Abstract
Small and medium sized contractors represent the large number of construction
companies in Nigeria. They play an important role in the construction industry.
However, site fatalities and injuries cases among the small and medium sized
construction companies still remain the most health and safety (H&S) issues around
the world. This study seeks to examine the economic and social impacts of site
accidents on the small and medium sized construction companies in Nigeria.
Questionnaire survey was then structured from literature and administered to twenty
(20) selected small and medium sized construction companies with not less than
hundred (100) workers within the South-West Geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This was
followed by interviews conducted with the owners/directors of the five selected
companies and workers randomly picked among the selected companies. Data was
electronically manipulated using MS Excel. From the analysis, the study revealed that
site accidents contribute to loss of productivity, damage to plant and equipment,
payment for settlements of injury or death claims, all these have economic impacts on
the companies’ balance sheets. The study further revealed that site accidents lead to
loss of customers’ confidence, tarnishing of image and loss of public confidence on
the contractors, these are the social impacts. Nevertheless, there is a general lack of
commitment to workers’ health, safety and wellbeing among the small and medium
sized construction companies. The study concludes that site fatalities and injuries
cases among the small and medium sized construction companies still remain the
most health and safety (H&S) issues. The study therefore, recommends that
contractors irrespective of their sizes should demonstrate visible leadership and
commitment to workers’ H&S by training them on site H&S and providing adequate
financial resources for improvement of site accidents.