World Health Organization (WHO) comparative Risk Assessment confirms the substantial

contribution of selected occupational risk factors to global illness. The WHO concluded that
occupational risk factors are responsible for 37% of back pain, 16% of hearing loss, 10% of
injuries, 13% of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 11% of asthma, and 9% of lung
cancer globally (Iavicoli et al. 2006).

Iavicoli et al. 2006, the absence of data in much of the developing world limited the range
of occupational risk factors that could be measured by the WHO, and the available data
excluded children under 15 years who work.

Iavicoli S., Rondinone B., Marinaccio A. , and Fingerhut M., (2006).Research Priorities in
Occupational Safety and Health; A review Article; Industrial Health 2006, 44, 169-178.

The WHO report indicated that the comparative risk assessment excluded important
occupational risks for reproductive disorders, dermatitis, infectious disease, coronary heart
disease, intentional injuries, musculo-skeletal disorders of the upper extremities, and most
cancers. Psychosocial risk factors such as workplace stress could not be studied, nor could
pesticide, heavy metal, or solvent exposures. The report identified the following as
priorities as per the ILO/WHO joint Advisory Committee on Occupational Health during the 13 th
Session in December, 2003.

 Guidance and support for national OSH programmes

 Enhancing regional collaboration and coordination
 Coordination and enhancement of information and educational programmes and
materials.
 Awareness raising activities and instruments.

Low compliance to Occupational Safety and Health regulations affects staff work
satisfaction. Healthy workplace concept provides a valuable tool for developing or
reinforcing occupational health and safety standards so that conditions continually improve
for the working population. However, a healthy workplace is not only free of hazards, but
provides an environment that is stimulating and satisfying for the workers.

Environmental issues associated with water and sanitation projects may principally occur
during the construction and operation phases, depending on project specific characteristics
and components. Water and sanitation projects are frequently justified on the basis of their
contribution to health. Those familiar with the sector know that the necessary facilities
(e.g treatment works, storage tanks, pumping stations and sewers) all involve significant
occupational risks for the staff engaged in building and operation.

One researcher identified that construction and operation in developing countries is

particularly dangerous, and that a cursory inspection of any job site will reveal many
health and safety hazards (Larcher & Sohail, 1999).

According to Larcher & Sohail, 1999, the types and frequencies of injuries that occur to
construction workers will vary according to the tasks that they carry out. Some include:-
  Falls
 Overexertion or strenuous movement
 Handling falling or flying objects
 Contacts with stationery objects (Missed steps)
 Contact with moving objects
 Contact with heat or cold
 Contact with chemicals
 Exposure to electricity
 Fire, explosions or blasts

Larcher P. & Sohail M (1999). Review of Safety in Construction and Operation for the WS&S
Sector: Part 1, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK WEDC, Loughborough
University, UK.

Nzuve and Ayubu, (2012) explained that Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) has
become a global concern for employers, workers and national governments. Despite global
efforts to address OSH concerns, it is estimated that 2 million work related fatalities still
occur every year. In addition, there are more than 330 million occupational accidents and 160
million work related diseases that affect workers every year.

Nzuve, M. & Ayubu, B. (2012). The Extent of Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health
Regulations at Registered Workplaces in Nairobi. International Journal of Business, Humanities
and Technology Vol.2 No.2: (pp 115-119).

Abukhashabah E. et al 2019, introduce a research under title Causes of Occupational Accidents

and Injuries in Construction Industry in Jeddah City, this paper identified the causes of
accidents and injuries in the construction industry among 300 workers in Jeddah City,
situated on the coast of the Red Sea of Saudi Arabia. Results from the questionnaire showed
that the major cause of accidents and injuries is the lack of awareness about occupational
safety and lack of experience among the workers (> 82%); and the most common type of
accidents and injuries that occur in the construction industry, are workers falling from a height
(>80%), and electrical shock (>60%).

Emad Abukhashabah, E. , Summan, A. and Balkhyour, M.,(2019), Causes of Occupational

Accidents and Injuries in Construction Industry in Jeddah City, JKAU: Met., Env. & Arid Land
Agric. Sci., Vol. 28 No. 1, pp: 105 – 116, Doi: 10.4197/Met. 28-1.9