Application of information and communication technology for the implementation of health and safety measures by construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian construction industry contributes 12% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to the nation’s economy. In spite of this, studies have shown that health and safety (H&S) measures are poorly implemented by construction firms in Nigeria. Therefore, this study assessed the application of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the implementation of H&S measures by construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria. The study employed the use of quantitative research approach with the aid of questionnaire survey to obtain data from 25 construction firms in Abuja that are registered with Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI). Analysis of data was undertaken using Mean Item Score (MIS) and Relative Index (RII). Findings from the study show that H&S measures mostly requiring the use of ICT tools for proper implementation on construction sites which are Creating safety and health regulation and hazard identification, prevention and control (RII = 0.99). Site surveillance technologies (CCTV) is the ICT tools mostly required for monitoring the level of compliance to H&S measures on construction sites (RII = 0.98). The impact of ICT tools on the level of compliance to H&S measures on construction sites is significant (MIS = 4.46). Contractors ’compliance with safety regulation is the most effective strategy for enhancing the safety performance of construction firms on construction sites with the use of ICT tools (MIS = 4.44). It was concluded that use of ICT tools has significant impact on the level of implementation of H&S measures by construction firms. It was recommended that construction firms should set up workable mechanism for effectively implementing the strategies required to enhance the H&S performance of construction firms through the use of ICT tools.