THE INFLUENCE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS’ PERCEPTION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ON THEIR BEHAVIOUR: A STUDY OF CONSTRUCTION SITES IN CENTRAL GONJA DISTRICT

ABSTRACT Construction project sites are prone to many hazards that can result in accidents if they are not properly controlled. Construction site workers are by far the group that is most exposed to hazards on construction sites. Their perception of the risk of health and safety hazards in general is an important issue on construction sites. The aim of the study was to examine the perception of workers about the risk of hazards and their behaviour on construction sites. The study adopted a quantitative research strategy involving the design and administration of survey questionnaires. The target population of this study comprised personnel of construction project sites in Central Gonja District. The study employed convenience sampling technique to select a sample size of 170 site personnel of construction companies from 16 different construction sites in the Central Gonja District. A response rate of 88% was achieved. The findings revealed that proactive steps taken by site personnel to minimize risk of hazards included; the display of standard site rules and hazard signs at construction sites by site personnel, appointing someone responsible for aspects of health and safety and ensuring clear goals and objectives for the health and ssafety on site, On the second objective, the study revealed the following factors affecting health and safety behaviour of site operatives on sites; using personal protective equipment for protection against falling objects and while working on platform, hoist and scaffolds, being cautious when excavating trenches below ground level, paying attention when using vibrating equipment at site and paying attention to their health conditions when lifting, carrying or moving heavy tools or materials at site. Also, the site operatives’ behaviours towards health and safety hazards include; clearing the construction site of obstacles and dangers whenever they can, a view of health and safety at site as a serious issue and reporting to site management on issues bordering on health and safety without fear. It is recommended that construction companies should reinforce health and safety training programmes on regular bases for all categories of workers.