Role of project leaders in mitigating the issues of health and safety in the Nigerian construction industry

Abstract

Research Purpose: The purpose of this research is to enlighten the public on the effective roles a project leader can play in mitigating the issues of Health and Safety faced in the Nigerian construction Industry; throwing more light in the construction industry of the country’s capital (Abuja).

Methodology: Literature texts were gotten and referenced from books, journals and articles to enlighten the readers on various styles of leadership, and overview on health and safety. For the survey, a mixed methodology or triangulation technique was adopted for use in this research. The use of survey monkey software was used to collect data from selected respondents based in Abuja in the distribution of the questionnaires; and telephone call technique was used to collect data from selected professionals working in Abuja. The telephone conversation was recorded and used for analysis for this research. Also, agents where selected to observe active sites in the Abuja Metropolis, these sites were assessed using a Health and Safety checklist.

Results/Findings: The main findings were that, a significant amount of respondents feel a project leader plays a vital role in mitigating health and safety issues in the Nigerian construction industry, there is a high rate of ignorance of health and safety policies in the construction industry, and the government has done little in properly implementing safety laws which can help in mitigating the issues of health and safety in Nigeria. Based on literature texts, the combination of leadership and management can help a project leader effectively curb the menace of hazards faced on site, as other goals can be achieved using this combined method. This can be done by creating a proper safety structure and relating them directly to site activities, and communicating properly to site workers on risks involved in their various work places.

Research Limitations: Time was a relative constraint during the period of this research. Data collected during the survey directly dealt with Abuja; there is a need to discuss health and safety issues on a wider scope, Nigeria or Africa as a whole. Also, health and safety issues were only discussed as it affects the construction industry only. The public can be enlightened on health and safety issues faced in other industries.

Practical Implications: The findings show the level of awareness on health and safety policies in the Nigerian construction industry, the frequency and mitigating methods of selected hazards in the industry, Abuja-Nigeria to be precise.

Value: This research highlights the need for awareness to be created on safety issues in the construction industry and also the need for change in the safety culture of workers in the industry so as to mitigate health and safety issues in the Nigerian construction industry.

Paper Type: Dissertationd mitigate risks in construction sites.