Predisposing factors influencing occupational injury among frontline building construction workers in Ghana

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the predisposing factors influencing occupational injuries among frontline construction workers in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 634 frontline construction workers in Kumasi metropolis of Ghana using a structured questionnaire. The study was conducted from December 2016 to June 2017 using a household-based approach. The respondent were selected through a two-staged sampling approach. A multivariate logistics regression model was employed to examine the association between risk factors and injury. Data was analyzed employing descriptive and inferential statistics with STATA version 14. Results The study found an injury prevalence of 57.91% among the workers. Open Wounds (37.29%) and fractures (6.78%) were the common and least injuries recorded respectively. The distal factors (eg. Age, sex of worker, income) and proximal factors (eg. work structure, trade specialization, working hours, job/task location, and monthly off days were risk factors for occupational injuries among frontline construction workers. The study recommends that policy makers and occupational health expert should incorporate the proximal and distal factors in the design of injury prevention as well as management strategies.