Construction is a key sector of the national economy. Its social-economic significance also becomes obvious when examined from a global context. Undoubtedly, the importance of occupational safety and health in this sector cannot be over-stated. A safe and healthy work environment leads to healthier and motivated workers who are able to increase their output and hence improve productivity. In addition, a safety and health preventative culture leads to reduced accidents and diseases which minimizes costs and hence impacts positively on the country’s economy. The country faces numerous challenges in the delivery of occupational safety and health services despite Kenya’s regulatory framework and legislation governing the construction industry having well-articulated Acts, safety standards and code of ethics that spell sustainability in social-economic and environmental fronts. It was found necessary therefore to establish the effectiveness of regulatory framework in rendering OSH services in the construction industry.
The research sought to establish the regulatory framework governing OSH in Kenya and explore the regulatory bodies assigned to deal with OSH matters in the construction industry. It further investigated the strategies out in place by these bodies and the strategies currently being used to improve their capacity to regulate OSH. The research concentrated on regulatory framework in the public sector in Nairobi County. Data was analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis in particular, using Microsoft Excel computer programme.
The findings that emerged showed that the regulatory framework in Kenya was not optimally promoting Occupational safety and health in the construction sector despite the execution of the strategies in place due to a number of challenges posing a threat. The study established that shortage of staff and inadequate research were the main obstacles hindering progress followed closely by inadequate training, low awareness among management and staff, amongst others as reported in the findings. In view of this, it is recommended that specialized bodies to champion for specialized bodies to be formed to streamline OSH in the construction industry and an independent regulatory committee for OSH in the construction environment to be constituted. There is also need for continuous review of the OSH laws and policies. Better strategies should also keep being adopted to keep up with the dynamic nature of the construction industry. It is hoped that this research will be a step forward in the quest for good OSH practices with particular regards to the construction industry in Kenya.