Assessment of Construction Health Hazards Faced by Informal Building Workers in Kaduna State

Informal building workers in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria, constitute the majority of the construction workforce and are disproportionately exposed to occupational health hazards due to limited safety knowledge and absence of formal employment protections. This study assessed the occupational health hazards experienced by informal building workers (labourers, masons, carpenters, and plasterers) in Kaduna North, Kaduna South, and Igabi Local Government Areas. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 informal construction workers using structured questionnaires and medical self-report instruments. Health hazards assessed included dust inhalation, noise exposure, skin disorders, musculoskeletal complaints, and heat stress. Hazard awareness was assessed through a 20-item knowledge test. Results showed that 76% of workers reported respiratory symptoms consistent with silica dust exposure, and 64% reported recurrent musculoskeletal pain. Skin disorders were reported by 48% of workers, associated with prolonged cement contact. Protective equipment was never used by 61% of workers and only rarely used by a further 24%. Hazard awareness knowledge scores were low, with a mean of 34% of maximum score. Workers aged 18 to 25 years had the lowest knowledge scores and highest hazard exposure frequency. The study concludes that informal construction workers in Kaduna State face severe occupational health risks due to low awareness and absent protective equipment use. Targeted safety training in local languages and subsidised personal protective equipment supply are recommended.

Keywords: occupational health, informal workers, construction hazards, Kaduna State, personal protective equipment