STUDENT’SPERCEPTION OF RISK AROUND CONSTRUCTION SITES IN PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

ABSTRACT

This study employed a survey method using a random sampling technique to assess students’ perception of risk around construction sites in public educational institutions using the University of Benin as a case study.Five construction sites were identified within the university campus and an inventory was done on each site in order to determine their potential risks on students. Hazardous elements such as bamboo structures, rusted metal, broken stones and absence of protective barriers on top floors were discovered on each of the sites. The potential outcome of those hazardous elements on students ware also analyzed and they formed the questions in the D section of the questionnaire which students filled out. The study identified factors that can influence a person’s perception of risk and theses factors affect them at different levels. The macro level factors, macro level and Meso level factors. The result from the study revealed that students of the University of Benin had knowledge about construction sites and the risk associated with construction sites, this was not due to their exposure from their departments because only 14 (28%) students were in departments that required them to frequently visit construction sites. Their knowledge and awareness, has slightly influenced their perception of risk around construction sites, they have a moderate perception of risk around construction sites and this is a result of their little exposure to construction site, many have not been witnesses of accidents that occur around construction sites neither have they had accidents occur to them around construction sites. All these factors also contributed to their moderate perception of risk around construction sites.