EFFECTS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES ON CONSTRUCTION SITE PRODUCTIVITY IN NIGERIA (A STUDY OF ILORIN KWARA STATE)

ABSTRACT This research investigated the implications of health and safety practices on the productivity of construction sites in Kwara State, Nigeria, through a quantitative research design of questionnaires that were conducted on 85 construction professionals (81 responded; 95 percent of questionnaire returned). The analysis performed on the basis of Mean Item Score and Severity Index revealed significant obstacles to the successful safety management, such as training inefficiency, no management interest in safety budgets, insufficient program assessment, and no safety officers at the location. Failure to adhere to safety procedures led to extreme results that caused lives to be endangered, loss of productivity, downtime and compensation payouts that incurred financial liabilities. The study suggests frequent safety training, designation of competent safety officers, issuances of personal protection equipment, and involvement of the workers in safety planning as some of the important areas of development. The paper would conclude that the incorporation of safety management as part of the construction operations is necessary in enhancing productivity, protecting the workers and ensuring sustainable project activities in the construction industry in Nigeria.