ROAD CONSTRUCTION INJURY PREDICTORS, RATE, RECORDING AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN GHANA

Abstract

This study determined the rate and predictors of road construction injury and injury recording practices in Ghana. Institution-based cross-sectional study was adopted, using closed- and open-ended questions. From 27th January 2020 to 4^th March 2020, 353 employees from Ashanti, Ahafo and Western North regions provided information on work-related injuries, cause of injury and recording practices. Nearly 88% experienced minimum one injury the past year and 12-month injury prevalence was 872.5 per 1000 workers. Education (AOR = 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.61; p<0.001) influenced injury risk. Over 40% respondents said their firms recorded and investigated work-related injuries respectively. In conclusion, the 12-month injury prevalence
was high. Education, work experience and employment status influenced injury occurrence. Ghana has safety guidelines for road construction but has weak enforcement. Therefore, safety improvement should include enforcing personal protective equipment use, proficiency training in equipment use and meticulous recording of injury incidents by firms.