situation. The study is based in construction sites located in two regions namely Dar es Salaam and Iringa regions on being a city and another rural region. The data were collected through interview and non-participatory observations. Construction sites were selected using both judgemental and convenience sampling methods. The sites were selected with the criteria of the number of workers on site with a benchmark of at least 70 construction workers both being skilled (tradesman) and unskilled workers (casual labourers). Life style, coping technique and taboo were found as major reasons of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse at the construction sites. Both tradesmen and casual workers interviewed were observed to have past history in illicit drug use and alcohol abuse. The taboo towards hardship and nature the works was found to contribute to the levels of alcohol abuse and illicit drug use for example the extent of alcohol abuse among concreters and block layers (masonry casual workers) was significantly higher compared to other trades which are considered less physical demanding. Training and provision of awareness education on areas of illicit drug use and alcohol abuse was observed to be given the least priority compared to other area such as HIV/Aids and fire safety. This study has shed light on the need for clients and site supervisors to put forward mechanism for ensuring alcohol use and drug abuse is controlled at construction sites