EFFECTS OF SAFETY RISK FACTORS ON LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION SITES IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Construction labour productivity is a critical driver of project success and economic development, yet it remains suboptimal in many developing regions, including Nigeria, where the construction sector records approximately 100 serious accidents annually. In Bauchi State, safety risk factors are notably prevalent, but their specific effects on productive output have been insufficiently examined. This study assesses the effect of safety risk factors on labour productivity within construction sites in Bauchi State, identifying predominant risks, evaluating productivity indicators, and determining both statistical and perceived relationships between safety and performance. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered to 205 construction professionals across six project sites. A total of 191 questionnaires were analysed, representing a 93.2% response rate. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The findings reveal that the most prevalent safety risks include absence of regular inspections (M = 3.91), inadequate training (M = 3.81), improper PPE use (M = 3.81), and weak regulatory enforcement (M = 3.75). While workers demonstrate strong attendance (M = 4.13) and task efficiency (M = 4.08), a critical weakness is high rework rates (M = 1.51). The regression model is statistically significant (F = 10.631, p = .001) but explains only 5.3% of productivity variance (R² = .053). Crucially, the perceptual grand mean of 1.86 indicates that practitioners perceive safety's impact on productivity as very low, exposing a profound cognitive disconnect. The study concludes that while safety risks measurably affect productivity, this relationship is grossly underestimated, leading to normalized unsafe conditions and under-investment in safety. Recommendations include mandatory competency-based training, strict PPE enforcement, enhanced supervision to reduce rework, industry-wide sensitization campaigns, and strengthened regulatory enforcement. Bridging this perceptual gap is essential for fostering a sustainable and efficient construction sector in Bauchi State.