FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES ON CONSTRUCTION SITE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Occupational accidents and injuries refer to incidents that occur in the course of work, leading to physical harm or mental distress for the individuals involved. Construction sites in Nigeria are considered to be dangerous, due to factors such as inadequate safety regulations, lack of safety training, and unsafe working conditions. This has resulted in a significant number of injuries and fatalities, as well as financial losses and reputational damage for construction companies. The aim of the study is to investigate the factors contributing to occupational accidents and injuries in construction sites in Nigeria and to propose effective strategies for prevention and mitigation, with objectives to identify factors responsible for occupational accidents and injuries in construction sites in Nigeria, to assess the effects of the factors on project delivery and to suggest measures that can be taken to mitigate these effects. The study was carried out in kwara state north central region of Nigeria. Quantitative research approach was adopted for the study and Simple random sampling was used to select Architect, builder, Engineer and Quantity surveyors in Kwara State, North- central Nigeria. Eighty three (83) structured questionnaires were self-administered to the respondents in Kwara state in which eighty (80) questionnaires were properly filled and returned for analysis with a response rate of 96.39%, the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentage, pie chart, and bar chart), Mean Item Score (MIS) and Severity Index (S.I) were used to anaylze the objectives. The study found that lack of management commitment to safety budget allocation, lack of safety training and education, poor enforcement of safety regulations, non-compliance with regulations and absence of safety officers on site are the most significant factors affecting health and safety management practices in construction site. The study revealed that delayed project timelines, decreased productivity, increased costs and legal and regulatory consequences are effects of occupational accidents and injuries on project delivery. The study concluded that Create a workplace safety culture, providing adequate training, Implementation of safety protocols from the initial stage, Formulation of policies and programs and Inspection of tools and machines are the most significant measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects occupational accidents and injuries. The study recommends that providing adequate safety training, provision of PPE, and regular supervision of workers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Maintaining good terms and relationship with other members of the organization, efficient management of resources and promoting safety and well-being can reduced the effects of occupational accidents and injuries on project delivery.