Towards safer automotive practices and sustainable end-of-life vehicle management in the Nigerian automotive service sector

Abstract

The primary aim of this paper is to enhance safety, health, and environmental practices prevalent in Automotive workshops in Nigeria. Emphasising a comprehensive approach to vehicle safety, the study focuses on a review of pivotal aspects such as training, rigorous risk assessment, adherence to compliance standards, and a commitment to continuous improvement, encouraging best practices adoption, and fostering workplace safety and environmental awareness within the context of Nigeria's automotive service sector. It also seeks to bridge the gap between day-to-day safety and long-term concerns during vehicle decommissioning, and provide a resource material for industry stakeholders, advocating for best practices that elevate workplace safety, reduce injuries, and address environmental impacts across vehicles' lifespans, including their end-of-life phase. Implementing these principles could strengthen Nigeria's automotive industry by fostering a robust safety culture and environmentally responsible vehicle decommissioning. Ultimately, the paper would promote a "safer end" perspective, advocating for holistic safety approaches geared towards responsible and sustainable end-of-life vehicle management in Nigeria's automotive service sector.