Evaluating Health and Safety Management Plan Awareness for High-Rise Building Projects in Abuja, Nigeria

Wasiu Yinka Aderibigbe¹, Chuks Kevin Okolie², Oluwatayomi Daniel Fadumo³

¹ Student, Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences -Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka -Anambra State.

² Professor, Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences -Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka -Anambra State.

³ Lecturer, Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences -Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka -Anambra State.   

Abstract

Since the construction sector ranks among the world’s most dangerous industries, the Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP) has been introduced as a strategic framework designed to outline systematic procedures for identifying potential hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. It also encompasses safety training, supervision, and the establishment of emergency response protocols. When HSMPs are effectively implemented, they are expected to reduce the incidence rates prevalent in the industry. This study evaluates the level of awareness regarding HSMPs among stakeholders on high-rise building projects in Abuja, Nigeria, with a view to bridging the gap between awareness and implementation. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach to analyse the opinions of construction professionals and workers engaged in high-rise projects within the Central Area of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (F.C.T). Twenty-nine (29) sites, collectively employing an estimated 1,015 workers (based on an average workforce of 35 personnel per site), were surveyed. Through the use of structured questionnaires, the findings reveal that respondents demonstrate a moderately high to high awareness of HSMPs across the construction industry in Abuja. This suggests that while the general concept and purpose of HSMPs are well understood, stakeholders are less knowledgeable about specific regulatory requirements and technical documentation unique to Abuja. Consequently, it is recommended that the government and regulatory authorities strengthen targeted awareness and enforcement of HSMP protocols.    

Keywords: Health and Safety Management Plan (HSMP), Construction industry, Construction projects, High-rise Building, National development, Risk assessment and mitigation

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