BARRIERS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Abstract

OHSMS has become the main part of the establishment’s lifeline and a prerequisite for its stability in the 21st century. There is a growing need for OHSMS, in its ability to solve occupational accidents and also to develop a robust relationship among the stakeholders. The mission of OHSMS has not been followed in the Nigerian construction industry. The study, therefore, explores the barriers to the development of OHSMS in the Nigerian construction industry. The study adopted a literature review of OHSMS and thereafter, 300 structured questionnaires were administered to the construction professionals in the built environment of the Nigerian nation’s Capital-Abuja. 247 of the administered questionnaires were returned, considered for the analysis of the study. The data were analysed with SPSS and excel. The findings of the study indicate that the lack of commitment of the government, inefficient regulatory authorities, and lack of expertise in the OHS activities are the major barriers to the development of OHSMS. The study recommends collaborative efforts from the construction organizations, employees, and construction professionals to support the government on the OHSMS.