Assessment of Safety Provisions on Building Construction Sites in Abuja, Nigeria: Professionals and Workers Perspectives

Abstract

Despite the growth of the building construction sector in Nigeria, the provision of the basic safety materials and facilities to workers remains a challenge. The construction industry is believed to be a pillar of domestic economy in most nations; it is believed to contribute about 2.08% to the GDP of Nigeria. Yet, the rate of non-fatal, fatal injuries and illnesses exceeds that of many other industries, the construction industry has the most fatality rate when compared to other industry sectors. This paper examines the level of provision of the basic safety materials and facilities to workers by contractors in the Nigerian construction industry, the study employed the work study and field survey research method. Structured questionnaire were administered to the Architects, Engineers, Project managers and Contractors as well as the workers engaged in construction. The research exposed the neglect in the provision of safety materials and facilities on the part of the contractors. Scaffolds and shovels where the materials readily provided by the contractors from the list of safety materials provided as recommended by the regulatory authorities. The Institute of safety professionals of Nigeria, Council of registered builders of Nigeria and other statutory government agencies should be more diligent to effectively monitor the activities of building construction contractors in Abuja, Nigeria.