Level of Awareness and Adherence to Health and Safety Regulations in Construction Industry in Kwara State of Nigeria

Investigation into causes of accidents and ill-health on construction sites in Nigeria revealed poorhealth and safety performance. Construction workers are approximately three times more likelyto suffer from fatal injuries than those in other sectors. This has earned the industry the reputationof being a dangerous or highly hazardous industry. This study therefore evaluates extent to whichconstruction organizations are aware and adhere to Health and Safety Regulations with a view toenhancing safe work environment. Data for the study were collected from construction firmsregistered with Kwara State Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Nigeria. The ministrykeeps the data base of all registered contracting firms within the state. This revealed a total offifty-two (52) firms. The use of questionnaire was adopted for data collection. Out of 52 copies ofquestionnaire administered to respondents, 35 copies were retrieved representing about 67%response rate. The analytical tools used were simple percentage and Relative Importance Index(RII). The findings from the analysis revealed high level of awareness of health and safetyregulations (87%). Though few of the regulations were been adhere to: provision of adequate sitesecurity (RII value of 4.35), provision of first aid facilities (4.29) and working at height safetyprecautions (4.18). Use of health and safety file and workers undergoing medical test prior towork were ranked last. The study also unearthed that compliance with health and safetyregulations could reduce accidents on construction sites (4.86), raise the organization image(4.51), improve productivity and reduce project delay (4.43). It was concluded that there werehigh level awareness of health and safety regulations in the construction industry but the level ofadherence is relatively low.