Dominant Factors Influencing the Implementation of Safety Protocols in Building Project Sites

Abstract

Despite establishing extensive safety regulations and protocols, the construction sector finds it challenging to consistently uphold these norms. This study attempts to investigate the dominant factors influencing the implementation of safety protocols with a view to safeguarding the health and safety of workers while reducing the likelihood of accidents and guaranteeing the reliability and durability of built infrastructure. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and Lagos State served as the research area. The population of the study comprised built environment professionals and site operatives who were conveniently selected. The study utilized two sets of structured questionnaires that were self-administered to the two groups of respondents. Descriptive and inferential statistical approaches were employed to analyze the data collected. The findings revealed that the dominant factors influencing the implementation of safety protocols on building project sites among the built industry professionals and site operatives include management support, regulatory requirements, safety awareness, employee training and education, recognition and encouragement, workers’ attitudes, and penalties for non-compliance. The study concludes that regulatory requirement has a profound influence on how safety protocols are being implemented in building project sites. This implies that stringent adherence to regulatory requirements reduces risks and promotes a safety culture, which sustains the safety of building project sites. The study therefore recommends that the management of construction organizations should keep employees abreast of local safety requirements and provide guidelines for its implementation for compliance to be easily incorporated into building site operations. This may be accomplished by maintaining up-to-date information, performing frequent audits, and putting in place robust mechanisms aimed at guaranteeing compliance.