Barriers to Construction Health and Safety Self-regulation: A Scoping Case of Nigeria

Abstract

This scoping study builds on the recent uncovering that in terms of health and safety (H&S), the Nigerian construction industry is self-regulated in various forms, not unregulated and that the size of company can further explain H&S self-regulation. Consequently, the barriers identified through literature review were assessed using questionnaires. Analysis of the data collected from construction practitioners in Nigeria shows that "economic factors" mostly explains the barriers to construction H&S self-regulation. This is followed by the "ability to self-regulate" and "lack of awareness". Furthermore, the results show significant differences among small, medium and large construction contractors on seven factors of which include "normative case" factors, "H&S is a duty", "H&S is the right thing" and "unfair H&S standards or legislation". Although a scoping study, the study draws attention to the barriers to construction H&S selfregulation in Nigeria and demonstrates an alternative to state regulation of H&S.