FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

MINNA

SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

NAME: TOYE LEKAN JAMIU

MATRIC NO: 2019/2/78341VB

PROJECT TOPIC : ASSESSMENT OF

SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR
ACCIDENT
PREVENTION/REDUCTION IN
NIGERIA CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT

SUBMITTED TO: DR. AKA

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 DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY

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ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR ACCIDENT
PREVENTION/REDUCTION IN NIGERIA CONSTRUCTION
PROJECT

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

The Significance of the Construction Industry to national economies worldwide cannot be

overstated. As stated by Mike et al (2011), it is projected that by 2020, construction will contribute
to 13.2% of the global GDP, indicating a consistent upward trajectory. This is evidenced by the
industry’s role in providing essential infrastructure such as road networks, commercial and
residential buildings, and facilities that serve as the backbone of economies. Additionally, the
construction sector stimulates economic growth through substantial backward and forward linkages,
as it relies on goods and services from various other industries. Moreover, the creation of
employment opportunities by construction activities is a crucial driver of economic development. In
the Nigerian context, the construction industry accounts for 5% of the country’s GDP and employs
approximately 1 million individuals, with an estimated annual wage bill of K.sh. 3.2 billion, as
revealed by recent findings from the first quarter of 2011 by the Nigeria National Bureau of Statistics
(KNBS).

Despite the undeniable economic contributions of the construction industry, it is marred by inherent
dangers and risks. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), construction sites
worldwide witness approximately 60,000 fatal accidents annually, representing one in six of all work-
related fatalities. The global trade union federation estimates an even higher figure of 108,000 fatal
accidents, with construction accounting for 30% of all work-related accidents. In developed
countries like Britain, statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that the
construction sector contributes to 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 9% of reported major
injuries.

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In Nigeria, the construction industry faces its own set of challenges, notably highlighted by the
frequent occurrence of collapsing buildings during the construction process, resulting in the tragic
loss of lives and injuries to workers. For instance, the collapse of a storey building under construction
in Spaki, Mombasa, in April 2009, resulted in the death of two workers and injuries to many others,
burying them alive under concrete and steel rubble.

To address these safety concerns, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has been actively
involved in promoting safe working environments through various conventions and
recommendations. One such convention, C167, known as the Safety and Health in Construction
Convention of 1988, mandates member countries to adopt and maintain laws or regulations
ensuring the application of safety provisions in construction activities. These provisions include the
coordination of safety measures by principal contractors or responsible parties and the participation
of workers in ensuring safe working conditions.

Furthermore, the convention emphasizes the importance of information, training, and reporting of
accidents and diseases, underscoring the need for effective enforcement mechanisms and inspection
services. Research by Wilson D.J. et al (2007) underscores the significance of ratifying ILO
conventions related to occupational safety and health, revealing that non-ratifying countries tend to
have higher fatality rates. Despite being a member of the ILO, Nigeria’s failure to ratify Convention
C167 of 1988 indicates a concerning lack of commitment to addressing health and safety issues in
the construction industry, contributing to a higher incidence of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

The importance of these convention provisions is further emphasized by findings of a study carried
out by Wilson D.J. et al (2007), ’The Ratification status of ILO conventions Related to Occupational
Safety and Health and Its Relationship with Reported Occupational Fatality Rates’ which confirms the
fact that non-ratifying countries generally have higher fatality rates than ratifying ones. Therefore all
countries should promote ratification of ILO conventions aimed at improving Health and Safety
conditions. It is unfortunate to note that although Nigeria is a member country of the International
Labour Organization (ILO), to date it has not ratified C167 convention of 1988 and this indication of
low commitment to issues of health and safety in the construction industry by the regulating
authority resulting to more accidents, injuries and deaths.

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Systematically examining these facets, the project aims to provide valuable insights that can inform
policy decisions, shape industry practices, and ultimately contribute to a safer working environment
for construction personnel in Nigeria. Moreover, the findings and recommendations generated
through this assessment could potentially serve as a blueprint for other developing economies facing
similar challenges in their construction sectors.

In essence, this project represents a proactive endeavor to foster a culture of safety, responsibility,
and accountability within Nigeria’s construction industry, ultimately striving towards the overarching
goal of safeguarding the well-being of workers and enhancing the overall sustainability of
construction projects.

1.2 Statement of the Research Problem

Construction industry in Nigeria faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety and well-being of
its workforce amidst the dynamic landscape of construction activities. Despite the documented
economic importance of the sector, characterized by its contributions to infrastructure
development, employment generation, and GDP growth, there is a pressing need to address the
persistent issue of accidents and fatalities within construction sites.

The primary research problem revolves around the effectiveness of safety procedures implemented
within the Nigerian construction industry for accident prevention. Despite existing regulations and
guidelines, construction sites continue to experience a high incidence of accidents, ranging from falls
and structural collapses to equipment malfunctions, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and financial
losses. This raises critical questions regarding the adequacy, compliance, and enforcement of safety
protocols across various construction projects in Nigeria.

Key areas of concern include:

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 1. Understanding the root causes and contributing factors to accidents within Nigerian
construction sites, including but not limited to inadequate safety training, lack of proper
equipment maintenance, and non-compliance with safety regulations.
2. Assessing the effectiveness of current safety procedures and practices employed by
construction companies and project stakeholders in mitigating accident risks and promoting
a culture of safety.
3. Examining the role of regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms in ensuring
compliance with safety standards and guidelines within the construction industry.
4. Identifying barriers and challenges faced by construction firms in implementing
comprehensive safety measures, including resource constraints, time pressures, and cultural
attitudes towards safety.
5. Exploring opportunities for leveraging technology, innovation, and best practices from
international standards to enhance safety procedures and accident prevention strategies
within Nigerian construction projects.

Addressing these research questions is crucial for enhancing the overall safety performance of the
Nigerian construction industry, safeguarding the lives and well-being of construction workers, and
fostering sustainable development within the sector. By conducting a comprehensive assessment of
safety procedures and identifying gaps, barriers, and opportunities for improvement, this research
seeks to contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations and interventions
aimed at reducing accidents and promoting a safer working environment across Nigerian
construction projects.

1.3 Aims of the study

The aim of this project is to comprehensively assess safety procedures employed in construction
projects within Nigeria with the primary objective of preventing and reducing accidents. Through
systematic evaluation, analysis, and recommendations, this study seeks to enhance the
understanding of existing safety protocols, identify gaps and deficiencies, and propose effective
strategies for improving safety standards in the Nigerian construction industry

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1.4 Objectives of the study

The broad objective of the study was to examine Assessment of Safety Procedures for Accidents
Prevention and reduction in Nigerian Construction Projects industry .The specific objectives of the
study were:

1. Analysis of Existing Safety Protocols: Evaluation of the comprehensiveness and adequacy of

safety procedures currently employed within Nigerian construction projects, encompassing
aspects such as risk assessments, hazard identification, and emergency response protocols.

2. Identification of Common Accident Trends: Investigation into prevalent types of accidents

within the Nigerian construction industry, understanding their root causes, frequency, and
severity, to inform targeted prevention strategies.

3. Assessment of Regulatory Compliance: Examination of adherence to relevant safety

regulations, codes, and standards at both organizational and governmental levels,
identifying gaps and areas for reinforcement.

4. Integration of Technological Solutions: Exploration of innovative technologies and digital

tools that can augment safety measures on construction sites, enhancing monitoring,
communication, and risk mitigation capabilities.

5. Impact of Training and Awareness Initiatives: Analysis of the efficacy of workforce training
programs and awareness campaigns in promoting a culture of safety, evaluating their
influence on behavior, attitudes, and accident prevention efforts.

6. Recommendations for Improvement: Development of practical recommendations tailored to

stakeholders across the construction ecosystem, including government agencies, industry
associations, project owners, contractors, and workers, aimed at fostering a safer working
environment.

Through collaborative engagement with stakeholders and rigorous data analysis, this project
seeks to catalyze positive change within Nigeria’s construction industry, championing a proactive
approach to accident prevention and reduction. By fostering a culture of safety, accountability,
and continuous improvement, the outcomes of this assessment aspire to not only safeguard the

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 lives and livelihoods of construction personnel but also to bolster the resilience and
sustainability of construction projects across the nation.

1.5 Scope of study

Scope of Study: Assessment of Safety Procedures for Accident Prevention in the Nigerian
Construction Industry

1. Geographical Focus: The assessment will primarily focus on construction projects within
Nigeria, encompassing various regions, urban and rural areas, and different types of
construction activities.

2. Construction Sectors: The study will cover a broad spectrum of construction sectors,
including infrastructure (roads, bridges, railways, airports), residential (housing
developments), commercial (office buildings, shopping malls), industrial (factories,
warehouses), and institutional (schools, hospitals) projects.

3. Safety Procedures: The assessment will examine safety procedures and protocols
implemented throughout the construction lifecycle, from project planning and design to
execution, monitoring, and completion. This includes but is not limited to:

 Risk assessment and hazard identification methods.

 Safety training and awareness programs for workers and management.
 Implementation of personal protective equipment (PPE) standards.
 Emergency response planning and protocols.
 Compliance with relevant safety regulations and standards.

4. Types of Accidents: The study will analyze various types of accidents commonly occurring in
the construction industry, such as falls from heights, electrical accidents, structural
collapses, equipment malfunctions, and incidents related to material handling.

5. Stakeholder Engagement: The assessment will involve engaging with key stakeholders across
the construction ecosystem, including:

 Government regulatory agencies responsible for overseeing safety standards.

 Construction companies, contractors, and subcontractors involved in project execution.
 Trade unions, industry associations, and professional bodies representing construction
workers and practitioners.
 Academic institutions and research organizations with expertise in construction safety.
 Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society groups advocating for worker
rights and safety.

6. Data Collection Methods: The study will utilize a combination of quantitative and qualitative
research methods, including:

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  Review of existing literature, reports, and statistical data on construction safety in
Nigeria.
 Surveys and interviews with construction industry professionals, safety experts, and
government officials.
 Site visits and observational studies to assess safety practices firsthand.
 Analysis of accident reports, incident data, and regulatory compliance records.

7. Comparative Analysis: The assessment may include a comparative analysis of safety

procedures and practices between different construction sectors, project sizes, geographical
locations, and organizational structures.

8. Recommendations: Based on the findings of the assessment, the study will propose
actionable recommendations aimed at improving safety procedures, enhancing regulatory
enforcement, and fostering a culture of safety within the Nigerian construction industry.

9. Limitations: The scope of the study may be limited by factors such as resource constraints,
access to data, and cooperation from stakeholders. Additionally, the study may not
encompass every aspect of construction safety comprehensively but will focus on key areas
relevant to accident prevention and reduction.

1.6 Hypotheses

(H0): There is no significant correlation between the implementation of safety procedures and
the incidence of accidents in the Nigerian construction industry.
(H1): There is a significant correlation between the implementation of safety procedures and the
incidence of accidents in the Nigerian construction industry.

(H0): There is no significant difference in accident rates between construction sites that strictly
adhere to safety regulations and those that do not in Nigeria.
(H1): There is a significant difference in accident rates between construction sites that strictly
adhere to safety regulations and those that do not in Nigeria.

(H0): There is no significant relationship between workforce training and accident prevention
effectiveness in the Nigerian construction industry.
(H1): There is a significant relationship between workforce training and accident prevention
effectiveness in the Nigerian construction industry.

(H0): There is no significant difference in accident rates between construction projects with
advanced safety technology implementations and those without in Nigeria.
(H1): There is a significant difference in accident rates between construction projects with
advanced safety technology implementations and those without in Nigeria.

(H0): There is no significant impact of regulatory compliance on accident prevention in the

Nigerian construction industry.

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 (H1): There is a significant impact of regulatory compliance on accident prevention in the
Nigerian construction industry.

These hypotheses will guide the research in exploring the relationship between safety
procedures and accident prevention in the Nigerian construction industry, aiming to provide
valuable insights for improving safety standards and reducing accidents.

1.7 Basic assumptions of the study

The basic assumption of the study was that the respondents would appreciate the purpose of the
research exercise and that they would be accessible and corporative in answering the questions.

1.8 Definition of Terms

Health: is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of
disease. This includes: The promotion and maintenance of physical, mental and social well being of
workers, Prevention among workers of ill-health caused by the working conditions, Protection of
workers in their employment from risk resulting from factors adverse to health, Placing and
maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his physical and
psychological equipment.

Safety: is identifying, evaluating and controlling workplace hazards and includes measures, methods
or techniques or process to prevent human exposure to unsafe work practices, physical or even
chemical agents. This may involve: Improving working conditions and safe methods of work,
Reasonable hours of work, Provision of personnel protective equipment, Provision of first-aid and
medical facilities.

Welfare: is the provision of facilities to maintain the health and well-being of individuals at the
workplace.

Accident: is an unexpected, unwanted occurrence which interrupts or interferes with the orderly
progress of work in an establishment by causing bodily injury to a person making him unfit to
resume duty due to partial or total disablement or even death. It can also cause damage or loss to
property, plant, materials or the environment.

Hazards: is a potential condition which might be converted into an accident. It is a state having
potential to injure a person or impair ones health.

Risk: is the likelihood of a substance, activity or process to cause harm

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