UTILIZATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) AND SAFE WORK PRACTICES BY CONSTRUCTION PAINTERS AT A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN KENYA: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

The use of construction paints is among the most risky occupations in the world today. Professional painters

have an elevated cancer risk of up to 40%, among a myriad of other negative health outcomes. While the use of

adequate PPE can significantly reduce exposure to harmful paint chemicals, onsite assessments are rare

especially in Kenya where most workers are left exposed to occupational hazards without intervention. This

study assessed the onsite utilization of PPE and protective work practice measures by construction painters at a

private university in Kenya. Data was collected using covert structured direct observation technique and

analyzed descriptively on SPSS version 23. None of the participants had full protective gear and all had

observable evidence of dermal contact with paint. Though none of the participants smoked, ate, chew or drunk

anything while painting, all of them conversed during the process and all but one (80%) wore sandals. The

study concluded that utilization of PPE was inadequate thereby endangering the health of the participants.

Provision of PPE by contracting employers and sensitization would improve access and utilization of PPE

among construction painters.