Impact of safety management practices on reducing accidents on construction sites

The construction industry in Kenya is a critical driver of economic growth but also one of the most hazardous sectors, with Athi River in Machakos County emerging as a hotspot for frequent and severe site accidents. This study investigated the impact of safety management practices on reducing construction site accidents, focusing on four dimensions: workers’ awareness of accident causes, knowledge of safety management practices, barriers to implementation, and the role of safety interventions. Guided by Domino Theory, Human Factors Theory, and Stakeholder Theory, the study employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative data from 83 valid survey responses with qualitative insights from key informant interviews across five large-scale projects. Descriptive and inferential analyses using SPSS established that awareness of accident causes (β = 0.338, p < 0.05), knowledge of safety practices (β = 0.215, p < 0.05), and safety interventions (β = 0.422, p < 0.05) significantly reduced accident occurrence, while barriers to implementation had a negative effect (β = –0.187, p < 0.05). The findings highlight that construction site safety in Athi River can be substantially improved through structured awareness programs, continuous training, strong managerial oversight, and enhanced regulatory enforcement. The study recommends institutionalizing regular safety audits, enforcing mandatory training, and embedding participatory safety interventions to foster a proactive safety culture. These measures are essential to safeguard workers, sustain project efficiency, and support Kenya’s broader development agenda.