ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES IN CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN AJAH, LAGOS STATE,NIGERIA

Abstract

The construction industry has been identified as the most risky and hazardous of all industries in terms of health and safety, because its activities pose serious health and safety risks to workers, users of construction facilities and the public. To address this problem, this study sought to examine health and safety measures in construction companies in Ajah Area of Lagos State. The study examined health and safety measures adopted by construction companies; assessed the level of implementation of health and safety regulations; and examined constraints limiting the capability of construction companies from carrying out their operations in a healthy and safe manner. A sample size of one hundred and thirty-eight (138) respondents were selected randomly from a population of four hundred and twenty-five (425) professionals within the study area. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s statistical formula. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data on the variables of the study. Both descriptive (frequency, percentage and mean) and inferential statistics (Regression analysis) were used to achieve the objectives. The findings show that the provision of protective equipment (Mean = 4.05), existence of formal health and safety policy (Mean = 3.91), and provision of adequate work space and neat environment (Mean = 3.77) were dominant measures adopted by construction companies. In addition, the study revealed that constraints such as poor attitudes of construction employees (Mean = 3.61; Sig. value = 0.011), lack of management commitment (Mean = 3.59; Sig. value = 0.023), lack of basic facilities (Mean = 3.54; Sig. value = 0.041), and lack of awareness and orientation from government regulatory (Mean = 3.53; Sig. value = 0.009) significantly contributed to the inability of construction firms in Ajah, Lagos state to carry out their operations in a safe and healthy manner. It was suggested that employers should provide suitable programmes and measures that are consistent with national laws and regulations to ensure health and safety of workers. Site supervisors should be sensitized on Occupational Health and Safety and should share that knowledge with co-workers.