Managing the risk and challenges of COVID-19 on construction sites in Lagos, Nigeria
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 24 August 2021
Issue publication date: 3 January 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The novel COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk in construction operations. New systems are, thus, required on construction sites to mitigate the risk and challenges associated with the pandemic. This paper aims to determine construction organisations risk control systems and the challenges of implementing safety measures on construction sites.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a qualitative research method. A purposive sampling method was used to select study participants, who were administered open-ended questionnaires designed to gather qualitative data. The contents of the data were analysed, presented and reported based on the objectives of the study.
Findings
Some of the construction organisations conducted COVID-19 related risk assessments, whilst a few organisations did not conduct a risk assessment. Inspections to ensure COVID-19 compliance was done by government officials, health organisations and client’s health and safety officers. The construction organisations demonstrated considerable competence in record keeping and some organisations further evolved a follow-up plan for sick workers. The study found that some construction practitioners had misconceptions about the disease, used COVID-19 personal protective equipment incorrectly and lack adequate information about the virus. It is required that construction stakeholders evolve policies and strategies that would promote risk control and foster compliance to COVID-19 safety measures.
Originality/value
COVID-19 is still new, therefore, the body of knowledge is still at the infancy stage. This paper provided insight into the COVID-19 related risk and challenges that may increase the rate of virus infection amongst construction practitioners.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflicts of interest: The authors have no competing interests to declare.
Citation
Kukoyi, P.O., Simpeh, F., Adebowale, O.J. and Agumba, J.N. (2022), "Managing the risk and challenges of COVID-19 on construction sites in Lagos, Nigeria", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 20 No. 1, pp. 99-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-01-2021-0058
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited