Assessment of Occupational Health and Safety Practices at Construction Sites in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory

Construction sites in Nigeria remain among the most hazardous workplaces, and occupational health and safety compliance at building sites in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, requires systematic investigation to inform regulatory enforcement. This study assessed occupational health and safety practices at 25 active construction sites in Abuja Municipal Area Council, including both residential and commercial projects. A structured checklist based on the Nigerian Factories Act and the National Building Code was used for site safety audits, complemented by interviews with 150 construction workers and 25 site supervisors. Key safety indicators assessed included personal protective equipment provision, site hoarding, scaffold safety, electrical safety, and first aid availability. Results revealed that full compliance with personal protective equipment requirements was recorded at only 24% of sites. Safety signage was inadequate at 68% of sites. First aid kits were present at 72% of sites, but trained first aiders were available at only 36% of sites. Workers in unskilled categories had significantly lower safety awareness scores than skilled workers (mean: 42% vs. 67% of maximum awareness score). The study concludes that occupational health and safety compliance at Abuja construction sites is inadequate across multiple dimensions, particularly for unskilled workers who bear the greatest injury risk. Stronger enforcement by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and mandatory safety induction training for all site workers are recommended.

Keywords: occupational health and safety, construction sites, Abuja, personal protective equipment, Nigerian Building Code