Prevalence of Falls and Associated Factors among Construction Workers in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Falls at construction sites are common occurrences with some resulting in fatalities. This study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of falls at construction sites in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study sampled 340 construction workers from the two Local Government Areas of Port Harcourt Metropolis. A structured, close-ended, interviewer-administered questionnaire and Walk through Survey were the research instruments. Ethical approval was gotten from the Research and Ethics Committee of University of Port Harcourt and informed consent was gotten from each of the respondents prior to commencement of the study. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results: Of the 340 respondents in the study, 124 had experienced falls giving a prevalence of 36.5%. On the pattern of falls, trips/slips from short distance accounted for 23.4% while falls from ladder was 17.7%, scaffolds 15.3% and roof tops accounted for 12.9%. The commonest cause of the falls was failure to use Personal Protective Equipment PPE (17.7%). Furthermore, 63.2% of the respondents had good knowledge of safety precautions while 57.4% had good safety practice. Knowledge of safety precautions was significantly associated with age, education, experience and safety training (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of falls at construction sites in Port Harcourt mainly from trips/slips, ladders and scaffolds. Majority of the workers had good knowledge and practice of safety precautions. It is recommended that health education, periodic safety training and enforcement of safety practices among construction workers be instituted, intensified and sustained.