By Kennedy Musyoka and Festus Malombe
Introduction
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) refers to the regulatory framework and standards that govern workplace safety and health to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. OSHA, in the construction sector, is crucial for establishing guidelines and regulations that ensure safe working conditions, promote workers’ health, and foster a culture of safety. The construction industry is inherently hazardous, with workers facing various risks such as falls, being struck by objects, and exposure to harmful substances. By implementing OSHA standards, the construction sector value chain can significantly reduce accident rates, enhance workers morale, and ultimately improve productivity and efficiency.
The construction sector plays a pivotal role in the economy, contributing 6.6 per cent to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics estimates that in 2023, 419,700 individuals were employed as masons, plumbers, welders, equipment operators, architects, and engineers. Despite its significant contribution to economic growth and employment, the sector faces persistent challenges regarding occupational safety and health (OSH), with an alarming rate of accidents resulting in an average of 64 fatalities per 100,000 employees annually.
The Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety Services (DOSH) has implemented some measures to curb the increasing number of accidents in construction sites. These include inspection of workplace, investigation of occupational accidents, training on occupation and healthy safety. Despite this, safety measures have not been sufficiently enforced by the regulatory authorities in the construction sector. Furthermore, informal construction workers are particularly vulnerable, as many employers evade the guidelines under the OSHA (2007) and National Construction Act (2007) owing to costcutting measures. This blog brings to light the possible approaches for improving occupation and safety health standards within the construction sector in Kenya.
Status of Construction and Safety in Kenya
The number of people employed in the construction sector has expanded (Figure 1). Despite this, the sector has experienced an increasing number of accidents. Between 2015 and 2023, there were 9,071 cases of reported injuries of varying severity, 6,307 cases were minor not requiring time off duty, 1,890 required up to 3 days off, 810 required over 4 days off duty and 64 were fatal cases (Figure 2). This is attributed to inadequate knowledge and awareness of health and safety by workers and non-compliance to safety regulations as the key contributing factors to increased accidents in construction sites in Kenya (Institution of Engineers of Kenya – IEK, 2023).
Among the key causes of accidents at the construction sites include being hit by falling objects (17%), falling from heights (15%), motor operated machines (13%), lifting of heavy weights (11%), and the use of heavy machines (10%). Therefore, enhancing safety measures along the construction value chain not only protects workers but also increases productivity and creates new job opportunities, as safer workplaces attract more workers.
Figure 1: Number of workers employed in the construction sector
Source: KNBS (2023)
Figure 2: Number of accidents in the construction sector
Source: IEK (2023)
The fatality rate in Kenya’s construction sector is higher compared to other states actively involved in construction activities such as South Africa, which is at 25.5 fatalities, China at 3.8 and United Kingdom 0.44 fatalities per 100,000 employees respectively (Figure
3).
Figure 3: Comparison of rate of fatalities in the construction sector
Source: IEK (2023)
Challenges in Construction Safety
Policy gaps
The Building Code (1968) that is the backbone of safety standards in the construction sector is outdated, failing to account for modern construction technologies, materials, and procedures.
Inadequate enforcement
Despite having occupational and health laws in place, enforcement gaps exist due to inadequate resources and understaffing in key regulatory bodies such as the NCA and DOSH. This results in widespread non-compliance with safety regulations, especially in informal construction projects.
The casual workers that the construction sector relies on are often hired on short-term contracts and they lack formal safety training or experience. Employers have no incentive to invest in their training or long-term safety measures. Further, without formal contracts, they may not have access to health benefits or compensation if they suffer an injury on the job.
Opportunities in Construction Safety and Job Creation
Technological progress
Modern technologies in the construction sector offer immense potential to improve worker safety and job creation with real time data and safety alerts. Wearable devices can monitor workers’ health and alert them to potential hazards, while Building Information Modeling (BIM) can be used to predict and mitigate safety risks during the planning stages of construction projects.
Health insurance
Expanding access to health insurance coverage in the construction sector can provide workers with affordable healthcare, financial security, and compensation for work-related injuries. Employers will also be motivated to create safer workplaces, as reduced accidents would lower insurance costs.
Upscaling recognition of prior learning
The recognition of prior learning and certification of workers in construction sector value chain, led by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) and International Labour Organization (ILO) represents a path towards formalizing the sector. Certification enhances credibility, upskilling and opens windows to better-paid jobs and formal employment opportunities.
Recommendation
- The Government could allocate more resources to regulatory authorities to enhance compliance and oversight in the construction sector. The additional resources could be used to train the construction workers on the essence of safety and provision of personal protection equipment (PPEs) to reduce the increasing number of accidents in the sector.
- The Government to introduce mandatory safety training and certification programmes for casual labourers in the construction sector through TVET programmes. This can significantly reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.
- The Government to enforce formal contracts in the construction sector to enable workers’ access to health benefits or compensation if they suffer an injury on the job. This will also open pathways for workers to move into more secure, formal employment within the construction value chain.
