A study on substance abuse awareness and usage trends within the construction sector

Abstract

Purpose To address safety risks, worker well-being concerns and productivity losses in construction due to substance misuse, this study aims to explore awareness and usage levels of various substances among Nigerian construction professionals. The findings aim to inform targeted interventions and policy development to tackle these industry-specific challenges. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive literature review identified several substances and intoxicants commonly used in construction, which informed the development of a well-structured questionnaire. This questionnaire was distributed to both construction professionals and nonprofessionals. The Shapiro-Wilk test assessed the normality of awareness and utilization scores for each substance, while the Kruskal-Wallis H-test explored significant differences in awareness and usage scores among different respondent groups. Findings Despite reporting low awareness of substances commonly used in construction, a significant proportion (over 60%) of respondents admitted to using several of these substances in their construction activities. This highlights a concerning disconnect, with more than half (62.5%) exceeding a predefined threshold (3.5) for significant substance use. Ten out of the 16 substances surveyed fell into this category, indicating a widespread issue within the industry. Practical implications The findings of this study highlight the need for increased education and awareness programs about the dangers of substance misuse in the construction industry. Construction companies should implement regular training sessions and workshops to educate workers on the risks associated with substance use. Additionally, there should be stricter enforcement of substance use policies and routine substance testing to deter misuse. These measures can enhance safety, improve worker well-being and boost overall productivity in the construction industry. Originality/value The insights from this study can inform the development of international policies and best practices for substance use prevention and worker well-being in the construction industry. Sharing these findings with international organizations, policymakers and industry stakeholders can help create broader guidelines and frameworks adaptable for implementation in various countries.