EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES ON WORKERS PERFORMANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices on workers’ performance in Nigeria. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is a critical aspect of human resource management and organizational sustainability, aiming to protect the physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations. This study employs a secondary data analysis approach, reviewing existing literature, occupational health and safety (OHS) journal, government publications and reports, industry reports, Peer-reviewed journal articles, Data synthesis involves qualitative thematic and content analysis and available data. The discussion and finding reveal that despite existing legislation, the implementation of comprehensive OHS practices across various Nigerian sectors remains largely inadequate. The findings indicate that there are variations in OHS practice implementation and their effects across different sectors (e.g., manufacturing vs. service, formal vs. informal), highlighting the need for sector-specific interventions. The study concluded that effective implementation of occupational health and safety practices is crucial for enhancing workers' performance in Nigeria. A comprehensive review of existing knowledge is essential to inform targeted interventions and policy reforms. The recommended that strengthening regulatory frameworks and enforcement, Advocate for stricter enforcement of existing OHS legislation, increased capacity building for regulatory bodies (e.g., inspectorates), and a shift towards a more proactive, preventative approach, develop and implement widespread awareness campaigns targeting both employers and employees on the importance of OHS, their rights, and responsibilities.