Health and Safety Risk Assessment: Framework for Accident Prevention in Uganda

Introduction:  With the rapid expansion of the construction industry in the face of weak industrial and labour laws, a lot is desired to ensure safe and healthy work environments for construction workers. Existing firms take advantage of the weak industrial labour system to exploit workers in all aspects of safety and health compliance exposing workers to a number of health risks at work. This is exacerbated by inadequate provision of personal protectives and a weak hazard and effect management process The need for reversal of these incidents prompted the author to conduct a comprehensive study of five firms in the construction industry where the frequency of accident, high risk and inadequate protective equipment have been reported.    

Methods:  Analytical and diagnostic study was conducted on 200 workers of 5 firms in Uganda’s construction industry between July 2008 and April 2010. Frequency of accidents, absenteeism and total productivity were analysed and correlated to the quality, quantity and frequency of training to create awareness, use of personal protection equipment and incentives for compliance to safe working standards.    

Results:  Accidents comprised of 52 % of all causes of absenteeism from work and this frequency was higher, the lesser the use of personal protective equipment.. Heavy plant operators were prone to 60 % more accidents than other workers in the same industry. Issues were also found with strong policies poorly implemented.    

Discussion:  The study reveals a strong gap in policy implementation regarding Uganda’s healthy and safety laws. High awareness of the construction worker will not yield sustainable solution if other stakeholders are oblivious of or evade their obligations towards safety and health rights of the workers. There is thus need to challenge policy implementation to enhance safe and healthy work environment for construction workers.