AN INVESTIGATION OF THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AND EDUCATION PROGRAMS ON CONSTRUCTION SAFETY: (A CASE STUDY OF JOS SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

A knowledgeable community is the most effective means of protection against calamity (McDonald, 2022). Throughout the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR), there was a growing international recognition of the need to build successful and long-lasting public awareness initiatives. These efforts focused on developing and conveying effective methods for individuals and groups to safeguard themselves from potential dangers that posed a harm to their lives and possessions. The objective of these public awareness initiatives is to stimulate community engagement and educate individuals of all age groups in order to mitigate the risks associated with potential hazards. There is evidence suggesting that these activities can foster a community that is knowledgeable, vigilant, and independent, capable of contributing to its own protection and supporting government initiatives in disaster management. 

Disasters can be categorised into two fundamental groups: natural and man-made. Natural disasters include earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, floods, and fires. Man-made disasters encompass a range of events, including war, pollution, nuclear explosions, fires, exposure to dangerous materials, explosions, transportation accidents, and specifically, building collapse, which is the subject of this study. Building collapse is the occurrence of a defect, vulnerability, or issue in a particular aspect or element of a building. It could also be attributed to the omission of performance. The extent of building failure can be linked to the degree of deviation of a building from its original "as-built" state, which typically reflects the approved standard within the local area, community, region, or country. (Ekpo, 2018). A building collapse, as described by Ini (2018), refers to the whole or partial failure of one or more structural elements of a building, rendering it unable to effectively serve its intended purpose of delivering comfort, satisfaction, safety, and stability. A building collapse occurs when the structural or vital elements of a building move away from their intended places, leading to deformation, deformity, or the complete disintegration of the building (Giwa & Abdulwahab, 2019).

The main causes of building collapse are architectural errors and insufficient construction specifications. Additional elements that contribute to the situation include sudden changes in the geological composition, seismic activity, and the occurrence of floods (Ogundele 2023). Usually, a structural collapse is preceded by a failure, which may or may not be readily apparent and can occur gradually over a period of time (Fakere & Fakere, 2019). A failure can be observed when a building is used beyond its intended capacity, when building services deteriorate and cause underground leaks, when construction materials gradually degrade over time, when maintenance is neglected, and when flooding occurs (Olabosipo 2020).

The main level of mitigating building collapse is at the community level, specifically targeting vulnerable communities. Hence, it is imperative that both formal and informal local leaders take on the primary responsibility of safeguarding the community by implementing diverse measures, such as enhancing public consciousness (Ekpe et al., 2023). Nevertheless, it is crucial to include the local planning and protective measures into higher-level frameworks, such as district and national disaster plans, as well as risk reduction strategies and measures (Davids, 2022). The process of 'Awareness Raising' can commence within educational institutions and thereafter extend to the parents of children, gradually including all segments of society. Given that a majority of the population in many developing nations consists of individuals under the age of 18, it is feasible to effectively communicate crucial information to a significant portion of the population by utilising the knowledge, abilities, and enthusiastic drive of children. These children can then spread messages within their communities, beginning with their parents (Mangvwat, 2021).

The frequent incidence of building collapses in Nigeria has emphasised the necessity for improved safety protocols in the construction sector. Although technical aspects such as construction procedures and material quality are vital, the significance of public awareness and education in ensuring construction safety is equally paramount (Henry et al., 2024). Jos, the capital of Plateau State, has witnessed multiple incidents of school collapses, leading to devastating loss of life and property. These occurrences emphasise the immediate necessity for comprehensive approaches to improve construction safety. Public awareness campaigns and education programmes are crucial in this context, since they may provide information and empower individuals at all levels to embrace safer construction techniques. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the consequences of these endeavours is essential in order to devise efficient solutions that can effectively avert future instances of building collapses. This study examines the influence of public awareness campaigns and education programmes on construction safety. It specifically investigates the instance of the recent collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji neighbourhood of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The research intends to analyse the efficacy of these programmes in order to gain insights into how heightened awareness and education might enhance construction safety procedures. Therefore, the necessity for doing this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Instances of building collapses in Nigeria, namely in Jos, have led to substantial casualties, injuries, and property damage. One of the most sorrowful occurrences are the instances when school buildings collapse, which directly endanger the safety and welfare of children and instructors. Technical and regulatory issues are important for guaranteeing construction safety, but public awareness and education can have a significant impact on construction practices. Despite several endeavours to improve construction safety through public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, the occurrence of building collapses remains distressingly frequent. This scenario prompts crucial inquiries regarding the efficacy of these endeavours in advocating for secure constructing methodologies.

The preliminary investigation into the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji region of Jos, Plateau State, in North Central Nigeria, has uncovered that the construction was defective. Samson (2024), the Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), observed that the building displayed clear signs of deterioration, suggesting the use of inferior materials. Samson (2024) found that the examination revealed ambiguity over the quantity of concrete used in the construction of the two-story building. This occurred due to the absence of a distinct demarcation between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. Furthermore, the anchorage provided for the reinforcement of the slab was inadequate. The precise measurement cannot be determined since there is no distinct boundary between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. The anchorage of the slab reinforcement was inadequate. The measurements specified for the footing's foundation were smaller than the recommended size of 1200 mm X 1200 mm (Punch, 2024).

Insufficient public knowledge is a significant contributing factor to the frequent occurrence of building collapses in Nigeria (Tayelolu, 2022). The general public lacks a complete awareness of construction safety concepts and the significance of following building regulations and standards (Bolu et al., 2022). The lack of expertise in this area contributes to the high occurrence of hazardous construction practices. Stakeholders engage in cost-cutting measures due to a lack of information and ignorance (Emenike, 2024). Bode (2024) argues that the current public awareness initiatives and education programmes designed to promote construction safety may not be effectively reaching or influencing the main stakeholders, such as construction workers, contractors, and the general public. The delineation and coordination of duties and responsibilities among different stakeholders, including as government agencies, construction professionals, and community members, in the promotion and enforcement of construction safety are inadequately defined and coordinated (Benny, 2024). The aim of this study is to examine the influence of public awareness campaigns and educational programmes on the improvement of construction safety. A detailed analysis of the Jos school building collapse.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically investigate the impact of public awareness campaign and education programs on construction safety: (a case study of Jos school building collapse). Specific objectives of this study are to:

To assess the current level of public awareness regarding construction safety in Jos.

To evaluate the effectiveness of existing public awareness campaigns and education programs on construction safety.

To examine the role of different stakeholders, including government agencies, construction professionals, and community members, in promoting construction safety

To propose recommendations for enhancing public awareness and education efforts to improve construction safety

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What is the current level of public awareness regarding construction safety in Jos?

How effective are the existing public awareness campaigns and education programs in promoting construction safety?

What is the role of different stakeholders, including government agencies, construction professionals, and community members, in promoting construction safety?

What are the recommendations for enhancing public awareness and education efforts to improve construction safety?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses is formulated to guide the study:

Ho: The current level of public awareness regarding construction safety in Jos is low.

Ha: The current level of public awareness regarding construction safety in Jos is high.

1.6 Significance of the study

The objective of this study is to offer valuable insights that might enhance public awareness and education efforts concerning construction safety. The project aims to contribute to the avoidance of future building collapses, specifically in school environments, by identifying deficiencies and providing focused methods. This will help protect the lives of students and educators. Increased public awareness and education can result in more knowledgeable and watchful communities, improved adherence to safety regulations, and ultimately, safer constructed environments. The study will provide a foundation for communities, construction professionals, landlords, lawmakers, students, and scholars.

Public awareness campaigns and educational programmes are essential for educating stakeholders, including as architects, engineers, contractors, and the general public, about building safety practices. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of these initiatives can result in more informed decision-making and improved practices within the construction industry. Efficient public awareness programmes facilitate community interaction and stimulate public participation in enhancing construction safety. They enable individuals to identify and report hazardous behaviors, thereby fostering a safety-oriented culture inside communities.

Furthermore, the results of the study can provide valuable insights for assessing the effectiveness of current public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives pertaining to construction safety. This involves evaluating their scope, efficacy, and opportunities for enhancement in order to optimize their influence on safety results.

Moreover, upcoming scholars will utilize it as a thorough examination of the current scholarly literature. Hence, individuals with a profound enthusiasm for this field of research can depend on this work as a reliable and meticulously evaluated source of information.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically investigate of the impact of public awareness campaign and education programs on construction safety: (a case study of Jos school building collapse). Specifically, this study seeks to assess the current level of public awareness regarding construction safety in Nigeria and evaluate the effectiveness of existing public awareness campaigns and education programs on construction safety. 

Further, this study will focus on examining the role of different stakeholders, including government agencies, construction professionals, and community members, in promoting construction safety and it also seeks to propose recommendations for enhancing public awareness and education efforts to improve construction safety.

The study is carried out in Jos, Plateau State. The respondents of this study are the residents and neighbors of the collapsed Saints Academy in the Busa Buji area of Jos, Plateau State

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to an investigation of the impact of public awareness campaign and education programs on construction safety: (a case study of Jos school building collapse). Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Jos, Plateau state. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Building: a building is a structure with walls and a roof that is constructed for long-term use, serving as a place for human habitation, work, and storage. Buildings are architectural constructions that provide protection and accommodation for human beings, their possessions, and their various endeavors.

Building collapse: A building collapse is the sudden structural failing, partially or entirely, of a building, threatening human life and health. When internal load-bearing structural elements fail, a building will collapse into itself, and exterior walls pulled into the falling structure.

Substandard materials: Substandard construction materials are materials that do not meet quality standards and contribute to undesired consequences on the life of a building.

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