97 International Conference of Science, Engineering & Environmental Technology (ICONSEET), 4(12): 97-102, 2019 ISSN 0794-9650 www.repcomseet.com Assessment of Health and Safety Practices of Construction Workers in Educational Institutions Projects B. N. Obaju a *, O. E. Olabisi a and Musa Shamsudeen b a Department of Building Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun state Nigeria b Department of Building Technology, Federal Polytechnic Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state Nigeria obaju82@gmail.com Abstract – The health and safety (H&S) in construction sites has become an integral part of project delivery because the construction industry has been described to have the most dangerous working environment. Majority of the construction casualties has been attributed to the attitude of individuals and professionals towards H & S on construction sites. This study assessed the H&S practices of construction workers in educational institutions projects. Three (3) educational institutions projects were sampled using a convenience and simple random sampling techniques. 87 questionnaires were returned out of 100 administered to respondents comprising construction operatives and construction professionals. Data obtained was analysed using descriptive and mean score (MS). The result of the study revealed provision of adequate and firm scaffold for high working areas (MS 4.07), proper material stacking and storage (MS 3.96), provision of perimeter fencing for safety of plants and equipment and prevention of intruders (MS 3.74) and provision of fire safety equipment in working areas (MS 3.73) as the major H&S practices embraced on the construction sites. The study further revealed that a good H&S practice have great impact in reducing injury to workers (MS 4.20), reduce financial loss to construction firms (MS 4.14), enhance easy movement and safe working environment (MS 4.00), reduces loss in productive hours by workers as a result of accident or injury (MS 3.80) and reduce injury claims by workers (MS 3.75). The study recommends the enforcement and regulation of H&S in construction sites by government and professional bodies, better awareness of H&S, training and retraining of construction workers on H&S and enforcing the use of protective safety wears and equipment Keywords: Construction workers, Construction sites, Educational institutions projects, Health and Safety Practice 1. Introduction The health and safety in construction sites has become an integral part of project success, this is so because the construction has been labelled to have the most dangerous working environment compared to other sector. According to [1] of the accidents that occurs in workplaces greater number of them happens in the construction industry because of its difficult and tough working conditions. It is ranked one of the most hazardous work environments that experience high number of workplace injuries and mortality rate [2] The safety and health of the construction industry has become paramount because the construction industry contributes to the socio-economic development of many nation through the provision of infrastructures and creating employment opportunities. Consequently, by implementing appropriate health and safety practices, it will create a safer, healthier and more pleasant working environment and reduce the risk of accidents not just to workers but the public. [3] opined that a good health and safety conditions in construction constitute a good and safe business practice and could significantly contribute to quality assurance, cost efficiency, environmental sustainability and better employee- employer relationship and satisfaction.