DESIGNING A FRAMEWORK FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN BIDA AND ENVIRONS, NIGERIA

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors globally due to the high level of occupational risks associated with construction activities. In Nigeria, weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate safety training, poor safety culture, and limited adoption of modern safety management systems have contributed to frequent construction site accidents and unsafe working conditions. This study developed a Health and Safety Performance Management Framework for construction sites in Bida and environs, Nigeria. A mixed-methods research design was adopted using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and site observations involving contractors, project managers, site engineers, safety officers, and construction workers. Out of 100 questionnaires administered, 86 were returned and analysed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII), and thematic content analysis. The findings identified inadequate use of personal protective equipment, poor safety training, weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate supervision, and poor safety culture as the major health and safety challenges on construction sites in the study area. The study further revealed that many construction firms lacked formal health and safety management systems, structured risk assessment procedures, and effective monitoring mechanisms. In addition, the adoption of modern safety technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and wearable safety devices was relatively low due to financial and technical limitations. Based on the findings, a Health and Safety Performance Management Framework was developed incorporating leadership commitment, regulatory compliance, worker participation, safety training, risk assessment, technology adoption, monitoring systems, and continuous improvement processes. The framework also integrated principles of ISO 45001 and Prevention through Design (PtD) to promote proactive safety management. The study concluded that improving health and safety performance in Bida and similar semi-urban environments requires a comprehensive and integrated management approach involving contractors, workers, and regulatory agencies. The framework is expected to enhance safety compliance, reduce accidents, improve worker well-being, and support sustainable project delivery in the Nigerian construction industry.