Risk on the Job: Carpenters, Bricklayers, Plumbers and Electricians Don’t See Safety the Same Way

What is it about?

Every day, construction workers step onto job sites knowing the risks. Falls from heights, electric shocks, being hit by moving objects, or getting trapped between heavy equipment remain the leading causes of death in construction. Safety agencies say these four dangers alone account for most construction fatalities. Yet many workers also suffer long-term injuries and illnesses from hazards that often go unnoticed. This study set out to answer a simple question: why do construction workers sometimes take risks, even when they know the dangers? To find out, the researchers spoke directly to tradesmen working on construction sites in Lagos. They asked the workers what influences how safely they behave on the job things like training, supervision, equipment, and workplace rules. Most of the workers agreed that their safety decisions are shaped by what happens around them on site. One message came through clearly: workers take safety seriously when their employers do. When management provides proper training, supplies protective equipment, sets clear safety rules, and enforces them consistently, workers are far more likely to protect themselves. When safety is ignored or treated as less important than speed or profit, risky behaviours become common.

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Photo by Thomas Kinto on Unsplash

Photo by Thomas Kinto on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The study suggests that improving safety on construction sites is not just about warning workers; it starts with leadership. When construction managers make safety a priority, they protect workers’ lives, reduce injuries, and create healthier job sites for everyone. In short, safer construction sites begin at the top, and lives depend on it.

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