Anthony Olusoji Ayeleso et al.

TEIEE 2(1) 2024

RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS

https://dx.doi.org/10.62622/TEIEE.024.2.1.11-17 ISSN 2956-9761

EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM NIGERIA ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AT WORK
Anthony Olusoji Ayeleso1*, Fahad M. Alqahtani2*, Clement Onu Aroh3*
1
ACETEL, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
2
Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, P.O. Box 800, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia
3
Windsor University School of Medicine, Saint Mary Cayon, United State
*Corresponding email: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Received: 17.02.2024; Accepted: 07.03.2024; Available online: 19.03.2024 Published: 30.03.2024
Cite this article: Ayeleso, A. O., Alqahtani, F. M., & Aroh, C. O. (2024). Empirical Evidence from Nigeria on Environmental Health and Occupational
Safety at Work. Trends in Ecological and Indoor Environment Engineering, 2(1), 11–17.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has developed numerous conventions, protocols, and recommendations on minimum labour standards,
with the majority relating to occupational safety and health systems (OSH). However, environmental issues like deforestation, desertification, flooding,
erosion, oil spills, and air and water pollution, particularly in Nigeria, pose a threat to the health and safety of the many organizations in developing
nations. Using a hybrid of research designs such as survey and content analysis and based on the Risk Society Theory and Sense-making Theory, this
paper reviews, environmental health and occupational safety at workplaces in Nigeria. This study aims to identify environmental health and occupational
safety issues in Nigeria's manufacturing sector, specifically in the iron and steel and aluminium industry, by examining inaccurate data on male and
female workers. Using in-depth interviews with a total of 17 participants, the primary data was gathered from managers and senior staff members of
chosen firms in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Lagos State, Nigeria. These were Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and Alumaco Aluminium
Manufacturing Co. of Nigeria Ltd., Ikeja, Nigeria. It discovers a high level of occupational health awareness, insufficient funding for safety intelligence
initiatives, and a high frequency of workplace dangers. The study also finds that Nigeria was among the signatories in Africa who failed to comply with
this directive. It recommends promoting occupational health services, training doctors to recognize work-related diseases, and complying with the ILO's
Convention 155. The article also suggests updating laws, conducting education campaigns, investing in training, and holding employers accountable
for non-compliance.
Keywords: employers' responsibility; African countries; workplace risk; worker awareness.

INTRODUCTION Laws that shield employees from dangerous workplaces are rarely
enforced, which makes carelessness punishable. According to
These days, it is believed that workplace health and safety risks Bakker (2007), the main issue here is the government's inaction
are what motivate researchers to develop ways to shield against companies that disregard health and safety regulations,
factory workers from their detrimental effects. Workplace even when their carelessness results in an employee's death. It's
health issues have been more prevalent in recent years due to been noted that certain foreign workers in Nigeria are accountable
rising expectations for quality, health, knowledge, and safety. for operating dangerous workplaces that have resulted in fatalities
The whole living and non-living surroundings that any and limb loss. Even worse, they barely receive enough money to
creature needs for survival and sustainability are considered to make up for these losses or injuries. The Nigerian Ministry of
be its environment (Orisakwe, 2019). The status of the Productivity and Labour is not going far enough in policing certain
environment at any given time has a significant impact on the unhealthy behaviours. Natural disasters and health issues are a
biotic and abiotic components of the environment, which are result of the substantial changes in the environment brought about
essential to human health and survival. If the ecosystem is ill, by climate change and the greenhouse effect.
everything in it is vulnerable (Orisakwe, 2019). Environmental
health, according to Knowlton (2011), is the interaction In answering the question, what kind of job is done in your
between people and their environment that decides whether or nation? In Nigeria, 38% of the working male population works
not human health and a clean, healthy environment are in agriculture (compared to 20% of working females), and 56%
preserved. Environmentally related activities occur in complex of working females work in sales and service industries
and dynamic interactions at the individual, society, national, (compared to 19% of working males). Approximately 21% of men
and international levels. There are two ways in which and 9% of women work in skilled manual trades, and 16% of
environmental health and human well-being are men and 8% of women work in professional and technical jobs
interdependent: environmental factors that impact human (Omokhodion, 2009). In 2021, the manufacturing industry
health and human activities that impact environmental quality. employed roughly 12.66% of the labour force in Nigeria. This
industry is essential to the nation's economic success, since it
According to research conducted by the World Health creates jobs and fosters industrial expansion. The government
Organization (WHO), environmental factors account for up to employs less than 15% of the overall workforce in the civil
4 million deaths of children under five years old and 23% of all service. Approximately thirty percent of the women who
fatalities globally. 13 million deaths a year and 13% to 37% of responded to a survey in Nigeria in 2022 said they were
the world's illness burden can be avoided with a healthy employed in the agricultural sector. Nigerian women also
environment. Nigeria's vast industrial sector, oil refineries, frequently worked as traders, artisans, housewives, students, and
manufacturers, fast urbanization, and population growth have skilled manual labourers (such as those in the trades of electricians,
all had a substantial impact on the country's environment. In mechanics, and machinists) or skilled manufacturing workers.
industrialized cities, problems including wind erosion, These numbers give a summary of employment trends in
flooding, deforestation, desertification, air and water pollution, Nigeria, even though it is not explicitly known what proportion of
solid waste management, and urban poverty get exacerbated. males work in the manufacturing sector. Figure 1 graphically
explains the main working status of women in Nigeria as of 2022.

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Figure 1. Main working status of women in Nigeria as of 2022 (source: Researcher’s computation based on data from Statista (2022))
Figure 1 illustrates that the majority of Nigerian women In Nigeria, occupational health and safety, or OHS, is a vital idea
workers are employed in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry that tries to shield employees from diseases, accidents, or
(21.1%), with traders, hawkers, and vendors making up the fatalities brought on by circumstances connected to their jobs.
next largest group (16%). Senior managers, foremen, and Based on ILO Convention No. 155, the nation's National Policy
supervisors employed the fewest women (1.7%). on Occupational Safety and Health offers a framework for OSH
management and regulation. The Nigerian Nuclear Safety and
Furthermore, Nigeria's fast population growth has made Radiation Act, the Employees' Compensation Act, the Nigerian
environmental problems worse (Amegah & Agyei-Mensah, Minerals and Mining Act, and the Factories Act are some of the
2017). Due to the dearth of development in rural areas, there is country's major laws. An atmosphere that is safe, healthy, and
a significant population migration to metropolitan areas, fosters a safety culture are critical, as the International Labour
exacerbating environmental problems (Babanyara et al., 2010). Organization notes that 2.3 million workers lose their lives in
In Nigeria, ensuring safe working conditions is a critical work-related incidents each year (ILO, 2016).
concern across various industries, including manufacturing. Why is the importance of occupational health and safety?
Challenges include inadequate infrastructure, hazardous
materials handling, machinery safety, ergonomics, electrical Experts in occupational health and safety are essential in
safety, fire safety, health and hygiene, training and awareness, preventing illnesses and injuries in a variety of work
enforcement and compliance, and worker empowerment. environments. Organizations can lower workplace incidents,
Solutions include investing in infrastructure upgrades, regular lower absenteeism and staff turnover, boost productivity, lower
maintenance, and adherence to safety standards. Proper insurance premiums, establish a proper health and safety culture,
training, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and strict strengthen leadership commitment to proactively improve
adherence to handling protocols are essential. Regular performance, improve reputation, and boost employee morale by
inspections, training, and clear operating procedures are also putting occupational health and safety standards into practice. In
crucial. Encouraging workers to have a voice in safety matters order to minimize unpleasant shocks, increase productivity, and
and involving them in safety committees can also help improve identify any safety risks before they result in accidents,
safety. In conclusion, Nigeria's manufacturing industry needs ISO 45001 offers a framework. Organizations can decrease
to put safety first by making investments in infrastructure, personnel turnover and absenteeism, boost productivity, and
compliance, and training. By tackling these issues, we can lower insurance costs by addressing hazards. Employee
make workplaces safer for every worker. participation in their own management system is encouraged by
a strong health and safety culture, which also strengthens the
Given the above background, there are gaps, such as a dearth leadership's resolve to enhance performance. Moreover,
of more accurate data regarding the number of male and implementing ISO 45001 can improve employee morale, which
female workers in the Nigerian manufacturing sector, which is critical for retention and attrition rates.
requires that additional study or government records be
required. In addition, there is a lack of studies on Occupational Health and Safety issues in Nigeria
environmental health and occupational safety at workplaces in
Nigeria's national policy on occupational safety and health,
iron, steel, and aluminium industries in Ajaokuta and Lagos in
established in 2006, aims to improve workplace safety and
Nigeria. Therefore, this study's main purpose is to identify
health performance across all sectors. However, many employers
environmental health-related issues by talking about
prioritize profit over workplace safety, leading to ineffective
occupational safety and environmental health at Nigerian
government institutions and corruption. The OHS Department is
workplaces in steel and aluminium industries in Ajaokuta and
established to ensure workers' safety, but its functions are
Lagos.
theoretical and lack proper implementation. Nigeria's workplace
LITERATURE REVIEW safety and health is covered in a country profile by the
International Labour Organization (ILO). Organizations must
Concept of Occupational health and safety (OHS) draft policies based on unique workplace risks, meet legal
Certain vocations are riskier than others, and certain workers standards, and benefit from a thorough project plan. Occupational
may be exposed to chemicals, heavy metals, poor air quality, health and safety professionals are increasingly sought for their
or extremely high or low temperatures, among other ability to improve people's lives. Safety representatives enforce
environmental risks. The speciality of occupational health Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) laws and conduct
seeks to maintain employees' well-being and safety at work. regular assessments, identifying hazardous conditions, providing
The impact of work on one's social, emotional, and physical training, and ensuring machinery operators follow safety rules.
health can vary greatly. Numerous environmental exposures Employees may be exposed to various types of hazards, including
over time, as well as interactions between those exposures and physical, biological, chemical, ergonomic, and psychological. To
genes, can cause chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart promote occupational health and safety, compliance with laws,
disease. proper training, and proper posture are essential.

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Theoretical Framework industry's frequent reports of oil spills, pipeline vandalism, and
petroleum tanker accidents, as well as the solid mineral
The Risk Society Theory by Beck (1992) and the Sense- industry's numerous cases of poisoning deaths.
making Theory by Weick (1995) are the two theories used to
analyse the problem of industrial safety and accident Marchand et al. (1998) state that wearing personal protective
prevention. In contemporary organizations, the sense-making equipment, carrying out tasks in accordance with safe work
theory offers a justification for decision-making regarding practices, using the proper tools and equipment, keeping the
industrial safety and accident prevention, while the risk society workstation clean, operating in a safe environment, and adhering
theory highlights the factors that drive health and safety risks to particular safety procedures are the most frequently found
in the workplace. Sense-making suggests a greater degree safety rules in almost all organizations. In Nigeria, it is unclear
of involvement from the actor since individuals and institutions how much organization adherence to safety regulations there is,
are continuously attempting to comprehend the course of events nevertheless.
surrounding them (O'Connell, 1998; Shiflett, 2000). "Risk
society" is how Beck (1992) described contemporary society. "Organizations should be able to minimize burnout among their
His definition of danger encompasses all facets of social life, employees by increasing their adaptive capacities through
“from the insecurities of the job market to the complexities appropriate training and development workshops," according to
of family life, to the validation of scientific activity, and to the Idubor & Oisamoje (2013). According to Idubor & Oisamoje
hazards of the environment” (Moraru, 2001; Allen & Henry, (2013) empirical study on occupational health and safety
1997). The multiplicity of dangers and crises related to practices in Nigeria, all organizations have a responsibility to
technology and the environment that results from corporate make sure that workers are safe at all times. Idubor & Oisamoje
industrial activity is a fundamental aspect of post-industrial (2013) used the following problems to support their argument
modernization (Shrivastava, 1995). According to Beck, risk for the necessity of strengthening health and safety management
society has resulted in unforeseen outcomes such as the (HSM): Frequent reports of emergencies in the oil sector related
emergence of new communities of the endangered and to oil spills, pipeline vandalism or oil tanker accidents; periodic
conflicts of interest (Draper, 1993). news about emergencies in the aviation industry; about frequent
traffic accidents; about numerous fatal poisonings during mining
Empirical Framework of solid minerals.
Research has demonstrated that compared to other workers, This study aims to identify environmental health and
health care providers have a higher risk of occupational injuries occupational safety issues in Nigeria's manufacturing sector,
and blood-borne infections (Ogoina et al., 2014). Additionally, specifically in the iron and steel industry, by examining accurate
due to the availability of a range of health dangers, such as data on male and female workers.
physical, chemical, biological, and psychological hazards,
certain worker groups are more susceptible to occupational Departments of occupational safety and health some MDAs
hazards in many firms, even if the Marchand et al. (1998) state in Nigeria
that wearing personal protective equipment, performing tasks in Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment
a safe manner, using the appropriate tools and equipment,
keeping a clean workstation, working in a secure environment, The OSH Department, established in 1955, is a professional
and adhering to specific safety procedures are the safety department in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment
regulations that are most frequently observed in almost all responsible for promoting worker safety, health, and wellbeing.
organizations. However, it is still being determined in Nigeria to It regulates work practices, conditions, materials, and the
what extent businesses abide by safety regulations. environment, implementing safety provisions from the Factories
Act 2004 and its subsidiary legislations (ILO, 2016) and has a
Idubor & Oisamoje (2013) conducted an empirical analysis distinct professional structure (Figure 2).
of OHS protocols in Nigeria and concluded that all companies
have an obligation of care to ensure the safety of their workers The OSH Department, led by the Director of Factories of the
at all times. In order to bolster their argument for the need to Federation, is based in Abuja and comprises various units
strengthen health and safety management (HSM), Idubor & including Field Services, Policies and Regulations, Occupational
Oisamoje (2013) cited a number of issues, including the Health and Industrial Hygiene and Laboratory Services, and
aviation industry's high rate of plane crashes, the petroleum National Programs, all headed by Deputy Directors.

Figure 2. Organogram of the OSH Department

(source: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---africa/---ro-abidjan/---ilo-abuja/documents/publication/wcms_552748.pdf)

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13
The staffing of the labour protection department is presented
in Figure 3. According to the 2016 statistics, the Department
employs 267 people nationwide, the majority of whom are
safety officers.

Figure 4. The OSH Division enforcement processes

(source: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---africa/---
ro-abidjan/---ilo-
Figure 3. Personnel composition of the OSH Division abuja/documents/publication/wcms_552748.pdf)
(source: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---
africa/---ro-abidjan/---ilo- The Federal Ministry of Health's Division of Occupational
abuja/documents/publication/wcms_552748.pdf) Health and Safety
Functions of the OSH Division: the OSH Division in Nigeria According to Section 5.2 of the national OSH policy, the Federal
is responsible for ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of Ministry of Health's enforcement responsibilities with relating to
workers. Its functions include developing a national safety and occupational safety and health are mainly to regulate, monitor
health preventative culture, establishing the national OSH and evaluate medical practice in the field of occupational health
management system, identifying and reviewing national in the country. The Ministry executes this mandate through its
policies and legislations, monitoring compliance and OSH Division.
enforcement of the OSH policy, providing safety and health Establishment. The Division is headed by a National Director
training, education, and advisory services, promoting with thirty-one (31) other employees of varying functions and
awareness through campaigns, collecting and disseminating qualifications, of which five (5) are medical doctors (Figure 5).
statistical data, conducting research, collaborating with other
organizations, consulting with social partners, developing Activities. The OSH Division collaborates with State Ministry of
emergency preparedness and response plans, organizing Health Occupational Health Units to implement occupational
national programs, and addressing any other duties assigned health and safety standards. Its routine activities include policy
by the authority. formulation, medical examinations, treatment of workers, health
education, joint monitoring, and rehabilitation. It coordinates the
While carrying out its responsibilities to put the Factories Act's activities of other stakeholders, coordinates national risk
provisions into practice, most of the procedures shown in the assessments, monitors the health status of young workers, and
enforcement pyramid (Figure 4) culminate in the issuance of provides services at a standard Occupational Hygiene and Safety
improvement or warning notices; only a few cases result in the Laboratory. It also develops codes of practice and ensures
prosecution of negligent companies. workplace and workers' health audits.

Figure 5. The Ministry of Health's OHS Department organogram (source: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---africa/---ro-

abidjan/---ilo-abuja/documents/publication/wcms_552748.pdf)

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14
METHODOLOGY secondary, and tertiary health care. However, occupational
medicine is still a relatively undeveloped field of medicine in
Using both secondary and primary data, this research Nigeria.
investigates occupational health and safety intelligence in
contemporary enterprises. The study is based on Risk Society 3. In reference to the management of occupational health and
Theory and Sense-making, which focus on the factors that safety concerns, awareness, training programs, and seminars
drive occupational health and safety concerns. It uses a hybrid were frequently mentioned in the participant narratives. This
research design that combines survey and content analysis. indicates that each and every participant understood the
The sense-making theory offers a justification for decisions importance of workplace health and safety to a high degree.
made in various domains, whereas the risk society theory Specifically, two thirds of the participants stated that their
draws attention to the complexity of social existence. Using in- employers raised employee awareness of health and safety.
depth interviews with a total of 17 participants, the primary
4. A few interviewees mentioned that their companies offer
data was gathered from managers and senior staff members of
specialized health and safety training. All the participants did,
chosen firms in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and Lagos State,
however, concur on the importance of providing health and
Nigeria. These were Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited
safety training to every employee in their company. In this
(ASCL) and Alumaco Aluminium Manufacturing Co of
instance, different organizations had a different frequency of
Nigeria Ltd, Ikeja, Nigeria. The goal of the study was to
safety training. Examples of organizational reactions to the
comprehend how post-industrial modernization affects
safety issue include the following:
occupational safety and environmental health, emphasizing
the necessity of greater participation and decision-making in – employees must be made aware of all applicable health and
companies. Both content analysis and ethnographic methods safety regulations. Additionally, medical exams are performed
were applied to the data. Due to Statistical Package for the every three months to make sure there are no hygiene or security
Social Sciences (SPSS)'s capacity efficiently, quickly and issues. In this organization, it is required to abide by this rule;
analyse huge amounts of data and produce interactive plots,
charts, and visuals, we conducted statistical analyses using – we offer technical training on occupational health and safety
Excel and the SSPS statistical tools following the collecting of issues as part of our tailored training to address the certain
the data, much like in earlier studies. These instruments workplace issues. The training's main objective is to raise
allowed us to visually portray environmental risk elements. awareness. After informing the staff of the health and safety
requirements, the following step is to ensure compliance;
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
– the fire station has a total of 17 employees who operate in
The study of the participants' sociodemographic data revealed shifts. Usually, we go out and lecture folks. We converse with
that there were 10 men and seven women among them. Their the departments at Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL)
ages ranged from thirty to fifty. The study's participants and do both practical and theoretical training. The water
included 12 senior employees and 5 managers. Their years of treatment plant, a seaport and a 110 MW power generation plan
employment ranged from five to thirty. Men and women with are recent examples.
sufficient work experience showed signs of maturity,
according to a detailed examination of the sociodemographic Another method of controlling workplace health and safety
features of the participants. Their opinions on occupational concerns is adherence to general precautions. More than half of
health and safety information in their organizations can be the participants made note of their observations regarding their
taken seriously. organization's adherence to safety precautions. Three banking
sector professionals stated that the International Standard
Management of occupational health and safety risks Organization comes to their establishments once a year to
examine all aspects of the bank. On the other hand, some
Every participant reported certain risks in their workplaces,
participants only answered the compliance question if they could
demonstrating that occupational risks can affect anyone,
access safety devices, which resulted in a conditional response.
regardless of position or level of employment within the firm.
All employees are susceptible to occupational dangers, Funding for work-related health and safety initiatives
according to some participants, but blue-collar workers may
be more so than management personnel or white-collar The underfunding of occupational health and safety initiatives
workers. Depending on the work environment and nature of and the underestimate of the expenses related to these
activities in each organization, not all hazards were of the same expenditures surfaced as two major topics among the
types. For instance, whereas bankers may be more at risk of participants. Merely one-third of the participants offered
robbery during working hours, power workers may be more at valuable information regarding the level of investment made by
risk of electrocution. In a similar vein, healthcare personnel are their employers in occupational health and safety initiatives. One
more susceptible to diseases through pathogen exposure than participant provided the following illustration of how funds were
aviation workers, whose lives may be in danger in the event of allocated for occupational health and safety:
an aircraft crash. One of the attendees observed that: I recently approved the use of 650,00.00 NGN to purchase
1. There are risks, and we recently had to fight the authorities gloves, shoes, headgear, and outfits for roughly 73 people. Since
to get them to admit there are lots of risks: Through these tools are already certified, hygiene rather than safety is
consultations and cannulation, doctors could contract hepatitis their main concern.
B and HIV as well as tuberculosis. While administering Nevertheless, the data provided regarding the expenses
injections, nurses are at risk. The Laboratory workers deal with associated with funding occupational health and safety
blood. While emptying trash, they risk being poked by needles initiatives is limited to the price of occupational health and safety
and being contaminated. training programs and the provision of necessary safety
2. The prevalence of risks in workplaces is a reflection of equipment, such fire extinguishers, gloves, gowns, and goggles.
Nigeria's public health planning's inadequate occupational Two supervisors among the participants said that occupational
health and safety programs. The Nigerian government has health and safety training programs cost at least
made investments in the advancement of elementary, 160,000.00 NGN per employee.

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15
While one-third of the interviewees confirmed that various and funds allocated for other purposes would be diverted to
safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, boots, gloves, renovate burned buildings and other assets. The advantages
headgear, and uniforms, is available, they did not specify how outweigh the expense of the expenditure that would have been
much these items cost in their companies. While some made in the equipment acquisition for occupational health and
participants expressed the belief that their company's main safety. In the event that the organization does not take this
office is in charge of providing materials for occupational seriously and there develops a serious issue, the organization
health and safety training, others noted that the cost of these may have to deal with legal concerns.
programs varies across their organizations' branches:
Previous research on the direct and indirect costs of occupational
– regarding the amount of money spent on a health and safety hazards was done by Loewenson (1999). The misery inflicted on
program in this organization, I am unsure and am unable to workers' families is one of the most obvious indirect costs of
provide accurate information. In fact, important decisions are occupational hazards for businesses, while wage payments,
taken at the headquarters of our organization. Immediately compensation, and the repair or replacement of machinery and
from the corporate headquarters, including training materials equipment are some of the direct expenses.
for the health and safety program;
CONCLUSION AND PROPOSED POLICIES
– we should have the more gears, such as high-tension
The primary data was collected from managers and senior
insulators, but we don't have them because they are out of our employees of selected enterprises in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, and
reach. All workers require face masks, but we don't have any, Lagos State, Nigeria, through in-depth interviews with a total of
to protect us from breathing in the gas or smoke. We still have 17 participants. These were Alumaco Aluminium Manufacturing
the breathing device we formerly had, but it is outdated; Co of Nigeria Ltd. and Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited
– now, there are new ones. All the equipment needs to function (ASCL), both located in Ikeja, Nigeria. Examining environmental
properly for us to appear to be performing our job. Fire engines health and occupational safety in Nigerian workplaces, this study
are required. The one we have has been packing for more than highlights the need for adequate program funding. It highlights
two years. We also require entertainment equipment, such as the significant prevalence of risks to occupational health and
televisions, air conditioners, games, and DVDs showing how safety in Nigerian workplaces, which are brought on by factors
to put out fires. such as negligence, a lack of knowledge, and inadequate
training. The report suggests promoting the expansion of
A few participants gave estimates for the cost of different occupational health services and educating medical practitioners
investments in occupational health and safety programs that on how to recognize work-related disorders early on.
varied up to 11 million NGN. The expensive nature of Furthermore, it requires Nigerian businesses and governments to
occupational health and safety was brought up by one person. follow ILO Convention 155 on occupational health and safety,
According to her, each employee would require personal as doing so could result in cost savings for employers who make
protective equipment valued at 160,000.00 NGN, and the the necessary investments.
company would require 48,000000.00 NGN to cover the The article also suggests investing in employee training on
expenses of 300 employees. workplace safety, enforcing current regulations, running more
A few participants disclosed that their companies allotted up awareness campaigns for businesses and employees, and
to 500,000.00 NGN annually for budgetary items related to amending occupational health and safety laws to encompass
occupational health and safety. But two-thirds of the mental and emotional wellness. It also implies that failure to
interviewees said they had no idea how much money their comply with health and safety regulations by companies should
companies had specifically put aside for safety and health result in consequences. The article's conclusion states that
equipment for workers. putting ISO 45001 into practice can have a number of
advantages, such as lower incident costs, more efficacious
Reasons to Invest in Safety Measures businesses, and higher worker productivity. It highlights how
The stories shared by most of the participants showed how crucial workplace health and safety are for affecting worker
occupational health hazards could have a detrimental impact motivation, job satisfaction, and output.
on workers' and managers' man-hours, productivity, and job Acknowledgements
security. This indicates that if occupational health and safety
intelligence was not given, there would have detrimental The authors extend their appreciation to King Saud University
effects on the labour force, businesses, and society as a whole. for funding this work through the Researchers Supporting
The aforementioned conclusion states that in order to support Project number (RSPD2024 R803), King Saud University,
organizational and individual development, appropriate Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
investment in occupational health and safety knowledge is Author's statements
necessary. Furthermore, as documented by Siegel (1964, p.
964): "Health, its maintenance, and payment for disease and Contributions
illness of all types have become the direct and rising costs of Conceptualization: A.O.A., F.M.A., C.O.A.; Data curation:
doing business. Industry has a great and increasingly important A.O.A., C.O.A.; Formal Analysis: A.O.A., F.M.A., C.O.A.;
role in community health needs and resources". Funding acquisition: F.M.A.; Investigation: A.O.A., F.M.A.,
Some participants noted a direct correlation between C.O.A.; Methodology: A.O.A., F.M.A., C.O.A.; Project
organizational commitment, suitable compensation, and administration: F.M.A.; Supervision: F.M.A.; Visualization:
employee job security and adequate investment in occupational A.O.A., C.O.A.; Writing – original draft: A.O.A., F.M.A.,
C.O.A.; Writing – review & editing: A.O.A., F.M.A., C.O.A.
health and safety intelligence. A sufficient investment in safety
intelligence will advance societal progress by increasing Declaration of conflicting interest
organizational efficiency and profitability.
The authors declare no competing interests.
If occupational health and safety information is lacking, the
organization's efficiency will suffer. And if risks materialized, Financial interests
such as a fire outbreak, the organization would lose property, The authors declare they have no financial interests.

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16
Funding Ethical approval declarations
This research was supported by Researchers Supporting The authors declare that written informed consent was obtained
Project number (RSPD2024 R803), King Saud University, from the participants of the study. All respondents were adults
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. and voluntarily agreed to participate in the current study.
Data availability statement
Additional information
The authors do not have permission to share data due to ethical
restrictions. Publisher's note

AI Disclosure Publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in

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