HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES IN CONSTRUCTION SITES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

The construction industry remains one of the most hazardous sectors worldwide, accounting for a significant share of occupational accidents and fatalities. While health and safety (H&S) practices are increasingly emphasized in developed countries, their adoption in developing nations remains inconsistent and under-enforced. This study undertakes a comparative assessment of H&S practices across developed and developing countries, focusing on the extent of compliance, factors influencing implementation, and the challenges faced by contractors. A survey of 300 respondents was conducted, with 150 drawn from developed countries (e.g., United Kingdom, United States, and European Union member states) and 150 from developing countries (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Kenya). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to compare mean differences in H&S compliance levels. Findings reveal that developed countries consistently demonstrate higher compliance with proactive safety measures such as personal protective equipment (PPE), risk assessments, and structured safety training. In contrast, developing countries face constraints including weak enforcement, inadequate funding, and low safety awareness. The study highlights a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in compliance levels between the two groups, emphasizing the urgent need for harmonized global standards. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory enforcement in developing contexts, adopting international standards such as ISO 45001, and enhancing capacity building through public-private partnerships.