Appraisal of Health and Safety Management of Construction workers on site in Damaturu

Abstract

Construction industry is an important part of the economy in many countries and is often seen as a driver of economic growth especially in developing countries. Owing to its relatively labour intensive nature, construction works provide opportunities for employment for a wide range of people; skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled. Despite its importance, construction sites are considered risky with frequent and high accident rates and ill-health problems to workers.  This study examined the health and safety management of construction workers on site in Damaturu. Questionnaires containing information relating to health and safety management at site were used for the collection of data. Mean Score Index was the statistical tool used, decision point was put at 2.0. The result revealed that there was low level of health and safety compliance among building construction workers with average mean score of 1.54 and the impact of accidents and injuries to the progress of the construction and family of the employee was high with average mean score of 2.10. It is also found that the factors influencing the implementation of the health and safety measure are: Health and Safety management policy, Training of employee on health, safety and management guideline, Leadership and management commitment, Health and safety committee and budgets for Health and Safety. The study recommends use of more proactive and integrated management mechanism to enforce the existing safety and health regulations in construction sites in Damaturu in order to prevent accidents, injuries and ill health on sites and construction work to progress.