Safety and risk factor assessment by telecommunication mast riggers and technicians in Nigeria

The telecommunication industry in Nigeria today is one of the largest growing industry in the nation, and acts as a high generating revenue for the economy. With the spread of mobile network coverage around the nation, there is the need for necessary improvements, to meet up with this growing demand. This increases the need for further construction and use of telecommunication masts from points to points all over the nation. This paper reviewed the various ergonomic and human safety factors which are considered by riggers and technicians whilst working at significant heights above ground level. The paper also reviewed various safety equipment used during the installation of telecommunication masts or radio mobile equipment on telecommunication mobile sites or base stations. A review of relevant literatures was conducted from journals and conference articles from databases including Emerald, Taylor and Francis online, Springer, Ebsco Host, Scopus, amongst others. Findings from the study revealed various safety methods adopted whilst working at significant heights during equipment installations. The study also revealed the various safety equipment used by both the riggers and technicians on telecommunication sites as well as their effects on safety. An important conclusion from this study is that the safety of riggers and technicians is paramount, hence, the need for safety precautions to be taken to avoid accidents. This study recommends that policies regarding the safety of riggers and technicians are to be reviewed and implemented. This includes safety checks and proper use of equipment to avoid risks caused by carelessness, over confidence and negligence.