Background of the Study
Road construction is one of the most hazardous occupations, exposing workers to a range of occupational risks, including heavy machinery accidents, exposure to dust and asphalt fumes, extreme weather conditions, and musculoskeletal injuries from manual labor (Okafor & Yusuf, 2023). Workers often operate in high-traffic areas, increasing the risk of vehicular accidents, while prolonged exposure to hot asphalt and cement dust can cause respiratory illnesses and skin conditions (Bello et al., 2024).
In Kebbi State, ongoing infrastructure development has led to an increased demand for road construction workers. However, many construction sites lack adequate safety measures, and workers are often employed on temporary contracts without health insurance or safety training (Adebayo & Musa, 2024). Despite the implementation of occupational safety laws in Nigeria, enforcement remains weak, and many road construction workers continue to face preventable hazards due to poor adherence to safety protocols (Usman & Ibrahim, 2024).
This study seeks to investigate the occupational hazards faced by road construction workers in Kebbi State, assess their level of exposure, and propose strategies to improve workplace safety.
Statement of the Problem
Road construction workers in Kebbi State are frequently exposed to unsafe working conditions that put their health and safety at risk. Many workers lack access to personal protective equipment (PPE), and poor enforcement of safety regulations increases their vulnerability to injuries and chronic health conditions (Akinyemi & Salisu, 2024). Common occupational hazards in road construction include exposure to silica dust, heat stress, hearing loss due to excessive noise from machinery, and a high risk of falls and equipment-related accidents (Bello & Musa, 2024).
Despite these risks, there is limited research on the occupational hazards specific to road construction workers in Kebbi State. Many workers continue to operate in dangerous conditions without adequate interventions from employers or regulatory agencies. This study aims to identify the key hazards, assess worker safety awareness, and recommend measures to enhance occupational health standards in the industry.
Objectives of the Study
1. To identify the major occupational hazards affecting road construction workers in Kebbi State.
2. To assess the level of awareness and adherence to safety protocols among construction workers.
3. To evaluate the effectiveness of workplace safety measures in reducing occupational risks.
Research Questions
1. What are the most common occupational hazards faced by road construction workers in Kebbi State?
2. How knowledgeable are workers about occupational safety practices and risk prevention?
3. How effective are existing workplace safety measures in minimizing risks for construction workers?
Research Hypotheses
1. Road construction workers in Kebbi State experience significant occupational hazards due to unsafe working conditions.
2. A lack of safety training and awareness increases the incidence of workplace accidents and health issues.
3. The implementation of strict safety measures and PPE usage will reduce workplace injuries among construction workers.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on road construction workers in Kebbi State, examining the occupational hazards they face and evaluating existing workplace safety measures. Limitations may include difficulties in accessing construction sites for data collection, reluctance from workers to report safety violations, and variations in safety practices across different construction companies.
Definitions of Terms
• Occupational Hazards: Risks or dangers associated with a particular job that may lead to injury or illness.
• Silica Dust: Fine particles released from cutting, grinding, or drilling construction materials, which can cause lung diseases.
• Heat Stress: A condition caused by excessive exposure to high temperatures, leading to dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety gear such as helmets, gloves, masks, and earplugs designed to protect workers from hazards.
• Workplace Safety Measures: Policies and procedures implemented to prevent accidents and injuries in a work environment.
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