Influence of Insurance Policy on the Cost of Accidents in Medium-Sized Construction Projects in Minna, Niger State.

Abstract

Studies have shown that despite the importance of the construction industry for national economy, construction activities sadly pose serious health and safety (H&S) risks to workers, users of construction facilities and the public. Despite availability of H&S policy with specific insurance considerations; injuries, fatalities and death from construction related activities appear unabated, suggesting possible non-compliance of contractors to established H&S regulations. This study therefore evaluated the influence of insurance policy on the costs of accidents in medium-sized construction projects in Minna, Niger State with a view to enhancing construction site safety. The study adopted a quantitative research approach through the use of questionnaire and data collection checklist. The study’s population was 130, comprising of professionals of Government Ministries and safety officers of construction firms actively involved in the projects executed by the with a response rate of 82.31%. Analysis of data was carried out with the use of percentage, Relative Importance Index (RII) and Spearman Rank correlation. Major findings from the study were that the relationship between level of implementing insurance policy and costs of accidents was significant; and the most effective strategy for improving level of implementing insurance policy was “Designation of safety responsibilities to trained personnel” (RII = 0.936). Hence, it was concluded that the influence of insurance policy on the costs of accidents in medium-sized construction projects in Minna, Niger State is significant. It was recommended that construction stakeholders should develop a mechanism that will adequately take cognizance of the proposed strategies of this study.