Assessment of Safety of Workers at Building Sites in Uganda

Bachelor Thesis from the year 2005 in the subject Engineering - Safety Engineering, grade: B, Makerere University (Department of Civil Engineering), course: Civil Engineering, language: English, abstract: The building sector is growing very fast and essential to Uganda's development involving construction of buildings. Workers operate in unsafe environment and accidents are a common occurrence at building sites. The main objective of the study has been to assess the safety of workers at building sites in Uganda, and arose out of the need to have a safer working environment. Safety and what influences it have been examined and the most effective preventive and mitigation measures, which can be adopted, that are compatible with the practices and technologies available looked at. The methodology adopted involves; an extensive literature review, collection of data by use of questionnaires, on-spot site checks plus oral interviews at building sites. Data analysis by a suitable statistical program (SPSS) and results presented. The findings of study are; that the stakeholders are not well trained in safety planning and management yet they have a major role in providing and maintaining a safety at building sites, the protective gear and first aid provided is not sufficient, and awareness plus attitude towards safety at all level is poor. A safety assessment tool for building sites has been developed, conclusions and recommendations made, which include integrating safety into overall professional training and site management, plus creation of a positive safety culture through behavioral change by all stakeholders. Overall objectives of the study have been achieved.