Improving Construction Health and Safety in Developing Countries (Ghana)

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Context (Overview of H&S performance in Ghana)

1.2 Problem statement

1.3 Aim of study

1.4 Objectives

1.5 Research questions

1.6 Scope of study

1.7 Methodology

1.8 Significance of study

1.9 Impact of Study

1.10 Limitation of study

1.11 Organization of chapters

1.12 Research timeline

CHAPTER 2: CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY

2.1 Defining health & safety

2.2 The need for H&S practices in the construction industry

2.3 Legislative governing H&S in the construction industry

2.3.1 Factors influencing poor construction H&S in developed and developing countries

2.3.2 Disparity of construction H&S challenges between developed and developing countries

2.3.3 Comparing H&S performance between developed and developing countries

2.4 Overview of H&S performance in the UK construction Industry

2.4.1 H&S legislation in the UK construction industry

2.4.2 The Health and Safety Executive as a regulating body

2.4.3 Roles/duties of HSE in the UK construction industry

2.5 The Construction Design Management (CDM 2015)

2.5.1 Health & Safety roles/duties of the client

2.5.2 Commercial client

2.5.3 Duties of the commercial client

2.5.4 Domestic client

2.5.5 A contractor

2.5.6 Duties of the contractor

2.6 Overview of H&S performance in Australian construction industry

2.6.1 H&S legislation in the Australian construction industry

2.7 Occupational Health & Safety Act, Code of Practice and Regulators

2.7.1 Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004

2.7.2 Code of Practice: Victorian compliance code

2.7.3 Regulator: WorkSafe Victoria

2.8 Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2017

2.8.1 H&S role of client (employer) and contractor

2.8.2 Section 21: Duties of the client (employer)

2.8.3 Section 22: Duties of the contractor

2.9 Summary

CHAPTER 3: THE GHANAIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

3.1 Overview of the Ghanaian construction industry

3.2 Existing H&S legislation in the Ghanaian construction industry

3.3 H&S Challenges in the Ghanaian construction industry

3.4 Summary

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHOD

4.1 The Research Approach

4.2 The Research Strategy

4.3 Limitations of Approach

CHAPTER 5: RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

5.1 Results of the study

5.2 Discussion

5.2.1 Health & Safety Regulation – Part 1

5.2.2 Health & Safety Regulator – Part 2

5.2.3 Role of duty holders -Part 3

5.3 The challenges of implementing Health & Safety

CHAPTER 6: Conclusion & Recommendations

6.1 Conclusion

6.2 Recommendations

6.3 Contribution to the field of knowledge

6.4 Future research

Research Objective and Scope

This study critically investigates the constraints and barriers hindering the implementation of effective health and safety practices within the Ghanaian construction industry. By analyzing and comparing the successful legislative frameworks and standards utilized in the UK and Australia, the research aims to provide actionable recommendations for improving H&S management in Ghana.

• Examination of existing construction H&S legislative frameworks in the UK and Australia.
• Identification of barriers and challenges specific to the Ghanaian construction sector.
• Analysis of the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders (clients, contractors, and regulators).
• Development of a proposed H&S legislative framework adapted for the Ghanaian context.
• Investigation of the impact of casual labor and skill scarcity on site safety.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the research, documenting the current H&S performance in Ghana and establishing the aim, objectives, and research questions.

CHAPTER 2: CONSTRUCTION HEALTH & SAFETY: This chapter presents an in-depth literature review on global construction H&S practices, specifically focusing on the legislative frameworks of the UK and Australia.

CHAPTER 3: THE GHANAIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: This chapter reviews the existing legislative landscape in Ghana and identifies the primary challenges facing the local industry, particularly regarding SME contractors and the workforce.

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH METHOD: This chapter outlines the qualitative research approach and strategy utilized to collect and analyze secondary data for the study.

CHAPTER 5: RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS: This chapter analyzes the findings from the literature review and discusses the legislative frameworks and duty-holder roles identified.

CHAPTER 6: Conclusion & Recommendations: This chapter concludes the study and proposes a tailored H&S legislative framework and regulatory authority for the Ghanaian construction sector.

Keywords

Construction H&S, H&S challenges, Ghana, developing countries, legislative framework, construction safety, health and safety management, occupational accidents, construction regulations, site safety, stakeholder responsibilities, UK construction industry, Australian construction industry, construction labor, site hazards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this research?

The research focuses on identifying the constraints and barriers that hinder the implementation of effective health and safety practices in the Ghanaian construction industry by drawing lessons from established international frameworks.

What are the central themes explored?

The study explores legislative frameworks, stakeholder responsibilities (such as clients and contractors), the impact of casual labor, and the comparison of safety performance between developed and developing nations.

What is the primary research goal?

The goal is to develop and recommend a comprehensive H&S legislative framework and regulatory approach to improve safety performance within Ghana’s construction sector.

Which scientific method is applied?

The research employs a qualitative study approach based on a critical secondary data analysis and literature review of H&S policies in the UK, Australia, and Ghana.

What is covered in the main body?

The main body examines the specific legislative structures of the UK (CDM 2015) and Australia (WHS Act/Regulations), compares them to the current status in Ghana, and discusses the role of various duty holders.

Which keywords define this work?

Key terms include construction H&S, Ghana, legislative framework, occupational safety, construction regulation, and site safety management.

Why is the UK and Australian model used for comparison?

These countries serve as models due to their effective, well-defined legislative frameworks and clear regulatory hierarchies, which provide valuable best-practice lessons for developing nations.

What is the significance of the "duty holder" concept?

The duty holder concept is crucial as it assigns specific legal responsibilities for safety to clients, contractors, and designers, which is currently lacking in the Ghanaian construction sector.

What conclusion does the author reach regarding the Ghanaian construction industry?

The author concludes that the absence of a dedicated construction-specific H&S regulation and an enforcement authority is a pivotal factor contributing to the high accident and fatality rates in the industry.