Economic Reforms and Their Impact on Sustainable Health and Safety Practices in Nigeria Construction Industry

Abstract

In order to stabilize the economy, draw in foreign investment, and boost industrial productivity, Nigeria has recently enacted a number of economic reforms, such as the elimination of fuel subsidies, the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, modifications to the Finance Act, the restructuring of the petroleum sector, and the tightening of monetary policy. Although these reforms have accelerated the development of infrastructure, little is known about how they will affect sustainable health and safety (H&S) practices in the building industry. In order to evaluate the impact of these reforms on H&S sustainability, this study polled 202 construction industry professionals. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the data showed high internal reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.942) and strong relationships between the reforms and cost-related issues, such as higher accident rates (M = 4.00), lower funding for safety training (M = 4.02), and higher operational costs (M = 4.03). Better access to green incentives and chances for regional safety innovations were two beneficial but less noticeable effects. The findings show that although reforms have boosted growth, they have also increased workplace risks by straining safety budgets and weakening regulatory oversight. To ensure that economic advancement does not jeopardize worker welfare or long-term safety performance in Nigeria's construction industry, the study concludes that it is imperative to integrate macroeconomic policies with targeted safety funding, robust enforcement mechanisms, and sustainability incentives.

Keywords: Economic Reforms, Subsidy, Health And Safety

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007927