Management of Occupational Health Hazards in the Construction Industry in Abuja, North Central Nigeria

The construction industry is characterized by high rates of occupational injury and illness attributable to diverse hazards including falls, dust exposure, manual handling, chemical exposure, and noise. This study assessed the management of occupational health hazards in twenty active construction sites in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. Site safety inspections using a structured observational checklist, document reviews of site health and safety plans, and structured questionnaire interviews with 300 construction workers across contractor and subcontractor tiers were employed as data collection methods. Results showed that only sixty percent of assessed sites had documented occupational health and safety plans, of which only half were current and site-specific. Fall prevention systems were deemed adequate in fifty-five percent of sites. Dust management measures, including water suppression and respiratory protection, were operational in forty-eight percent of sites. Manual handling injury rates were high among laborers, with forty-one percent reporting musculoskeletal complaints in the preceding three months. First aid facilities were available on sixty-eight percent of sites, but trained first aiders were present in only forty-nine percent. Subcontracted workers consistently demonstrated lower personal protective equipment compliance compared to direct employees. Safety induction programs were not consistently provided to new workers on thirty-three percent of assessed sites. The study recommends mandatory safety management plans for all construction projects in Abuja, independent site inspections, and stronger enforcement of NESREA construction sector standards. Keywords: construction industry, occupational health, Abuja, hazard management, site safety.