INVESTIGATION OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES AMONG WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN ABUJA

Abstract

Construction project sites are considered as one of the most hazardous workplaces to work, due to the increasingly cases of injuries and fatalities across construction sites. This research focused on appraisal of health and safety practices in construction sites by carrying out an investigation among workers on construction sites in Abuja. The data for the study were obtained using a structured questionnaire administered on 15 construction sites in Abuja, Nigeria. A total of Seventy (70) copies of questionnaire were distributed to respondents out of which fifty one (51) were returned representing 73.9% response rate. Data received were analyzed using relative importance index (RII) and the ranking method. The study revealed that identification of hazard ranked 1st position with RII of 0.93, medical provision ranked 2nd with RII of 0.89, lack of Personal protective equipment (PPE) was ranked 3rd with RII of 0.88, fire protection ranked with RII of 0.86 was ranked 4th , risk control ranked 5th with RII of 0.85. The study concludes that employees lack sufficient awareness about construction site safety and health measures, hence the need to focus on training programs in safety and health practices. The study therefore recommends that inherent hazards/risks should be identified on time, implementation of safety practices such as awareness of workers and labourers, commitment of top management to adhering to health and safety practices such as provision of personal protective equipment, ensuring that all workers are properly kitted and the allocation of resources should be accorded top priority.