Assessment of the Effects of Occupational Health and Safety Practices on Property Development Sites in Nigeria

Abstract

The Nigerian construction sector has experienced rapid growth, yet it continues to record disproportionately high rates of occupational injuries and fatalities. While many firms have adopted Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices—such as formal safety policies, personal protective equipment (PPE) programmes, training, and safety committees—the extent to which these measures translate into improved safety performance remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between the implementation of OHS practices and safety outcomes on property development sites across Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was employed. First, a structured questionnaire was administered to 210 construction projects, representing a mix of large, medium, and small firms, to assess the degree of OHS implementation (using a composite OHS Index) and to collect data on key safety performance indicators—lost-time injury frequency rate (LTIFR), near-miss reporting frequency, and days lost due to injury. Second, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with site supervisors, safety officers, and workers to explore contextual factors influencing OHS effectiveness. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.62, p < 0.01) between the OHS Index score and LTIFR, indicating that higher levels of OHS implementation are associated with fewer lost-time injuries. Moreover, sites with active safety committees and regular PPE inspections reported a 38 % higher near-miss reporting rate than those without such mechanisms. Qualitative findings highlighted barriers to full adoption, including inadequate enforcement, limited access to training resources, and cultural attitudes toward risk. The study concludes that systematic, well monitored OHS practices substantially improve safety performance in the Nigerian construction industry, but their effectiveness is contingent on consistent enforcement and the involvement of workers at all levels. Recommendations include strengthening regulatory oversight, incentivizing OHS certification (e.g., ISO 45001), and developing context-specific training programmes for small- and medium-sized property developers.