Occupational Stress and Its Impact on Health, Safety, and Performance Among Construction Workers in Ghana’s Central Region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/tarce-2024.13.1.4231Keywords:
Ghana, Human Aspects, Low Production Levels, Management Concerns, Organization, Safety-Related Behaviour, Technical Failures, Programme of TrainingAbstract
Construction workers experience high levels of stress due to demanding work environments and safety hazards. This stress can negatively impact their health, safety behavior, and overall job performance. This study investigates the factors contributing to occupational stress among construction workers in Ghana’s Central Region. It explores the impact of stress on worker health, safety behavior, and performance, focusing on machine/equipment operators, junior engineers, and foremen. A stratified random sampling approach was employed to ensure representativeness across various company sizes. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 150 construction site workers, resulting in a response rate of 74.67%. Descriptive statistics and Principal Component Analysis were used to analyze the collected data. The study identified worker ill health, role overload, and excessive workload as the leading factors contributing to occupational stress. Dangerous machinery, inadequate safety equipment, and lack of proper training were found to be significant stressors specific to the construction environment. Furthermore, the study revealed that work-related stress negatively affects employee performance, career advancement, and safety behavior. Psychological consequences, such as difficulty concentrating, and physiological effects, such as headaches, were also prominent. This study highlights the prevalence of occupational stress among construction workers in Ghana and its detrimental effects on their health, safety, and performance. Based on the findings, regular medical check-ups for machine operators and the implementation of shift work schedules to reduce fatigue are recommended. Additionally, acknowledging and rewarding employee contributions can help mitigate stress and improve overall well-being.
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