Health and Safety Performance in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: The Government’s Responsibility

Abstract

Poor health and safety (H&S) performance is a defining feature of the Ghanaian construction sector due to the government’s inadequate efforts to sanitise the construction space from the menace. The relative importance index and the multivariate technique were used to analyse the data in this study. Data was collected from experts using a structured questionnaire from 635 participants. The analysis from the RII revealed that strict implementation and enforcement of occupational health and safety laws by empowering responsible state agencies is the most significant government responsibility that can enhance H&S. Meanwhile, the multivariate analysis identified government and legislative efforts, along with enforcement agency efforts, as critical roles. The study’s findings indicate the need for the government to enact an Occupational Health and Safety Act that would supersede the existing Factories and Shops Act. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of ensuring stringent enforcement of H&S laws by mandated state agencies and the introduction of H&S courses into construction-related educational curricula. This research contributes to the body of literature by establishing that government efforts in health and safety are intrinsically linked with improved legislation and its effective enforcement by relevant institutions. The results suggest that government efforts on H&S should be complemented by strong legal frameworks and robust enforcement mechanisms, not just the mere enactment of laws. To strengthen the government’s position on this subject, there is a need for the continuous review and update of H&S legislation and policies. Additionally, the operational capacity of enforcement bodies must be enhanced to keep pace with changing technological trends, best practices, and evolving risks.