FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, UGBOWO, BENIN CITY. EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

The construction industry is a key contributor of economic growth in all countries of the world. However, construction works are considered as risky since frequent and high occupational accident rates and health problems occur with workers. Awareness on possible risk factors and knowledge on how to reduce these risk factors among workers and contractors will enhance site safety. This research aimed to evaluate occupational hazards by examining the factors that contribute to occupational hazards in construction sites in the University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin city, Edo State. Nigeria. The research design is a descriptive type of survey design and the study population consisted of a total population of 284 workers in the construction sector in the University of Benin, Ugbowo. A sample size of 100 respondents were selected using the simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a well-designed structured questionnaire which was validated by the project Supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental education. Collated data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage tables. This study revealed that there are four (4) leading factors causing the construction site accidents namely; lack of proper equipment maintenance, lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), pressure to complete projects on time, and poor workers' safe behaviors, respectively. There was also a high level of compliance with Occupational Safety and Health protocol guidelines. It is thus recommended that awareness level should be increased by conducting regular awareness program, along with engineering and enforcement activities. Implementation of basic occupational health and safety services is also required together with regular supervision to ensure and promote work place safety.