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www.ijird.com October, 2017 Vol 6 Issue 10
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 58
Awareness of Occupational Safety and Health
Issues on Roadway Maintenance Works in Nyeri County, Kenya
1. Introduction
‘Safety’ is defined as freedom from the risk of injury and ‘health’ as freedom from the risk of illness. A safe and healthy workplace is
therefore one in which those hazards that pose a potential risk to the health and safety of workers and others in the workplace are
eliminated or controlled effectively.
The goal of maintenance is to preserve the asset, not to upgrade it. Unlike major road works, maintenance must be done regularly.
Road maintenance comprises “activities to keep pavement, shoulders, slopes, drainage facilities and all other structures and property
within road margins as near as possible to their as-constructed or renewed condition”. It includes minor repairs and improvements to
eliminate the cause of defects and to avoid excessive repetition of maintenance efforts (Hadayeghi et. Al, 2009).
Workers on site need to be instructed about potential hazards and be issued necessary protective gear, thereby reducing the risks of
accidents. Many road maintenance operations are potentially dangerous both to the maintenance workers and to the road users. To
reduce the risk of accidents where road works take place, it is necessary to have some understanding of these risks. Occupational
health deals with not only the health of the workers but also the overall well-being of the workers and their families.
Managed well, occupational safety and health will nurture an efficient workforce and reduce overhead expenditure on accidents.
Occupational safety and health ought not to be viewed as a mere management technique but also as a legal obligation the employer
has towards the workers based on several legislations in force by the Government of Kenya (OTM, 2014).
This research aimed at finding out the level of awareness of occupational safety and health issues in roadway maintenance works
among contractor workers.
ISSN 2278
–
0211 (Online)
Sophia Wanjiku Kariithi
Student, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Charles Mburu
Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Robert Kinyua
Professor and Lecturer, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Abstract:
The nature of the construction industry combined with the required physical demands and rigorous work processes, make it an
industry that faces several safety and health issues and thus higher risk of ill health, injury or fatality. Many road maintenance
operations are potentially dangerous both to the maintenance workers and to the road users. This research work aimed at finding
out the level of awareness of occupational safety and health issues in roadway maintenance works among road contractors.
Questionnaires were administered to 122 contractor workers of ongoing class A, B and C road maintenance projects in Nyeri
county during the data collection phase. Thereafter, the data was analysed using SPSS software, descriptive and inferential
statistical analysis were carried out, data was presented in various forms and finally conclusions and recommendations were
drawn. The targeted outcome of this research was that the results will provide important information that is the first step
necessary to ensure that safety and health which is a legal requirement is observed at every workplace. The study has established
that half (50%) of the site agents agreed that Crew sizes need to be increased to accommodate lookout personnel and to improve
quality of work. However an equal number (50%) was undecided. The findings of this study contradict with the provisions of
OSHA, 2007 which states that there should be creation of a safe culture at work places through education and training in OSH.
67% of the respondents disagree to have previously received any training on OSH. In this study, male staff were found to know
more about OSH issues than their female counterparts. Age had a strong positive correlation (r=0.64, p=0.00) with OSH
awareness at 95% confidence levels. This study recommends that follow-up be done to ensure at least one employee for every
contractor who will be responsible for OSH. Contractors/ site agents should also ensure that all new employees are inducted on
safety and that OSH trainings are carried out periodically.
Keywords: Roadway maintenance, OSH Awareness, OSH legal requirements
www.ijird.com October, 2017 Vol 6 Issue 10
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 59
2. Materials and Methods
This section outlines the methodology that was adopted for the study. The methodology involved collecting data from the target
population. The data was then organized, collated, analyzed, interpreted and presented.
2.1. Study Design
The research design was descriptive in nature because it involved observation and permitted the use of questionnaires administered to
a sample quickly. Descriptive research is suitable when one studies things as they are in the field and it gives views and feelings from
the respondents (Babbie, 2002).
The tools used to report summary data from the descriptive survey were: measures of central tendency including the mean, median,
mode, deviance from the mean, variation, percentage, and correlation between variables (Mugenda &Mugenda, 2012).
2.2. Study Area and Population
The study area was Nyeri county. Nyeri county is located in the former Central Province of the Country Kenya, about 150 kilometres
north of Nairobi. It covers an area of 3,337 square kilometres. Nyeri shares its borders with five other counties; Kirinyaga to the East,
Nyandarua to the West, Muranga to the South, Laikipia to the North and Meru to the North East.
The study population comprised of all the class A, B and C roads that were undergoing maintenance works during the data collection
phase (August, 2016 to December, 2016) as per the KeNHA work plan of the financial year 2016/ 2017. The roads covered were two
class A roads (Sagana – Marua and Marua - Karishen), one class B road (Nyeri – Wiyumererie) and one class C road (King’ong’o –
Kiganjo).
Figure 1: Nyeri county road network Source: KeRRA website: www.kerra.co.ke
www.ijird.com October, 2017 Vol 6 Issue 10
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 60
2.3. Sampling Frame
A sample frame is a list of all participants in a study. A previous pilot study revealed active participants on a roadway construction/
maintenance site to be site agents, foremen, operators (plant and machinery), drivers and casual labourers.
2.4. Sampling Method
Data was sampled from all the road maintenance works ongoing during the data collection period since road maintenance activities are
temporary and short lived. Purposive sampling was used to select roads under maintenance in Nyeri county. For the purpose of this
study, only class A, B and C roads were considered.
2.5. Sample Size Determination
In determining the sample size, the researcher purposively narrowed down to all class A, B and C roads that were undergoing
maintenance works in Nyeri county during the data collection phase (August, 2016 to December, 2016) as per the KeNHA work plan
of the financial year 2016/ 2017. All the roads under maintenance formed 100% of the sample. The sample of respondents in this
study was purposive, i.e. 100% of the target population (contractor workers).
2.6. Research Instruments
The measurement tools designed to obtain data from the research subjects were structured questionnaires which were used to collect
quantitative data. Data collected from the respondents was on socio-demographic characteristics and OSH awareness. Secondary data
was obtained by review of existing literature.
2.7. Data Processing and Analysis
The data collected from the field was summarised and a trend / pattern of the results from the studied roads established using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was coded, tabulated and analyzed.
For the purpose of analysis using SPSS, the data was coded as Agree=1, Neutral=2, Disagree=3 and I Don’t Know=4. Bivariate
Pearson’s Correlation analysis of the study variables was used to determine the relationship between the variables. The results were
organised and presented in form of tables, bar graphs, pie charts among others. A thorough discussion of the results was done which
led to the reporting of research findings and finally recommendations.
3. Results and Discussion
The researcher visited 4 roads which constituted 100% of the sample population. 112 out of 122 respondents returned their
questionnaires. Table 1 below shows the response rate of the distributed questionnaires.
Respondents
Questionnaires
Distributed
Questionnaires
Received
Response
Rate
Site agents
4
4
100%
Casuals
92
85
92%
Operators
8
7
88%
Drivers
11
9
82%
Foreman
7
7
100%
Total
122
112
92%
Table 1: Response rate
The average response rate was 92% which is well above the 70% threshold recommended by Mugenda and Mugenda (2012).
Figure 2: Distribution of respondents by job titles
4%
76%
6% 8% 6%
Site agents
Casuals
Operators
Drivers
Foreman
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 61
Majority (76%) of the respondents in the study were casuals. 8% were drivers, 6% were foremen while an equal number (6%) were
plant/ machinery operators. The least of the respondents were plant/ machinery operators at 4%.
3.1. Respondents’ Socio-demographic Characteristics
3.1.1. Distribution by Gender
The gender distribution of respondents was assessed.
Figure 3: Gender distribution of respondents
(90%) of the respondents in the study were male as shown in Figure 3.
3.1.2. Distribution by Age
Figure 4shows the distribution of respondents by their age.
Figure 4: Age distribution of respondents
Findings in Figure 4 show that 6% of the respondents were aged between 18 and 20 years, 28% were aged between 21 and 25 years.
The majority who made up 46% of the respondents were aged between 26 to 30 years old. The least represented were respondents
aged above 40 years who only made up 1%. The results show that productivity was highest among workers aged between 26 to 30
years old.
3.1.3. Distribution by Education Levels
The academic achievements of respondents were assessed.
Male, 90%
Female, 10%
Male Female
6%
28%
46%
14% 5% 1%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
18-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 >40
Percentage
Age (Years)
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 62
Figure 5: Education levels of respondents
Findings in Figure 5 show that 49% of the respondents had achieved secondary education, 34% had an acquired primary education,
11% were certificate holders, 4% were degree holders while 3% were diploma holders. Most of the respondents in the Secondary
School category were dropouts in either form 1, 2 or 3 with very few having completed their ‘A’ levels. This was the same trend
observed from the respondents falling in the primary school category where there were school drop outs from as low as class 3 with
very few in this category having completed their full primary education. All the certificate, diploma and degree holding respondents
had fully completed their studies.
3.2. Level of Awareness on OSH Issues
The study sought to assess the level of awareness on occupational safety and health issues in roadway maintenance works as the first
objective. The findings are presented in this section.
3.2.1. Site Agents Responses on Awareness of OSH Issues
Site agents in the study were asked a number of questions relating to occupational safety and health issues to gauge their awareness on
the same. The findings are presented in Tables 2 (a –e) below.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know (4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
After the road maintenance activities, the road surface
should be cleared of all loose screenings.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Cones should be use
d to demarcate the work zone and the
demarcation should include the approach area and the
termination area.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Table 2(a):Site agent’s responses on Transport Safety awareness
100% of the site agents agreed to knowledge of the aspects of transport safety which could be due to higher education levels as
compared to other respondents.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
Sensors and/ or cameras should be mounted on the
rear of the equipment
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
0.000
Working with defective equipment is not allowed
under any circumstances.
3
75%
1
25%
0
0
0
0
1.50
0.707
Table 2(b):Site agent’s responses on Machinery Safety awareness
All the site agents agreed that plant/ machinery rears should be mounted with sensors and/ or cameras to allow for view of what is
behind the machinery during movement and thus avoid accidents. 75% of the site agents agreed that defective equipment should not
be found in use on site while one site agent was neutral/ undecided on the issue indicating that he could allow or refute faulty
machinery working on site depending on circumstances present.
34%
49%
11% 3% 4%
Primary Secondary Certificate Diploma Degree
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 63
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know (4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
There
is need for construction sensitive abilities
monitoring at least once a year.
3
75%
0
0
1
25%
0
0
2.0
1.414
Continuous regular exposure to heavy lifting, un
-
natural
postures and repetitive motions is harmful
3
75%
0
0
1
25%
0
0
1.50
0.707
Workers invol
ved in operation of vibratory/ compaction
equipment should be rotated
3
75%
1
25%
0
0
0
0
1.50
0.707
Table 2(c):Site agent’s responses on Ergonomics awareness
With regards to ergonomic awareness in table 2(c), there was a 75% general awareness level from the site agents. 25% of the site
agents disagreed that continuous heavy lifting is harmful to one’s health. More than 50% awareness levels under ergonomics is
satisfactory.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
There is need for flagmen to wear reflective attire and
use STOP and GO signs
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
0.00
It is necessary for all workers to be in reflective attire
at the worksite.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
It is important to
wear the necessary PPE when
exposed to hazardous conditions
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Table 2(d):Site agent’s responses on Clothing and PPE awareness
All the site agent’s responses agreed to 100% levels of awareness with regards to PPE. It is expected that with such levels of
awareness, the practices and provision of necessary safety attire to workers should be high too.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know (4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
Crew sizes need to be increased
to accommodate lookout
personnel and to improve quality of work.
2
50%
2
50%
0
0
0
0
2.0
0.00
There is need for availability of first aid kits on site.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.0
0.00
There is need for a person responsible for handling first
aid on site.
3
75%
0
0
1
25%
0
0
2.0
1.414
All injuries and accidents however minor should be
reported to the supervisor
3
75%
1
25%
0
0
0
0
1.50
0.707
All maintenance workers should understand basic hand
signals
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.50
0.707
There is need for availab
ility and selection of PPE.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Every worker should take care of his/ her own safety.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Every worker should take care of the safety of other
workers and anyone else surrounding him / her.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Training and supervision of inexperienced workers on
matters of safety and health should be carried out.
4
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Table 2(e):Site agent’s responses on Construction Safety awareness
Findings in Table 2 (e) shows that half (50%) of the site agents agreed that Crew sizes need to be increased to accommodate lookout
personnel and to improve quality of work. However an equal number (50%) was undecided. Nevertheless, the site agents were in
agreement to the knowledge of most OSH matters that need to be taken to account during road construction and maintenance. This is
an impressive trend considering that the site agents are in the management level among the respondents and are thus able to take the
necessary action to ensure OSH awareness among other employees of various categories. Awareness marks the first stage towards
proper OSH implementation in a work place.
3.2.2. Foremen Responses on Awareness of OSH Issues
Foremen were asked a number of questions in the study relating to occupational safety and health issues to gauge their awareness. The
findings are presented in Tables 3(a-d)
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 64
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
High noise levels on site is dangerous to your health.
2
2
9%
1
24%
0
0
4
57%
3.1
1.197
With high levels of noise, one should wear earmuffs
or earplugs.
4
57%
0
0
0
0
3
43%
2.2
0.909
Table 3(a): Foremen responses on Noise Safety awareness
An average of 43% of the foremen agreed to noise safety awareness, 24% were neutral on knowledge on noise safety while an average
of 50% did not know about noise safety.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
A lot of heavy lifting is harmful to your health.
3
43%
1
24%
0
0
3
43%
2.3
1.302
Long periods of vibration are harmful to one’s
health.
1
24%
0
0
4
57%
2
29%
3.4
1.56
Breathing in dust is harmful to one’s health.
4
57%
3
43%
0
0
0
0
1.8
0.837
Table 3(b): Foremen responses on Ergonomic awareness
On ergonomics, an average of 42% of the foremen responded in agreement to awareness, an average of 24% did not know what
ergonomics in a workplace meant. 57% (4 out of 7) of the foremen disagreed that long periods of vibration are harmful to one’s
health. This shows that these foremen are not likely to rotate workers who work under vibrations because of ignorance that this could
cause harm to the worker’s health. This could cause the exposed workers to develop occupational diseases later in life.
Agree
(1)
Neutr
al
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
I know how to use a fire extinguisher.
0
0
7
100%
0
0
0
0
2.0
0.101
All injuries and accidents should be reported to my
supervisor.
0
0
5
71%
0
0
2
29%
2.3
1.504
I understan
d the hand signals used to communicate
on site.
3
43%
3
43%
1
24%
0
0
2.1
0.937
I have been trained on safety and health on site.
1
24%
2
29%
4
57%
0
0
2.8
0.837
I know how to use items provided by my employer
4
57%
3
43%
0
0
0
0
1.6
1.202
Table 3(c): Foremen responses on Construction Safety awareness
The research found out that 100% of all the foremen knew what a fire extinguisher is but they did not agree or disagree on their
knowledge of how to operate it. Only one out of the 7 foremen agreed to have been trained on OSH matters on site. 57% of the
foremen disagreed to have previously had any training with regards to safety and health on site. 29% of the foremen seemed not to
know that all injuries and accidents should be reported to the immediate supervisor as per the OSHA, 2007 Act. 24% of the foremen
disagreed to have an understanding of the hand signals used for communication on site. This shows that hand communication on site
could easily be misinterpreted which is potentially dangerous.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
The road surface should be swept clean after work has been
done.
0
0
0
0
1
14%
6
86%
3.4
1.430
Cones should be used to demarcate the work zone and the
demarcation should include the approach area and the
termination area.
7
100%
0
0
0
0
0
0
1.00
0.00
Table 3 (d): Foremen responses on Transport Safety awareness
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86% of the foremen did not know that the road is supposed to be swept clean of the loose screenings which could well be a source of
distractions and possible accidents to the motorists as they fly to the windscreens of vehicles. All the foremen were aware that safety
cones should be used to demarcate the working area to avoid trespass of traffic and thus protect workers in that area.
3.2.3. Machinery Operators Responses on Awareness of OSH Issues
Machinery Operators were asked a number of questions in the study relating to occupational safety and health issues to gauge their
awareness. The findings are presented in Table 4
47% of the machinery operators on average responded in agreement to awareness of OSH issues, 24% were neutral on average in that
they did not agree nor disagree to know about safety on roadway works while an average of 19% of the machinery operators did not
know what roadway safety was all about. Only an average of 10 % disagreed on selected aspects of roadway safety awareness. This
trend shows a satisfactory awareness level of 47% among plant operators who are in the roadway works.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
Breathing in dust is harmful to one’s health.
4
57%
3
43%
0
0
0
0
1.9
0.803
High noise levels on site is dangerous to your health.
5
71%
2
29%
0
0
0
0
1.5
1.342
With high levels of noise, one should wear earmuffs
or earplugs.
3
43%
3
43%
1
14%
0
0
2.6
1.607
The road surface should be swept clean after work has
been done.
6
86%
1
14%
0
0
0
0
2.1
0.903
I know how to use a fire extinguisher.
2
29%
2
29%
0
0
3
43%
3.0
1.411
All injuries and accidents should be reported to my
supervisor.
3
43%
1
14%
1
14%
2
14%
2.9
1.211
I understand the hand signals used to communicate on
site.
3
43%
0
0
1
14%
3
43%
3.1
1.2
A lot of heavy lifting is harmful to your heal
th.
5
71%
0
0
0
0
2
29%
1.8
1.622
Long periods of vibration are harmful to one’s health.
2
29%
2
29%
3
42%
0
0
2.1
1.503
I have been trained on safety and health on site.
1
14%
1
14%
0
0
5
72%
2.6
0.936
I know how to use items provided by my employer
2
29%
3
42%
2
29%
0
0
2.4
1.211
Table 4: Machinery operator’s responses on awareness on OSH issues
3.2.4. Drivers Responses on Awareness of OSH Issues
Drivers were asked a number of questions in the study relating to occupational safety and health issues to gauge their awareness. The
findings are presented in Table 5 below.
Agree
(1)
Neutral
(2)
Disagree
(3)
Don’t
know
(4)
Mean
Standard
Deviation
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
Breathing in dust is harmful to one’s health.
5
56%
2
22%
2
22%
0
0
1.6
0.9
36
High noise levels on site is dangerous to your health.
6
67%
3
33%
0
0
0
0
1.4
0.982
With high levels of noise, one should wear earmuffs
or earplugs.
6
67%
2
22%
0
0
1
11%
1.2
1.456
The road surface should be swept clean after work has
been done.
4
4
4%
2
22%
2
22%
1
12%
2.4
1.437
I know how to use a fire extinguisher.
3
33%
3
33%
0
0
3
33%
2.6
1.671
All injuries and accidents should be reported to my
supervisor.
4
44%
0
0
4
44%
1
12%
2.9
1.403
I understand the hand signals used to communicate on
site.
5
56%
0
0
4
44%
0
0
1.8
1.673
A lot of heavy lifting is harmful to your health.
6
67%
0
0
2
22%
1
11%
1.7
0.876
Long periods of vibration are harmful to one’s health.
7
78%
0
0
2
22%
0
0
1.4
1.643
I have been trained on safety and health
3
33%
3
33
%
3
33%
0
0
2.6
0.543
I know how to use items provided by my employer
6
67%
0
0
3
33%
0
0
2.1
1.234
Table 5: 3Drivers responses on awareness of OSH issues
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2017/v6/i10/OCT17054 Page 66
The highest positive percentage (78%) of drivers were in concurrence that long periods of vibrations are harmful to one’s health. This
could be that because automobiles are prone to a lot of vibrations, this exposure to long driving hours to and from site could have
caused them to experience harm and come to the realisation that vibrations are health detrimental. 67% of the drivers were in
agreement to noise safety awareness. 11 % did not know whether a lot of heavy lifting is harmful to one’s health. 33% of the drivers
disagreed to have previously been trained on safety and also the same fraction disagreed to know how and when to use PPE provided
to them.
The results show that more than half of the drivers (56%) positively reported OSH awareness. On average, there was a low fraction
(7%) of drivers who were totally unaware of some OSH issues.
3.2.5. Casuals Responses on Awareness of OSH Issues
Casuals were asked a number of questions in the study relating to occupational safety and health issues to gauge their awareness. The
findings are presented in Table 6
81% of the casuals reported to know how to use PPE items provided to them, a high of 78% agreed that all accidents and injuries
should be reported to the immediate supervisor. 91% agreed that the road surface should be swept clean after working in that area is
complete. 5% did not know that a lot of heavy lifting is harmful to one’s health and the same percentage also reported that they did not
know how to use a fire extinguisher. 14% of the casual labourers disagreed that breathing in dust is harmful to one’s health while 2%
did not know whether breathing in dust is harmful to one’s health. There was an average of 72% awareness among the casuals on
roadway OSH issues. Only a low of 3% on average did not know selected aspects of OSH. This could be attributed to the daily routine
work he casuals are exposed to making them internalise what is required and thus grasp OSH requirements.
Agree
(1) Neutral
(2) Disagree
(3) Don’t
know
(4)
Mean Standard
Deviation
N % N % N % N %
Breathing in dust is harmful to one’s health. 53 62% 18 21% 12 14% 2 2% 2.3 0.986
High noise levels on site is dangerous to your health. 48 56% 19 22% 18 21% 0 0 2.0 1.327
With high levels of noise, one should wear earmuffs or
earplugs. 62 73% 0 0 20 24% 3 4% 1.9 1.202
The road surface should be swept clean after work has been
done. 77 91% 3 4% 5 6% 0 0 1.6 1.020
I know how to use a fire extinguisher. 64 75% 11 13% 6 7% 4 5% 2.3 0.974
All injuries and accidents should be reported to my supervisor. 66 78% 9 11% 8 9% 2 2% 1.9 1.543
I understand the hand signals used to communicate on site. 54 64% 24 28% 4 5% 3 4% 2.6 1.345
A lot of heavy lifting is harmful to your health. 63 74% 18 21% 0 0 4 5% 2.4 1.247
Long periods of vibration are harmful to one’s health. 70 82% 10 12% 3 4% 2 2% 1.8 1.023
I have been trained on safety and health on site. 44 52% 23 27% 11 13% 7 8% 2.5 1.44
I know how to use PPE items provided by my employer 69 81% 14 16% 0 0 2 2% 2.0 0.937
Table 6:4 Casuals responses on awareness of OSH issues
3.2.6. Association between Socio-demographic Characteristics and Awareness of OSH
Correlation analysis were conducted between the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and their awareness of
occupational safety and health issues.
Characteristic Category Awareness of OSH Correlation coefficient (R)
High Moderate Low
Gender Male 78% 20% 2% r = -0.62, p = 0.001
Female 32% 16% 52%
Age 21-25 24% 30% 46% r= 0.64, p=0.00
26-30 66% 24% 10%
31-35 72% 20% 8%
36-40 82% 18%
Education Primary 30% 54% 16% r= 0.87, p=0.047
Secondary 44% 40% 16%
Certificate 54% 32% 14%
Diploma 68% 22% 10%
Degree 76% 24%
Working experience 1-5 12% 44% 44% r=0.71, p=0.00
6-10 18% 50% 32%
11-15 32% 48% 20%
>20 48% 30% 22%
Table 7: Association between socio-demographic characteristics and awareness of OSH
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As for gender, male staff were found to know more about OSH issues than their female counterparts. Age had a strong positive
correlation (r=0.64, p<0.05) with awareness of occupational safety and health issues. This means that increasing age was correlated
with increasing with awareness. Education had a strong positive correlation (r=0.87, p<0.05) with awareness of occupational safety
and health issues. The higher an employee’s education was, the more likely it was that they knew about occupational safety and health
issues. Working experience had a strong positive correlation (r=0.71, p<0.005) with awareness of occupational safety and health
issues. The more years worked in the in industry, the more likely the respondents knew about occupational safety and health issues.
4. Conclusions and Recommendations
4.1. Conclusions
The objective of the study established that there was a 90% level of awareness among the site agents while the employees (Foremen,
casuals, operators and drivers) reported 38% average awareness levels on OSH issues present in road maintenance works. This goes
out to prove that with low levels of formal education together with lack of OSH trainings among workers, there is a low level of safety
awareness. Society expects that the higher the level of education a person has, the more aware he/she is in all aspects of life.The study
concluded that the level of awareness on OSH among the low cadre of employees was inadequate.
4.2. Recommendations
The study recommended the following:
The study recommends that follow-up be done to ensure at least one employee for every contractor who will be responsible
for OSH.
The contractors/ site agents should ensure that all new employees are inducted on safety and that regular OSH trainings are
carried out periodically.
Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services undertake OSH awareness programs within the construction sector.
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