Workers Awareness on the Acute and Chronic Effects of Risk Factors in Building Construction Sites

Abstract

Mega scale building projects are highlighted in Sri Lanka as a symbol of economic growth ^and prosperity. However, the ethical values of the life of construction worker have been submerged, although the construction site is a hazardous place for workers. Majority of labor force in construction industry is unskilled and they do not have a formal education. The aim of this research was to investigate the workers awareness of risk factors in Civil Engineering building construction sites. A survey was conducted among workers in building construction sites in the Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Relative Important Index (RII) value was determined for each risk factor. It was found that workers were more aware about risk factors, which are having acute effects, such as “working in higher places” and “use of electricity”, but they were less aware about risk factors having chronic effects, such as "exposure to noise” and “exposure to vibration (both Whole body vibration and Hand-arm vibration). In order to improve site safety, workers must be educated with all the possible risk factors and method to reduce each risk in construction sites. Keywords: