𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲.

Site safety is a critical discipline that is forfeited or rather given a blind eye in Kenya.

The blame game applies to all parties from the contractors to the casuals owing to the following observations:

• Lack of adherence to safety standards - Despite the availability of safety standards and guidelines, many construction sites do not adhere to these standards, leading to a high number of accidents and fatalities.
• Inadequate safety equipment - Many workers on construction sites in do not have access to adequate safety equipment, such as helmets, gloves, and protective clothing.
• Insufficient training - Workers on construction sites often lack proper training in safety practices and procedures, leaving them vulnerable to accidents and injuries.
• Inconsistent enforcement - There is a lack of consistent enforcement of safety regulations on construction sites leading to a culture of non-compliance. This is a duty of the National Construction Authority.
• Poor working conditions: Many construction workers work long hours in poor working conditions, with little rest or breaks. This can lead to exhaustion, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Sources of injuries or deaths are several,the main issue being carelessness and negligence of the practitioners.Just to mention a few:

• Working at Heights - Working at heights, such as on scaffolds or ladders, can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Falls from heights are a leading cause of construction site fatalities including even the public.
• Poor Housekeeping - A messy or cluttered work site can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. Tools, equipment, and debris left lying around can cause tripping hazards, falls, or other accidents.
• Lack of Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Failure to provide or wear appropriate PPE, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves, can result in serious injuries or fatalities depending on the task at hand.For example safety glasses for welding works.
• Electrical Hazards - Electrical hazards, such as exposed wires or improperly grounded equipment, can cause electric shock, burns, or fires.
• Excavation Hazards - Excavations can collapse if proper shoring and sloping are not in place, posing a serious risk to workers being trapped in pits.
• Chemical Exposure - Exposure to hazardous chemicals or materials, such as certain paints,can cause serious long-term health effects, especially respiratory illnesses.

This discipline is also susceptible to the following threats:

• High Turnover - The construction industry has a high turnover rate, with many workers moving from one job site to another. This can make it difficult to enforce consistent safety practices and policies across multiple worksites.
• Language and Cultural Barriers - Many construction workers come from diverse backgrounds, with different languages and cultures. Communication and understanding of safety practices and policies can take a long time to be understood.
• Lack of Training - Workers who are not properly trained in safety practices and policies are at a higher risk of accidents and injuries. However, training can be costly and time-consuming, making it a challenge for some employers to provide adequate training of which is not ethical.This is a chalenge to contractors.
• Pressure to Meet Deadlines - There is often pressure to meet deadlines in construction, which can lead to a rushed and unsafe work environment. This pressure can also lead to shortcuts being taken, which can compromise safety.For example picking up of delivered materials such as iron sheets with no gloves on since in it was an impromptu delivery.
• Limited Resources - Some employers may not have the financial resources to invest in safety equipment or to hire safety professionals to oversee safety practices on the job site.
• Resistance to Change - Some workers may resist changes to safety policies and practices,particularly if they feel that it may slow down the work process or general arrogance.

We recommend on the following actions to improve safety on our sites:

• Identify and Assess Hazards - Before any work begins on a construction site, it is important to identify and assess potential hazards. This includes hazards related to equipment, materials, tools, and the work environment itself. Once identified, steps should be taken to mitigate or eliminate these hazards. For example plucking nails from timber left overs spread on the ground.
• Train Workers - All workers on a construction site should receive proper training and instruction on how to work safely. This includes training on the use of equipment, tools, and materials, as well as training on the safe handling and storage of hazardous materials.
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Employers should provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respiratory protection. Workers should be trained on how to properly use and maintain their PPE.The cost is reserved in the preliminaries section.
• Implement Safety Policies and Procedures - Employers should develop and implement comprehensive safety policies and procedures for the construction site. This includes protocols for safe work practices, emergency procedures, and incident reporting and investigation.
• Regular Safety Inspections - Regular safety inspections should be conducted to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed, and to identify any potential hazards or risks. Serious action should be taken when the contractor is found not to oblige with the terms.
• Proper Equipment Maintenance - Equipment on the construction site should be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is in good working condition and safe to use.

Benefits accrued from implementation of these measures include:

• Protecting Workers - Construction sites can be dangerous places to work, with many potential hazards that can cause serious injuries or fatalities. Ensuring site safety helps protect workers from harm and creates a safer working environment.
• Preventing Accidents and Injuries - Site safety measures help prevent accidents and injuries from occurring in the first place. This helps keep workers safe, reduces downtime due to accidents, and lowers healthcare costs associated with treating injured workers.
• Improving Productivity - Safe work sites are more productive, as workers are less likely to be injured or need time off due to accidents. This can lead to fewer delays and a more efficient construction process.
• Enhancing Reputation - Employers that prioritize site safety can enhance their reputation in the industry and among developers. This can lead to more tender opportunities and increased profits.

Their is life and human rights; an issue that goes beyond construction.

As a player in any category of the industry you must oblige to protect human life and welfare.

Published by CPM Mwangi.

Create | Innovate | Inspire