Appraisal of health and safety management practices of construction SMEs in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to the economic growth of developed and developing nations. Surprisingly, it is also a major contributor to the occupational accidents and ill-health record. This research was undertaken to evaluate the health and safety (H&S) management practices of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating in the construction sector of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. The data for the study was collected using questionnaires. The research population comprised construction SMEs operating in Abuja and registered with the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI). The data were analysed using relative importance index (RII). Out of the fifty- eight (58) H&S management practices identified from literature, this study revealed that forty-six (46) were important. The 46 H&S management practices were categorized under five core practices: company commitment, worker consultation and participation, communication, health and safety planning, and education and training. Dominant H & S practices include provision of first aid facilities on site, provision of personal protective equipment and keeping of safety record and follow-ups. It was concluded that all the core H&S practices are capable of improving the health and safety performance of construction SMEs.