ABSTRACT
The construction industry is known for its high rate of accidents and injuries, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. This study focuses on the adherence to health and safety regulations on construction sites in Edo State, Nigeria. The research methodology involved a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection through both manual and electronic questionnaires. The data analysis primarily utilized descriptive statistics, specifically the Mean Item Score (MIS) to gauge the significance of the collected data. The research objectives included examining the extent of adherence to health and safety regulations by construction firms in Edo State, the impact of non-compliance on construction workers, and identifying common challenges faced in adhering to these regulations. Findings from the study revealed that there is a stark difference in adherence to safety regulations between large and small construction projects in Edo State, where large construction projects demonstrated relatively high adherence to safety regulations, employing safety managers and providing workers with necessary protective equipment. In contrast, small construction projects lacked such safety measures, potentially exposing workers to higher risks. Additionally, the complexity of large projects, coupled with the involvement of professionals, contributes to a stricter adherence to health and safety standards on these sites with majority of respondents having between 11 and 15 years of working experience, holding Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degrees. Overall, this study outlines the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations in the construction industry to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of workers. The findings suggest a need for improved safety practices, especially on small construction sites, through increased awareness, training, and enforcement of regulations. By addressing these challenges and implementing effective solutions, construction firms in Edo State can create safer working environments for their employees and reduce the incidence of accidents and injuries.
