An Assessment of Health and Safety Compliance in High-Rise Construction Projects Process in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Health and safety issues had always been a major challenge and concern in the construction industry. Construction is found to be one of the most dangerous health and safety practices, predominantly in developing countries. As construction accidents continue to dominate the overall construction industry. Despite the programs implemented by the government and measures introduced by companies, the number of high-rise construction accidents remains alarmingly. This research aims to investigate the safety compliance for high-rise construction projects in Nigeria. In achieving this aim three (3) objectives have been outlined; to investigate the current level of compliance with safety practices and policies in Nigerian construction sites. To investigate the factors that prevent compliance with safety and health practices in high-rise projects of the Nigerian construction industry. To recommend appropriate ways to improve compliance to safety in a high-rise of Nigerian construction. The interview and questionnaire methods were used in this research. Structured Questionnaires was distributed to 108 potential respondents from the construction industry players 90 was returned and Qualitative interview have been conducted to meet the first objective of the project, which was to investigate the current level of compliance with safety practice in addition, structured interviews were carried out with selected managers the from construction industry. The result shows that Bribery and corruption, Lack of training, Absence of safety representatives, Lack of corporate responsibility & Accountability, and Weak legal structure were the significant factors affecting safety. Compliance. The result also indicates that Site inspection, Safety seminars (enforcement officers), Building codes of practice, Enforcement of the safety act, and Workers/laborers training are the effective factors that could improve compliance to practices in high-rise projects of the Nigerian construction industry. It is recommended that relevant authorities should checkmate the Safety practices in the Nigerian construction industry.