4.1.6 Discussion of the findings
The findings of this study are organized and discussed according to the research questions and hypotheses formulated for the study. The research questions are discussed first and then hypotheses as follows:
4.1.6.1 Discussion pertaining to research questions
The findings revealed the types of accidents associated with building construction activities; shown in table 9b. This finding was in agreement with Howarth (1972) and Amaechi (1990) who enumerated various types of site accident.
Types of health / safety problems were also revealed as shown in table 10b.This was in tandem with Fiona Murie (Undated) ILO document, where various forms if safety and health problems were discussed.
Factors that cause construction health and safety problems were identified and shown on table 11b. This was in agreement with the position of Chudley and Greeno (2006) and Obiegbu (2006) as it pertains to safety principles and the observance of health and safety at work etc Act 1974.
How health and safety problems can be mitigated were identified and presented in table 12b. This was in agreement with N10B hand book (2002), Romuald (2007) and Butler (1979) who advocated for project quality management plan; project health and safety plan, the development of construction plan, as a critical task in the management of construction and that training plays an important role in this, so that the operatives can see the dangers likely to cause accidents.
The findings equally revealed that the production / construction planning of a project can affect the nature and rate of accidents occurrence on a project site as shown on table 13. This was in consonance with Butler (1979); mezue (1999); N10B hand book (2002) and Obiegbu (20060 who submitted that planning objectives encompass personnel matters like training, promotions, retirement / pension schemes, insurance, safety, injuries / compensation etc; that project planning ensures that the overall work is done efficiently with optimum use of resources, adopting appropriate construction methodology in conjunction with construction programmes and safety programme outline.
It was equally found out that government / professional bodies can play significant roles on health and safety matters on site as shown in table 14. These agreed with N10B Hand book (2002); Ho warth (1972); Butler (1979) and Fiona murie (undated) who championed the production and inclusion of project health and safety plan as a contract document: which provisions make it a necessary tool for prevention and control of accidents on site. They further contended that government through regulation and enforcement can influence the prevention and control of accidents on project sites.
4.1.6.2 Discussion pertaining to the hypotheses
The hypotheses upheld the respondents’ responses on the effect of observance of safety and health procedures on the rate and nature of accidents on construction sites.
The result of comparison at 0.05 level of significance and degree of freedom (df) of 10 gave a chi-square value X2 = 20.7806 which is higher than the critical value (table value)of X2 = 18.307, hence the null hypothesis (Ho) was rejected and the alternative (Hi) which states that the observance of safety and health procedures do significantly control the rate and nature of accidents on construction sites was accepted.
The highlight of this finding is the revelation that the respondents’ responses underscored the important relationship between the observance of safety and health procedures and prevention / reduction of accidents on construction sites. This was in line with Butler(1979) who submitted that the operatives responsibility for safety is one basically of using common sense: for example, wearing safety helmet and other safety equipment; ensuring that the duties or operations that he performs will not cause injury to his fellow workers. He further said that it must always be remembered that every employee is under a statutory obligation to comply with all regulations and is liable to prosecution if he fails to do so. Bokinni, (2001) posited that safety is about the protection of people, assets, absence of accident and safe working practices. It is primarily concerned with finishing the working day in the same physical condition as when you started it. Accident therefore is a “mishap†resulting in damage to property and or injury or death to persons. It is traceable to an act or omission on the part of somebody caused by human action through unsafe acts and conditions. The most common cause is poor management organization, failure to provide and follow safe system of working, inadequate training and instructions. Komolafe and Babalola (2009 May 21) submitted interalia:
That the economic consequences of the accidents which approximate to four percent of global domestic product (GDP) challenge all stake holders
to arise to initiate actions that would help to mitigate work – related accidents, injuries and death.
That this government cannot fold its arms and allow work places that are unsafe for employees.
That the present government frowns at the present situation where employers and workers take safety at work for granted.
That his ministry which has the mandate to protect the lives of all workers in their work environment, has initiated actors to drastically high accident rate in work places across the country.
That when the labour safety and health Bill is passed into law, it would go a long way to improve the standard of safety and health delivery in all work places in the country.
He solicited the co-operation of other stake holders, workers, employers and all Nigerians to join hand with government toward achieving a safe and healthy work place agenda for Nigeria, where work-related accidents will be a thing of the past.
