Review of health and safety practices in construction industry in Tanzania: a case Study of Dar es Salaam Region

This study attempts to find out the current practices of health and safety in the construction industry by identifying factors and causes which lead to health and safety problems and propose measures for improvement. Data collection for the study was through questionnaire, interview, observation and documentary review of various available materials. The study identified factors which contribute to health and safety problems as workers, management and non human related factors. The existing challenges are attributed by three parts which are contractors, workers and regulatory bodies. Some Contractors are not fulfilling their obligations, workers are not aware of their responsibilities and rights to be protected against accidents and health hazards and some of them are negligent of using PPEs. Occupational Safety and Health Authority (OSHA) has low capacity for enforcement of health and safety in construction sites. The study concluded that Health and Safety Problems in Construction Sites are attributed by Contractors, Workers and Regulatory Authorities. Majority of Contractors do implement health and safety in sites, 85% of accidents occurring are those which could have been prevented by provision of PPEs. The capacity of regulatory body OSHA is insufficient to carry out its mandated functions. It was further concluded that there is no significant difference in implementation of health and safety between class I and class II contractors. It is recommended for Contractors Registration Board (CRB) to ensure that compliance with OHS is set as mandatory criterion prior to registration or upgrading of contractors. OHS training should be done as well as awareness creation for construction workers. It is further recommended for Government to strengthening the capacity of OSHA and ensures that OHS policy is in place for use.