Adherence to Health and Safety Measures in Building Materials Retail Shops: Experiences from Ilala District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

This article examines knowledge and practices of employers and workers about health and safety measures in building materials retail shops in Ilala District, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The article is based on quantitative data collected from 152 employers and workers from such shops. Structured questionnaires were used for collecting data. The data were analysed using Chi-square tests and Pearson’s correlation. The findings revealed that a big majority of employers and workers in building materials retail shops are aware of health and safety measures, but exhibit poor health and safety practices. There is a collective sense of responsibility for ensuring occupational health and safety in the workplaces by employers and workers. Major obstacles for lack of adherence to health safety include financial costs for instituting health and safety measures, as well as limited knowledge and lack of monitoring and inspection systems. It is recommended that formal and appropriate knowledge can be acquired through formal trainings provided by OHS authorities.