Assessment of Workers’ Attitude towards Safety and Health Measures on Building Construction Sites in Abuja

Abstract

Studies have shown that safer behaviour is reflected by a good attitude. In view of this, the study assessed workers’ attitudes towards safety and health measures on building construction sites in Abuja with a view to improving construction workers’ attitudes towards safety and health on construction sites. The study adopted a quantitative research approach with the use of structured questionnaire administered to 102 respondents with a response rate of 93%. The analysis of the data was carried out with the use of percentage, Mean Item Score (MIS) and Spearman rank correlations. The study identified 11 accidents peculiar to building construction sites in Abuja which often occurred (MIS = 3.88 - 4.35). Eleven (11) significant health and safety (H&S) measures required to improve construction workers' attitude on site were identified of which the most significant one’s range between safety policies (MIS = 4.20) and site responsibility for H&S (MIS = 3.50). The result of the Spearman’s rank correlation analysis shows a positive, fairly strong and significant relationship between workers’ knowledge and H&S standards on building construction sites (p = 0.03; r = 0.453). All the identified H&S standards are averagely or partially complied with at the various building construction sites. These range from "Lifting operations and lifting equipment regulations" (MIS = 2.70) to "First aid regulations" (MIS = 4.00). The average MIS is 3.52. It was, however, concluded that workers’ positive attitude on building construction sites towards H&S measures can help reduce the frequency of accidents on construction sites in Abuja. The major recommendation from the study was that construction workers should be well trained on accident preventive measures. Finally, site workers should develop a positive attitude towards H&S measures for improved compliance to H&S standards.