The Practice of Communication of Health and Safety Risk Information at Construction Sites in Tanzania

The Practice of Communication of Health and Safety Risk Information at Construction Sites in Tanzania

  IJETT-book-cover  International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT)          
  
© 2017 by IJETT Journal
Volume-47 Number-7
Year of Publication : 2017
Authors : Sarah Phoya
DOI :  10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V47P264

Citation 

Sarah Phoya "The Practice of Communication of Health and Safety Risk Information at Construction Sites in Tanzania", International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT), V47(7),385-393 May 2017. ISSN:2231-5381. www.ijettjournal.org. published by seventh sense research group

Abstract
Many workers in construction sites are still subjected to high health and safety risk despite of various efforts which are in place. However how workers in construction sites are informed on health and safety risks is obvious important factors in implementation of initiatives. This paper therefore aimed at understanding communication mechanism of health and safety risk information in construction sites. The essence is to examine what methods used for communication of risk information, the nature of these senders (communicators) and receivers (workers), the context of risk message and challenges on risk communication. A multiple case study strategy was adopted in this research whereby six large on-going construction sites were selected basing on convenient sampling techniques. Within the site, structured interview and focus group discussion were used. Non-participatory observation was also used to collect data. The study reveals that multiplicity of communication channels and methods play out simultaneously in communication of risk information within construction sites. However, toolbox meeting was predominantly methods. This being the case, the environment for conducting effective toolbox meetings remains a challenge on many sites. On the other hand, site officers were the main senders of communicating health and safety risk information to the workers. However, the quality of the sender in terms of health and safety skills as well as experiences was found to influences health and safety risk communication. The findings provide the basis for suggesting areas where employers and managers can make interventions to enable safe and healthy working specifically focusing on risk communication.

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Keywords
Construction sites, communications, Health and Safety, Risk information.