Health and Safety Culture on Construction Sites in Kaduna Metropolis: Workers' Perceptions and Risk Behaviour

Abstract

Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries globally, with Nigeria reporting high rates of occupational fatalities in the construction sector. This paper investigates health and safety (H&S) culture on construction sites in Kaduna metropolis through a cross-sectional survey of 214 site operatives and 32 site managers. The Safety Climate Tool (SCT) was adapted for the Nigerian context and validated through confirmatory factor analysis. Results reveal that workers perceive management commitment to safety as low, personal risk awareness as moderate, and compliance with PPE protocols as poor. A structural equation model indicates that safety climate significantly predicts risk-taking behaviour (β=−0.61, p<0.001). The study recommends mandatory H&S training, strengthened regulatory enforcement, and investment in PPE provision on all construction sites.