Occupational Health and Safety Status in the Windhoek Construction Industry: A Namibian Perspective

Abstract

Construction industry remains the dangerous industry in the world, due to the nature of work and the working environment which exposes workers to different types of hazards and occupational accidents. Construction workers are also at risk of developing occupational related health conditions due to the exposure to occupational hazards. A cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study was conducted to collect the data regarding occupational health and safety status in the construction industry. Data was collected with questionnaires developed based on the literatures and the World Health Organization Healthy workplace model. The study found out that the provision of occupational health and safety in the Windhoek construction industry is in poor status. Furthermore, construction work is mainly for male, young workers aged between 18 to 29 years. The mean age is 31.48 years. The study results also indicated that occupational hazards are prevalent in the construction industry. Nevertheless, most participants indicated that occupational accidents are not common in the construction sites. The study recommended the development of practical guidelines to improve the occupational health and safety status in the construction industry. The recommended guidelines should be implemented in all construction sites.

Provision of Personal Protective Equipment and Sanitary Facilities to Female Construction Workers

“…These findings do not support those of Behm, (2019); Cannon and Shah, ( 2019) and Oo and Lim, (2020) who found that, women have a challenge with finding PPE that fit properly in most trades and construction is no exception. South African researchers such as Mariam et al, (2021) and Nghitanwa and Zungu, (2017) noted similar findings.…”

“…In addition, actual consultation with girls and women regarding their sanitation needs is relatively rare (Schmitt et al, 2018). According to the Regulations relating to health and safety of employees at work, the employer is required to provide adequate toilet and washing facilities (Nghitanwa and Zungu, 2017).…”

“…Most fatalities reported in the South African construction sector are a result of falling from heights, slipping, moving machinery and vehicles (Legodi and Chelule, 2016). Findings from a survey carried out in Cape Town, South Africa reveals that back pain among workers in construction companies occurred at a rate 25% more than in the developed countries which leads to absenteeism and low productivity (Nghitanwa and Zungu, 2017). In South Africa, a clear obligation to all parties is imposed by the Construction Regulation 2014 on construction projects and owners of assets, clients, their agent, the designers, the principal contractors, contractors, and owners of the structure (Khoza and Haupt, 2021).…”

“…Provision of Personal Protective Equipment is important in ensuring OHS at workplaces, especially, when properly selected and used by workers, as they provide protection against risks (Nghitanwa and Zungu, 2017). Equipment, tools and personal protective equipment for work is designed only to fit the male body leaving women with the dilemma of finding comfortable PPE with the right fit.…”

“…Although poor working conditions could expose both men and women to health hazards, women are more likely to experience additional stressors specific to their gender or them just being women (Mariam et al, 2021). According to the Regulations relating to health and safety of employees at work, the employer is required to provide adequate toilet and washing facilities (Nghitanwa and Zungu, 2017). Employers do not seem be complying with the regulations, as even at a critical time, Amoah and Simpeh, ( 2021) noted in their study that one of the main problems, was the supply of poor PPEs by contractors, regarding the implementation challenges of COVID-19 safety measures on project sites.…”