Examining the Challenges in Implementing Occupational Health and Safety in the Selected Construction Companies Across Nigerian Coastal Cities

Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSM) is critical in construction due to the sector’s high-risk nature. In Nigeria’s coastal cities, however, safety practices remain undermined by behavioural, institutional, and systemic challenges. This study investigates the key barriers affecting OHSM implementation. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 1,400 construction workers across Lagos, Rivers, Delta, and Cross River States. Quantitative analyses were conducted with SPSS 28 using descriptive statistics, mean ranking, and Chi-square tests. Qualitative data were obtained through 35 key informant interviews with senior site managers and were analysed thematically with QDA Miner. Workers’ resistance emerged as the most significant challenge (mean = 3.98), followed by corruption and bribery (mean = 3.41), poor health and safety culture (mean = 3.39), and political influence (mean = 3.38). Overall, 58.5% of respondents reported moderate OHSM challenges, while 40.4% reported low challenges. Significant differences were observed between indigenous and international companies (χ² = 65.210, p < 0.001) and across states (χ² = 217.92, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative results, highlighting worker non-compliance, budgetary constraints, logistical delays in PPE supply, low educational levels, and systemic governance challenges. The study highlights that behavioural non-compliance and systemic governance weaknesses, rather than resource constraints, are the primary drivers of OHSM outcomes. interventions should prioritize continuous worker sensitization, stricter safety enforcement, effective resource planning, and enhanced government commitment to improve health and safety outcomes.