Evaluating the Critical Success Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Health and Safety Training in the Nigerian Construction Industry
1*Salihu, A. A. 1Yayock, J. D. 2 Egwuda, C. I. and 3 Sanusi, A..
1Building, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
2 Building. Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Nigeria.
3 Building. University of Abuja, F.C.T., Nigeria
DOI: 10.36108/laujoces/6202.71.0162
Abstract
The Nigerian construction sector still suffers from excessive work-related injuries and fatalities because of inadequate health and safety (H&S) measures. H&S training is the main method for preventing workplace incidents; however, its success depends on several interconnected elements. The research investigates how critical success factors (CSFs) determine the effectiveness of H&S training programs in Nigeria’s construction sector. The research adopted a quantitative design and used a well-structured questionnaire to collect information from H&S managers in medium- and large-sized construction firms in Abuja, Nigeria. The study gathered 58 valid responses from 94 distributed questionnaires, which represented a 61.7% response rate. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, which included percentages, means, and standard deviations, and the results were presented in tables. The results demonstrate that the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (mean = 4.38) is the most aware factor amongst the H&S managers. In addition, the results showed that H&S managers are at least slightly aware of all the CSFs as established. Use of PPE (4.20), firm size (4.10), and leadership (3.96) represent the primary CSFs that determine H&S training effectiveness, while gender (2.02) and age (2.16) are perceived by H&S managers as the least impactful CSFs on H&S training effectiveness. Human behavioural factors, project and firm-related factors, and motivational factors showed the strongest influence as CSF groups with group means of 4.08, 3.64, and 3.59, respectively. The research concludes that human behavioural factors are the most salient and impactful factors that determine H&S training effectiveness. Therefore, policymakers, construction firms, and safety managers should develop and execute effective H&S training programs by focusing on essential factors, especially those related to human behaviour.
Keywords: Construction Industry, Critical Success Factors, H&S Training, Nigeria, Personal Protective Equipment.