Review of Health and Safety Practices among Small and Medium-Sized Construction Firms in Nigeria

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CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
ISBN: 978-1-928472-10-0
1st Association of Researchers in Construction Safety, Health, and Well-
Being (ARCOSH) conference
3-4 June 2019
Cape Town, South Africa
Editor
Fidelis Emuze

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Table of Contents
Health and safety and knowledge management in construction .................................. 1
Hedley Smyth, Aeli Roberts, Meri Duryan, Jing Xu, Angeliki Toli, Steve
Rowlinson
and Fred Sherratt
Knowledge transfer as a critical component for promoting a positive occupational
health and safety culture ............................................................................................ 12
Meri Duryan, Hedley Smyth, Aeli Roberts, Jing Xu, Angeliki Toli, Steve
Rowlinson
and Fred Sherratt
Appraisal of construction site safety in building projects in Indian cities ................. 28
Dillip Das
Developing safety archetypes for construction industry in India by using system
dynamics 39
Dillip Das
Health and safety welfare of temporary workers on construction and mining related sites
in Zambia ................................................................................................................... 51
Franco Muleya, Lawrence Mutale, Mwinji Nakamba and Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu
Sustainable solutions to dampness in building: a case study of selected period
properties in England ................................................................................................. 63
Rafiu Seidu, Bert Young, Dubravko Nemcic, Hebert Robinson and Obas Ebohon
Driving construction health and safety through procurement strategy ...................... 76
Bert Young, Rafiu Seidu, Davina Nganga, Herbert Robinson and Obas Ebohon
Health and safety practices on construction sites in Nigeria: an exploratory study . 85
Aliu Soyingbe, Ibukun Awolusi and Dele Simeon
Behavioural based safety and safety culture of building contractors’ in Cape Coast
Metropolis .................................................................................................................. 92
Zakari Mustapha, Clinton Aigbavboa and Wellington Thwala
Hazardous environmental and occupational exposures among mobile plant operators
in the South African construction industry .................................................................. 102
Rose Matete, Fidelis Emuze and John Smallwood
Impediments to health and safety management in SMEs in the eSwatini construction
industry ..................................................................................................................... 115
Douglas Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Gab’Sile Thwala and Wellington Thwala
Environmentally sustainable practices for construction
health and safety management
in Zimbabwe 125
Benviolent Chigara and John Smallwood
Analysis of recent construction health and safety
legislation changes, their impact on
performance improvement 140
Mohlomi Raliile and Theodore Haupt

REVIEW OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES
AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM SIZED
CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN NIGERIA
Aliu Soyingbe*, Ibukun Awolusi**, and Dele Simeon*
*University of Lagos, Nigeria
* The University of Texas at San Antonio, United States of America
Corresponding author: dodoaliu123@yahoo.com
Construction industry in developing nations is plaque by several challenges or
concerns in the area of health and safety (H&S). Some of the challenges include low
level H&S awareness, poor implementation of H&S among small and medium sized
enterprise (SMEs). Thus the aim of this study is to assess the implementation of key
elements of H&S practices by construction SMEs. The study is qualitative as it
attempts to explore the H&S practices among SMEs. Primary data for the study was
collected through observation during site visits. A total of 95 construction sites were
visited to observe directly and document their compliance to ten H&S programme
elements grouped into four. The findings show that there is low level of compliance
among construction SMEs on H&S of workplace, work H&S policies and procedures
and occupational health and safety (OHS). The study concludes that there is a general
lack of safety ethics among small and medium construction enterprise. Therefore, the
study recommends that small and medium firms develop a framework for education
and training of the workforce on H&S practices. In addition, government should
intensify efforts in monitoring and enforcing H&S rules.
Keywords: Construction, health and safety, SMEs, Nigeria.
INTRODUCTION
Construction industry plays a vital role in both developed and developing countries
because of its economic and social importance (Ofori 2011). Construction sites are
characterised by varying activities that pose health and safety (H&S) concerns to
workers and employers. Health and safety on construction sites generate economic,
legislative, and humanitarian concerns that call for adequate management control
(Muiruri and Mulinge 2014). According to Muiruri and Mulinge (2014), H&S has
been identified as a parameter which should be used along with the traditional
parameters (cost, time and quality) to measure the success of construction projects.
One of the most common beliefs that have plagued the construction industry is that
H&S comes at a cost which leads to higher cost, and hence lower profitability
(Muiruri and Mulinge 2014; Okoye and Okolie 2014). However, it has been shown
that investing in construction H&S enhances the performance of building projects in
terms of delivery time, quality, cost, and productivity, while non-performance induces
litigations/legal costs, which ultimately increase the overall project cost (Okoye and
Okolie 2014).
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Globally, the construction industry is known for its high fatalities compared to other
sectors (Jill and John 2010). Specifically, the accident and injury rates in the Nigerian
construction industry are high and there is a need for effective risk management,
regulation, and control of occupational health and safety (OHS) (Idoro 2011). Out of a
total of 3,461 reported cases of occupational accidents/injuries across different sectors
of the economy in Nigeria between 2014 and 2016, the construction industry recorded
the highest number (1,358) of work- related accidents/injuries (Nigeria Country
Profile in Occupational Safety and Health, 2016). The nature of activities and a
considerable number of workforce involved in construction works account for the
unique difference of construction sector from other sectors.
Achieving sustainable construction development is an illusion if issues of H&S are not
addressed and it is a wrong belief that good H&S performance increase the cost of the
project (Okoye and Okolie 2014). Lack of government commitment exemplified by
regulation, policy, and legal constraints limit the operational efficiency of agencies of
government in charge of H&S management, thus hindering the development of good
H&S practice (Alkilani, Jupp and Sawhney 2013). In addressing the poor performance
of H&S in workplaces, the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSSC) of 2011 was
established to enforce all safety laws, guidelines, policies, standards and regulations in
the state (Nigeria Country Profile in Occupational Safety and Health, 2016)
The construction sectors of developing countries are majorly dominated by small and
medium sized enterprises (SMEs) contractors (Kheni, Gibb and Dainty 2006). The
SMEs contractors give little or no attention to H&S issues that account for a
significant number of accidents and health problems (Weil 2001). The situation is
different in Nigeria where mechanisation of construction activities is at the lowest.
SMEs firms are with a large number of seasonal and migrant workers that are not
familiar with H&S issues in construction.
The importance of construction SMEs in the economic development of a nation
cannot be overemphasised because of their inputs at the local level. In spite of
enormous research on OHS, little consideration has been given to SMEs and the
informal sectors (Puplampu and Quartey 2012). On this note, there are concerns on
the low level of awareness, implementation, and performance in H&S of construction
SMEs. Therefore, the main objective of the study is to assess the implementation of
key elements of H&S practices by construction SMEs.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Best health and safety practices in the construction is pivotal to sustainable
development. Several studies proposed various health and safety programmes on
construction sites. Most of these studies have some common health and safety
practices. Okoye, Ezeokonkwo, and Ezeokoli (2016) studied building construction
workers’ health and safety knowledge and compliance on site based on thirteen health
and safety practices namely: proper use of scaffoldings, proper use of ladder,
construction safety laws and regulations, the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE), safety equipment acquisition and maintenance, proper housekeeping, workers
safety responsibilities, first aid and welfare facilities, safety training and education,
construction health and safety plan, safety monitoring policy and safety records, safety
communication and positive safety attitudes and behaviours.
Critical elements of an effective construction safety programme are: written and
comprehensive safety and health plan, upper management support, job hazard
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analyses and communication, safety and health orientation and training, frequent
worksite inspection, emergency response planning, record keeping and accident
analyses, project-specific training and regular safety meetings, safety and health
committees, substance abuse programmes, safety manager on site, subcontractor
selections and management and employee involvement in safety and evaluation
(Hallowell & Gambatese, 2009). In the same vein, Hallowell and Calhoun (2011)
identified project safety incentives, site-specific safety plan, substance abuse
programmes, safety and health committees training and regular safety meetings,
worker participation and involvement on-site, first aid safety and health orientation,
job hazard analyses, subcontractor selections and compliance, record keeping and
accident analyses, emergency response planning, upper management support and
frequent safety inspections as construction injury prevention strategies.
Olutuase (2014) carried out an investigation into the safety management system of a
Nigeria-based construction company with a view of determining the level compliant
to international standards. The study identified five major components and fifteen
elements. The five major components of construction safety management systems
identified are: corporate safety leadership, risk management, safety training,
operational control and effective response. In addition, the study also documented
observations on ten key elements during site visits. The key elements are: provision of
PPE, safety organisation, documentation and investigation, performance
measurement, contractors’ staff, safety display, enforcement of safety rules, training
etc. Similarly, Hinze (2001) proposed the following as nine zero accident best
practices: demonstrated management commitment; staffing for safety; pre-project and
pre-task planning; safety education and training; employee involvement; safety
recognition and rewards; accident/incident investigations; substance abuse
programmes; and subcontractor management.
A six item observation namely: working habits, scaffolding and ladders, machines and
equipment, protection against falling, lighting and electricity; and order and tidiness
was proposed and used for estimating the safety level at site (Laitinen, Marjamaki &
Paivarinta, 1999). However, site layout planning, PPE, first aid kits and accident
reporting, health and safety warning signs, safety policy, health and safety risk
assessment, health and safety training, working environment and welfare facilities
were identified as measures of health and safety in construction (Muiruiri & Mulinge,
2014). In the same vein, health and safety programmes proposed by Mwobeki (2005)
include first aid facilities and trained personnel, disaster control programmes, safety
personnel, safety training and education, safety meetings, safety devices for
prevention of injury and accidents, Management support and supervision and
evaluation and review of programmes.
Site-specific safety orientation for all managers, foreman involvement in safety policy,
on-site medical facilities, worker-to-worker-observation programme, minimum ratio
of workers to safety professionals, first-aid log is maintained, owner’s review and
approval of safety plan, worker involvement in perception surveys, 100% steel-toed
boots policy, participation of all contractors in safety meetings were identified as
significant safety practices by Hinze, Hallowell and Baud (2013).
The literature review revealed that there is divergent view on essential elements of
health and safety practices in workplaces however, they have some elements that are
common. Above studies among others identified ten key elements that are considered
to be important components of an effective health and safety programme. The health
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and safety programme elements include: scaffolding and ladder, PPE, housekeeping,
first aid and welfare facilities, workplace substance abuse, identification of hazards,
safety and directional signage, safety monitoring policy, enforcement of safety rules;
and safety training and education. The ten health and safety programme elements
feature prominently on the abatement notices issued to construction firms by the
LSSC.
RESEARCH METHODS
The study is qualitative in nature. Primary data for the study was collected through
direct observation. A total of ninety-five (95) construction sites of SMEs were visited.
The direct observation involves visits to construction sites to observe directly and
document compliance to identified ten health and safety programme elements;
namely, scaffolding and ladder, PPE, housekeeping, first aid and welfare facilities,
workplace substance abuse, identification of hazards, safety and directional signage,
safety monitoring policy, enforcement of safety rules; and safety training and
education. According to Laitinen, Marjamaki and Paivarinta (1999), health and safety
performance can be predicted by observing the physical conditions of workplace and
the safety behaviour of the employees. The justification for this is that a systematic
safety observation methodology seems to offer possibilities for safety promotion in
the construction industry. Observation data sheet was developed for documentation.
The direct observation was casual in nature and it is necessary at the early stage of the
study so that researchers can explore or observe subject(s) on which further studied
can be built on.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Identified ten health and safety programme elements were grouped into four as shown
below:
1) Health and Safety of Workplace: housekeeping, identified hazards, safety and
directional signage.
2) Occupational Health and Safety Facilities: PPE; first aid and welfare facilities.
3) Work H&S Policy and Procedures: workplace substance abuse, safety
monitoring policy, enforcement of safety rules; safety training and education.
4) Scaffolds and Working Platforms: scaffolds and ladder.
Health and Safety of Workplace
Majority (90%) of sites were poorly planned and untidy. Construction materials such
as aggregates (fine and coarse), reinforcement and timber were indiscriminately
deposited on site thereby making the sites congested. Unsafe stacking of used timber
and bamboo around the buildings under construction is common among SMEs. Mortar
droppings and other used materials on passageways and stairways make it difficult to
use the passageways and staircases as means of access. Non-construction wastes
generated are not handled properly. These wastes are often burnt on site. Generally,
work site organisation of sites visited is poor. Above finding agrees with the findings
of Okoye, Ezeokonkwo, and Ezeokoli (2016) that there is low level of compliance to
housekeeping standards on construction sites. The possibility of tripping, slipping or
falling over materials and equipment which have been left lying around, and stepping
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on nails which have been left projecting from timber is high and could be the
underlying cause of accidents on construction sites (Muiruri and Mulinge 2014).
Construction workers are exposed to unsafe working conditions and have to face some
kinds of hazards. The main hazards identified include but not limited to the dust,
sound, falling from height, ergonomics (lifting activities), and stress, exposure to toxic
substances, unsafe stacking of materials and tripping. Prevalence of accidents such as
cut by sharp edges, nails puncture, fall of objects and tools, handling of tools and
equipment are common on construction sites (Mwombeki, 2005).
Safety signs and signals are one of the main means of communicating health and
safety information (Muiruri & Mulinge, 2014). All sites visited are without basic
safety and directional signage on health and safety issues such as prohibition and
warning, fire exits, fire action plan notices (fire drills) and fire-fighting equipment,
muster point, emergency exit etc. This corroborates findings of Olutuase (2014) that
there were no safety notices displayed around potentially risky work areas to guide
either non-workers or workers on construction sites.
Occupational Health and Safety Facilities
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for achieving safe work
practice on construction site. It was observed that workmen lacked appropriate PPE
such as helmets, gloves, overalls/reflective jackets during site operations. This
corroborates the findings of Mwombeki (2005); Muiruri and Mulinge (2014) in which
workers carried out high risk activities such as painting, excavations, concreting
among others without the right protective equipment. In support of the findings
emanating from the study, the level of provision of PPE to workers on site by large
construction firms outperformed the small construction firms (Idoro, 2011).
Furthermore, there is low level of compliance on the use of PPE on construction sites
(Olutuase, 2014; Okoye, Ezeokonkwo & Ezeokoli, 2016).
Provision of welfare facilities fall under items called preliminaries and must be given
utmost consideration on construction sites. It is also required that these facilities must
be provided prior to commencement of site operations. However, it was observed
none of the sites visited has provision for basic welfare facilities such as locker rooms
(for changing and storing clothes), canteen and portable water. Majority of site are
with unclean toilets, showering, washing basins facilities making it unhygienic for
workmen. Mwombeki (2005) also affirm that construction firms do not provide safe
drinking water, washing place and toilet, proper eating-place, general site cleanliness
and shed in case of bad weather. The findings agree with Idoro (2011) that the level of
provision of OHS facilities on site by large construction firms is better than that of
small construction firms. Construction sites also lack enforcement of access restriction
as there were free flow of visitors to construction areas without appropriate PPE.
Work H&S Policy and Procedures
There are incidences of substance abuse by workmen in most of the sites visited.
Harmful substances workmen take during operation and break periods include
cigarettes and alcohol. Some indulge in taking hard drugs such as hemp during
concreting. Lack of facilities for meal (canteen) on construction site results in
proliferation of petty traders in food, alcohol, cigarettes etc. around construction sites.
Safety monitoring, enforcement, training and education is very poor on construction
sites visited. The consequence of the above is reflected in the poor H&S practices
recorded on sites. This clearly shows that there is lack of commitment from the
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construction SMEs and H&S law enforcement agencies. This is not to undermine
efforts of the LSSC on improving OHS on construction sites. Finding from Olutuase
(2014); Okoye, Ezeokonkwo and Ezeokoli (2016) also affirm the poor state of safety
monitoring, enforcement, training and education programmes among construction
firms in Nigeria.
Scaffolds and Working Platforms
It is a common practice to use bamboo as scaffolds by construction SMEs in Nigeria.
This accounts for use of bamboo scaffold by majority of construction sites visited.
However, it was observed that the bamboo scaffolds were not properly erected and
anchored to the building for stability. Scaffolds (both bamboo and metal) were erected
and used by workmen without protective nets. It was observed that bamboo used are
not matured and having cross-sectional diameter less than 75mm. Generally, ladder is
being used for major works such as fixing of rebar, pouring and chiselling of concrete,
installation of windows and painting which exposes workers to the risk of falling.
Samples of ladders examined were made of unseasoned wood and not properly
braced. Workmen using scaffolds and ladders do not use fall prevention systems
(safety harness). Above finding is in disagreement with the finding of Okoye,
Ezeokonkwo and Ezeokoli (2016) that scaffolds were properly and adequately fixed
and inspected before mounting them.
CONCLUSIONS
The study assessed the implementation of key elements of health and safety practices
by construction SMEs. Little has been achieved through government’s efforts at
different levels to formulate health and safety policies, and to enforce and ensure
compliance with all relevant laws, and regulations by stakeholders in the construction
industry. The findings revealed that the working conditions of workers on construction
sites are generally poor. Factors that account for the poor working conditions include:
poor housekeeping, unsafe work practices, lack of and poor condition of welfare
facilities, lack of safety and directional signage, lack of enforcement of workplace
substance abuse among others. In conclusion there is lack of safety ethics among
construction SMEs. Above scenario is true reflection of lack of monitoring and
evaluation of impact of interventions by government on OHS in workplace such as
construction industry. It is recommended that construction SMEs develop a
framework for training and education of workmen on health and safety practices. For
compliance to H&S rules, government must intensify efforts on enforcement and
monitoring.
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