Management Of Hazards And Prevention Of Accidents And Injuries In Building Construction Using ‘Hierarchy Of Controls

Abstract

Studies have shown that rates of accidents and injuries in building construction industry are generally high due to the fact that virtually all building construction sites are faced with unsafe conditions, especially in developing countries, exposing construction workers and users of such constructed structures to a wide range of hazards and dangers. Lack of adequacy of safety practices in building construction is evident in the numbers of building collapses and fatalities, injuries and damages reported in building construction industry in developing countries. However, most building construction accidents and injuries can be prevented, reduced or eliminated with an effective hazard control system in place, and the right safety education and practices among all stakeholders in building construction. This paper, therefore, discusses using the hierarchy of controls and safety education to control hazards and prevent accidents and injuries in building construction.