Assessment of Safety Behavior of Construction Workers in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The construction industry is recognized as one of the fastest growing industries as well as the driver of economic growth in Nigeria. It contribution to gross domestic products (GDP) in most developing economies is about 10-12% annually. However, the industry has been classified as one of the most hazardous industry when it comes to occupational accidents and fatalities. Construction accidents do not only result to demonization of workers, but also causes delay of project delivery, affect the quality of work delivered, increases overall cost of project, as well as arise to compensation of injured workers among others. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety behaviour of workers on construction sites. To achieve this, well-structured questionnaires were administered to workers on medium construction firms in Abuja-Nigeria, where safety requirements are being implemented. The data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21. Results from the data analysis indicated that workers both complied and participated to some of the safety rules on site, but however ignored some. The study however recommended that construction firms should closely every activities exhibited by workers on construction site while they are engaged, while every site operatives on their part must comply with all safety rules if accident and casualties are to be eliminated from our job sites.