Implementing Emergency Response Safety Procedures by Small-Sized Construction Firms in Abuja, Nigeria.

Abstract

Despite the global acknowledgement of the socio-economic importance of the construction industry, it is adjudged to be the most injury prone sector. Thus this study investigated the level of implementing emergency response safety procedures by small-sized construction firms (SSSF) in Abuja, Nigeria. Forty questionnaires were administered to construction firms registered with the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) in Nigeria. Data collected were analysed using mean item score and regression analysis. Findings showed that there exists a weak, positive and non-significant relationship between the level of implementing emergency response safety procedures and number of accidents recorded on site. It was observed on the other hand that there exists a strong, positive and significant relationship between the number of accidents recorded on site and amount of compensation paid to victims. It was concluded that small-sized construction firms in Abuja averagely implement the emergency response safety procedures which are requirements in conditions of contracts. It was recommended that regular check-up should be carried out on timely basis to ascertain the compliance level of workers on site. Small –sized contractors should embark on periodic on the job training of their operatives on Health and Safety (H&S) practices as well as set up a feedback mechanism to monitor their H&S performance.