ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE AND CHALLENGES AT THE BUTT AND CUTT LINE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF JAPAN TOBACCO INTERNATIONAL ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The construction industry is a significant component of many countries' economies and is frequently regarded as a driver of economic growth, particularly in developing countries. Construction work employs a diverse range of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled individuals due to its relatively labor-intensive nature. Despite its importance, the construction industry is regarded as hazardous, with frequent and high accident rates, as well as health issues affecting workers, practitioners, and end users. However, there is a lack of understanding in Ethiopia about how health and safety risks are managed on construction sites. As a result, the goal of this study is to learn about the current state of health and safety management in a Hawassa-based construction firm. A quantitative research method was used in the study. Project data was gathered. A quantitative research method was used in the study. Data was gathered from members of the project management team, site engineers, safety officers, and casual and contracted workers. The information was presented in charts and tables, and it was analyzed with descriptive statistical tools like frequency and percentages. Working at height, falls and trips, and tools and machinery were found to be the leading causes of incidents. The study also discovered that while health and safety management on the construction site is adequate, there is still much room for improvement. The major issues and challenges confronting the construction sector's health and safety performance are a lack of enforcement of existing rules and regulations, resistance to change, particularly among supervisors, a lack of employee involvement, and a lack of authority follow-up. According to the major findings, the country's construction health and safety rules, as well as regulation by health and safety and local authorities, should be strengthened. Creating a workplace safety culture would also be critical, given that Ethiopia is new to the concept.