Inefficient use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is generally seen by many construction industries around the world as a catalyst for increasing accidents, diseases, illness and fatalities at workplaces. The study investigates on the factors inhibiting efficient use of PPE among construction workers at Arusha urban. Data used in this study was derived from both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data was collected from a detailed review of relevant literature to the theme investigated. Primary data was collected through a structured questionnaire aimed at 60 respondents (engineers, technicians and artisans) who have knowledge and experience of construction activities. And 42 questionnaire forms were received constituting 70 per cent response rate which was considered adequate for data analysis. The rated variables were ranked with regard to their importance and occurrence. Findings revealed that business as usual and violations of work ethics were issues of concern related to factors of inefficient use of PPE. The critical factors included lack of awareness on OHS issues, inappropriate use of PPE and negligence to provide PPE respectively. It was also found that poor supervision on the use of PPE could be significant factor inhibiting efficient use of PPE. Though thermal discomfort was ranked the lowest with regard to inefficient use of PPE, it could be significant to some parts of the country with high temperature. The study suggests that there should be routine revision of OHS governing rules to respond to emerging challenges related to health and safety in the construction industry.

Despite the huge investment made by Tanzania government in the road sector development, the participation of local civil works contractors in developing road infrastructure is not satisfactory and is reported to be less by value of the total works undertaken annually in the country. The extent to which local contractors participate in the development of road infrastructure in Tanzania leaves many questions behind, and the factors of their deficient participation are not well established. The objective of this study is to identify the significant factors of deficient participation of local civil works contractors in carrying out bituminous road works in Tanzania and suggest the appropriate means to improve their participation. The methodology used in this study includes critical review of literature, road project reports from Tanroads and discussions with road sector stakeholders. Results from forty four (44) randomly selected bituminous trunk road projects awarded by Tanroads between 2003 and 2012 shows that, only 16 % of all bituminous road projects were awarded to local civil works contractors and the remaining 84% were awarded to foreign contractors. Moreover, participation of local civil works contractors is less by 10% by value of the total works undertaken annually in the country. Further, the study revealed that, inadequate participation of local civil works contractors is predominantly associated with problems such as inadequate capital, low financial capacity, inadequate work opportunities, lack of appropriate construction equipment and plant, lack of skilled personnel and inadequate management skills. However, collective efforts by government and other construction industry stakeholders are needed to increase effective participation of local contractors in the development of road infrastructure in the country. The authors hope that the findings from the current study will increase the stakeholders’ awareness on the participation of local civil works contractors in executing bituminous road works in the country.

Detrimental variations are variations which negatively impact the project performance resulting into scenarios such as cost overruns, time overruns, project abandonment, rework, disruption and conflicts. These scenarios have led to non-fulfillment of project objectives. The objective of the study was to develop a mitigation model that helps to mitigate detrimental variations in public building projects in Tanzania. Specifically, the research question was how can detrimental variations be minimised in building projects? Literature review was carried out. Data were collected using questionnaire survey, group discussion and case studies. In total, 143 professionals (architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and procurement officers) participated in the survey. Statistical analyses such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), T-test analysis, Spearman's rho correlation analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to analyse data and obtain relationships of variables. The analysis generated significant independent and dependent variables that formed the basis for the developed detrimental variation mitigation model. The model was validated through focus group discussion to test the model's usefulness, clarity and applicability. Findings from case studies suggest that building projects suffered detrimental variations. The developed model when used significantly contributes to reduction of detrimental variations. Project parties should use the developed best practice model to enhance performance of construction projects.

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