Assessment of the challenges and solutions to implementation of safety measures by small and medium sized construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Studies have revealed that construction firms lack proper implementation of safety measures on construction projects in Abuja, Nigeria. Construction works all over the world therefore pose serious threat to workers and non-workers in most of the developing countries such as Nigeria. This paper assessed the level of implementation of safety measures by small and medium sized construction firms (construction SMEs) in Abuja with a view to improving the safety performance of construction firms. This was achieved through: identification of the effective safety measures required on construction sites; examination of the challenges affecting the implementation of safety measures on construction sites; and suggesting strategies for improving the level of implementation of safety measures by construction SMEs. Data were obtained from selected construction SMEs in Abuja using structured questionnaire distributed to 50 randomly selected SMEs with a response rate of 92%. Relative Importance Index (RII) and Mean Item Score (MIS) were employed for data analysis. It was revealed that the use of personal protective clothing (MIS = 4.54) is the most effective safety measure required on construction sites. It was also found that ineffective management commitment (MIS = 4.63) is the most severe challenge affecting the implementation of safety measures by construction SMEs. The study also found that provision of personal protective equipment (RII = 0.94) is the most effective strategy for improving the level of implementation of safety measures on construction sites. It was however concluded that the level implementing safety measures by construction SMEs in Abuja is low. Therefore, this research recommends that construction stakeholders should encourage, ensure, and promote the proper implementation of safety measures in construction SMEs. This will assist to curb the challenges inhibiting safety measures implementation so as to improve the safety performance of construction SMEs.