Occupational Health Service Delivery Models in Large Retail Supermarkets in Lagos State

Large retail supermarkets represent a significant and growing segment of Nigeria's formal private sector employment, yet the occupational health service delivery needs of their workforce have received little systematic attention. This study examined the models and quality of occupational health service delivery in large retail supermarkets in Lagos State, South West Nigeria. A mixed-methods design was employed, with 30 human resource managers and occupational health officers from 15 large retail chains completing structured questionnaires, supplemented by 12 key informant interviews with store health coordinators. A service delivery quality checklist adapted from the African Federation of Occupational Health criteria was applied. Results showed that health services were limited to first aid coverage in 86.7 percent of stores, with no formal occupational health program in 60 percent. Ergonomic risk from manual stocking, prolonged standing, and cold room exposure was the most prevalent unaddressed hazard category. Turnover-linked health consequences including musculoskeletal disorders and psychological distress were documented in over half of sampled stores. Service delivery models varied significantly by store ownership (multinational versus indigenous), with multinational chains demonstrating substantially better occupational health infrastructure. The study recommends the development of a standardized occupational health service delivery framework for the Nigerian retail sector, including minimum staffing ratios for occupational health personnel and mandatory periodic health assessments for all store employees. Keywords: occupational health services, retail sector, service delivery models, employee health, Lagos State.