The objective of the study was to determine the influential safety factors that governed the success of a
safety management system for construction sites. The number of incidences among construction workers
and the level of awareness on matters concerning safety were also determined. The study involved a selfadministered
three-part questionnaire among the workers and interviews with industry experts involved
in brick-laying, concreting and in related assorted trades. Part A of the questionnaire concerned personal
particulars, Part B involved training and experience and Part C was based on 28 industry-accepted safety
factor elements. The construction sites ranged from high rise buildings, landed houses and infrastructure
renovation. The sample size was 275. From the survey it was found that the most influential safety factor
was personal awareness followed closely by communication. Suggestions and recommendations on
equipment design and improved work practices and procedures to improve the efficiency and productivity
of construction workers were proposed. Management was urged to get their workers better informed
about safety matters