DETERMINATION OF ACTIVITY BASED SAFETY RISK HAZARD IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The dynamic nature of the construction projects exposes workers to multiple safety hazards and risks, resulting to high cases of fatal occupational accidents on sites. The study determined the most hazardous building construction activities and identified the most common hazards in building construction projects. The study sought opinion of construction professionals who managed and supervised construction projects in Abuja via questionnaires. 50 well-structured questionnaires were administered and 34 were returned representing a response rate of 68%. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and Mean Scores). The result revealed that the top hazardous work activities on building construction projects sites were steel structure construction, roof work, electrical works, mean score of 4.24, 4.21 and 3.93 respectively. Result also revealed that the most critical safety hazards are: struck by falling objects; fall from height and hazard due to machine and tools usage with mean score of 4.26, 4.21 and 3.93 respectively. It was concluded that the nature and type of activities determines the dimensions and magnitude of hazard in a building construction operation. It was recommended that hazard identification investigation should be carried out on construction site periodically. The study provides valuable information for site-based construction managers in mitigating the hazards associated with building construction projects.