Health and Safety Risk Management practices in Case of Daye–Chiri–Nansebo Road Construction Project

Abstract

The construction industry is widely recognized as one of the most hazardous sectors due to the dynamic nature of construction activities and frequent exposure to occupational risks. In Ethiopia, road construction projects are characterized by complex operations involving heavy machinery, traffic interaction, and challenging environmental conditions, which increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Despite the existence of safety regulations, health and safety risk management practices remain inadequate in many construction projects. This study assesses health and safety risk management practices in road construction projects in Ethiopia, using the Daye–Chiri–Nansebo road construction project as a case study. A descriptive research design was adopted, and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and site observations. Data were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) method with the support of SPSS software to identify and rank major health and safety risk factors. The findings indicate that insufficient management commitment, inadequate safety training, poor hazard identification, and limited enforcement of safety regulations are the most significant factors affecting health and safety performance. The study concludes that strengthening safety management systems, improving worker training, and enhancing regulatory enforcement are essential to reducing occupational risks in road construction projects. The results of this study provide practical insights for contractors, consultants, and regulatory bodies seeking to improve health and safety performance in the Ethiopian construction sector.