Health and Safety Performance on Construction Sites in Rwanda

Abstract

In Rwanda, the system of occupational health and safety (OSH) practice in the construction industry is ineffective, rendering the OSH performance of the industry poor. However, this issue is not limited to Rwanda. Construction works are considered risky, with regular and high accident rates and ill-health problems for workers, practitioners, and end users. Health and safety issues have always been a significant problem and concern in the construction industry. Workers are exposed to occupational diseases and injuries hazards and the adverse effects of excessively long work hours. Machines, plants and other sophisticated construction equipment pose a danger to the operators, who in most cases do not have prior skills for operating such machines or plants. The number of occupational injuries in the construction industry in Rwanda is high and has kept increasing despite the existing structures there; for safety and health management on construction sites. From this perspective, this study aimed to investigate the health and safety performance of construction projects in Rwanda. An overview of published research and legislation was undertaken. In order to meet the objectives of the study, questionnaires were designed and distributed to potential construction industry players. Structured interviews were carried out with selected government officials in charge of occupational health and safety and construction experts from a selection of large to medium construction sites. After analysis of the results, the study recommends the provision and use of PPE for all workers and, at all times, the launch of education campaigns to arouse awareness among all management and construction workers and more diligent OSH precautions by site staff and provisions at the corporate level. Additionally, adequate staffing of the OSH department and formulation of a more effective OSH framework (of policies, laws, and institutions) at the national level should create a more enabling environment for high OSH performance in the construction industry of Rwanda. This study aimed to bring about awareness of the risks faced by construction workers in Rwanda. The study also provided practical information which will facilitate all the construction stakeholders in enhancing safety on the construction sites.