Constructing a Safer Future: Unveiling Health and Safety Challenges in Building Construction Projects in Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract:

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous work sites in the world, having a high rate of accidents, illnesses, and fatalities, construction personnel workplace health and safety are major challenges. The building construction sector in Ethiopia has seen remarkable growth. However, this growth has led to increased health and safety concerns in building construction projects. This study seeks to identify and address health and safety challenges of Ethiopian building construction projects, aiming to enhance the well-being of workers and promote a safer construction environment. This study employed a descriptive study, once reviewing sufficient literature; questionnaires used to collect primary data from the respondent. Based on the findings of the research, the most health and safety challenges are insufficient regulatory enforcement (Mean=4.90), corruption (4.78), inadequate training and awareness (4.24), limited investment in safety equipment (4.11), lack of management commitment (4.09) and resource constraints (3.98). And the research proposed solutions to alleviate the issues these are strengthening regulatory enforcement (Mean=4.37), adopt anti-corruption strategies (4.27), and comprehensive health and safety training programs (4.18) are crucial. These solutions should aim to improve health and safety practices within the building construction projects in the country, contributing to a safer future. In general, the comprehensive insights offer valuable guidance to organizations, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to effectively address health and safety challenges of workers, ultimately fostering a safer construction environment in building construction projects and contributing to sustainable urban growth in Ethiopia.

Keywords: construction industry, building construction projects, health and safety challenges, solutions