Prevalence and Determinants of Non-Fatal Occupational Injuries Among Construction Workers in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Abstract Background: Occupational injuries present a major public health concern within the construction industry, particularly in developing nations like Rwanda. This study seeks to explore the prevalence and determinants of non-fatal occupational injuries among construction workers employed by NPD Ltd in Kigali City. Despite the enforcement of safety protocols, NFOI continue to occur, leading to decreased productivity, disability, and increased healthcare expenses. The study aims to address the existing knowledge gap by investigating factors contributing to these injuries, such as insufficient safety training, inadequate access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and poor supervision. Methods: Using a quantitative cross-sectional approach, primary data was collected to estimate the prevalence of non-fatal occupational injuries, with a simple random sampling method applied to NPD Ltd workers. Descriptive statistics, including means, standard deviations, percentages, and frequencies, was used to summarize the data. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed relationships between variables, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) used to quantify the strength of associations. All ethical guidelines was adhered to throughout the study. Results: The results revealed a high prevalence of non-fatal injuries, with 52% of workers reporting at least one injury in the past 12 months. Statistically significant findings included a strong association between work experience and injury rates (p = 0.000), with workers in their current role for less than three months having the highest injury prevalence (84 out of 124). Additionally, workers with primary education had 75.5% lower odds of injury compared to those with no education (AOR = 0.245, p = 0.001). Use of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly gloves, was associated with a lower injury risk (AOR = 0.459, p = 0.001), while work shift duration also impacted injury rates, with those working 6–12 hours having a significantly higher risk of injury compared to those working over 12 hours (p = 0.011). Access to health services on-site was found to significantly reduce injury severity, with workers having access to these services reporting fewer fatal injuries (p = 0.016). The presence of a safety officer was another key factor, as sites with a designated safety officer reported fewer fatal injuries (p = 0.043). Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for targeted safety interventions, improved safety training, and greater access to health services in the construction sector to mitigate the high risk of non-fatal injuries. The study also suggests that while PPE usage can reduce injury risk, better enforcement and consistent use are critical for further reducing injury rates in construction workplaces. Keywords: Occupational injuries, Non-Fatal Injuries, Construction Workers, Kigali City, Rwanda