EXAMINING COMPLIANCE WITH FALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

Despite the existence of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) regulations, promulgated to reduce the number of site work injuries and fatalities occurring as a result of falls are still the most frequent cause of fatalities at construction sites and annually account for one of every three constructions– related deaths. Most construction companies have policies in place aimed at reducing/ eliminating falls and accidents on construction sites. This study attempted to examine the compliance with fall safety requirement of OSHA in Nigeria building construction industry with a view to improve fall prevention strategies employed on sites. Nineteen (19) projects met the study criteria. Ten items safety audit checklist was adapted for the work, and mean scores ranking was used to assess fall prevention performance. The result shows that the physical prevention of fall encountered on the sites varied considerably, as compliance range from very high to very poor. Thus, it can be concluded that much improvement need to be done in majority of the sites. The contractors of the building must ensure that the workers are not exposed to the risks associated with working at height. For the improvement to be effective there is need for effective methods/ ways for routine sites audits and for the auditing to be effective, it must include effective system of monitoring the implementation of the safety standard and response to hazard identified on site. Adequate information, instruction and training necessary to protect all persons from risk to their health and safety arising from working at height should be provided.