ASSESSMENT OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PROCEDURE AND PRACTICES ON SELECTED CONSTRUCTION SITE IN OSUN STATE

ABSTRACT Construction is a significant economic sector though one of the most dangerous sectors in the world owing to high rate of accidents and health risks associated with the industry like lack of protection on heights, poor safety training and poor use of personal protective gear (PPE). This research will evaluate the health and safety procedures and practices within construction sites in Osun state of Nigeria, with specific goals that include determining the current safety procedures, analysis of the challenges facing the safety procedures and give recommendations on how the challenges can be addressed. The survey questionnaire was used to measure the data by interviewing 100 health and safety personnel in ten construction companies and out of the 80 questionnaires returned, 80 respondents were reviewed giving the survey questionnaire a 80 percent response rate. It was found that although such elementary measures as PPE supplies and safety training are a widespread practice, such proactive measures as accident reporting and first aid training are overlooked. Some of the major setbacks are absence of training, insufficient funding, and negligence of workers. The research finds that safety activities in Osun State are mostly reactive and recommends that the state should come up with elaborate safety manuals, institutionalized training systems, funding, and implement modern safety technologies in order to promote proactive safety culture.