Perspective of Consultants on Health and Safety in the Labour Act: A Study into Theory Practicals

 

This article is based on the health and safety performance in the construction industry. It also shows that the Labour Act 651 is addressing the health and safety standards to ensure workers are using safe and healthy conditions. By conducting a questionnaire for 200 architects, quantity surveyors, site and structural engineers, one hundred and twenty-one had a response rate of 61.5%. The findings indicated that clauses in the Labour Act 651 addresses appropriate health and safety standards are poorly adhered to. There are key challenges facing the adaptation of the Labour Act are; inadequate H&S policies, data collection shortfalls, lack of H&S education, communication shortfalls and workers attitudes toward Health and Safety.
In this report, the Ghanaian construction industry experienced a constant employment growth experienced a constant employment growth of about 1.2% in 1991 and maintained it until 1995. Now, according to the Ghanaian construction industry, the GOP growth is listed at 5.8% and also listed as the third largest economic sector from 2004 to 2005 Anaman et.Al. (2007). The construction industry of Ghana relies on labour intensive methods. Even though construction is risky and prone to health and safety risks, Armstrong (2006) states that thousands are killed at work every year and several hundred thousands more are injured or suffer ill-health.
With the passing on the Labour Act, 2013 (Act 651) in Ghana, it seeks to address among other issues the concerns for specific selections. The issuing of this law in the mining industry where workers were exposed to serious hazardous unhealthy risks their lives was brought as a real concern (Kheni. et al, 2008). Occupational health and safety were neglected by Government and mining companies, according to Dumet (1993). Non-governmental organisations influence the activities of the industries, such as private clients. To date, two government ministries in Ghana had direct responsibility concerning the construction business (Khen.et al, 2008).  

Work Cited Armstrong, M. (2006). A handbook of Human Resource Management practice (10th ed). London: Kogan Page Ltd.