Professional Review of Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems in Nigerian Construction Companies

Occupational health and safety management systems are required by law for construction companies operating in Nigeria under the Factories Act and the National Building Code, yet the quality of these systems in practice across the industry has not been professionally reviewed. This study conducted a professional review of occupational health and safety management systems in 30 medium and large construction companies operating in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. Assessment was conducted against OHSAS 18001:2007 (transitioning to ISO 45001:2018) requirements, covering policy commitment, hazard identification, risk assessment, legal compliance, operational control, emergency preparedness, and management review. Data were collected through document review and structured interviews with health and safety managers, directors, and workers (n = 90). Results showed that only 6 of 30 companies had a formally certified occupational health and safety management system. Policy commitment was documented in 20 companies but operationalised in fewer than 10. Hazard identification processes were systematic in only 8 companies. Worker consultation mechanisms were absent in 18 companies. Accident investigation procedures were documented in 15 companies, but root cause analysis was practised in only 6. The accident frequency rate across non-certified companies was 3.4 times higher than in certified companies. The study concludes that occupational health and safety management system quality is inadequate in most Nigerian construction companies, and recommends mandatory safety management system certification for all companies bidding for public contracts above 100 million Naira.

Keywords: occupational health safety, management systems, ISO 45001, construction companies, Nigeria