Occupational Health Regulations in Nigeria: A Narrative Overview
B. O. Ogbonna *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
L. N. Ezenekwe
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
S. U. Uzodinma
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
C. P. Isidienu
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
C. E. Ejim
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
I. K. Asogwa
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
I. G. Ohiaeri
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
O. L. Okwuosa
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The immediate and remote consequences of morbidity and mortality associated with occupational health are alarming. It underscores the need to put measures in place to protect employees who are the most vulnerable. This study examined the existing occupational health regulations in Nigeria. A narrative overview of related literatures published texts, manual search, and materials obtained from official data bases and texts was carried out using selected criteria and search terms based on medical sub-headings. Search terms were used individually and in stringed form. Occupational health regulations in Nigeria are underdeveloped. Workrooms are meant to be above 2.75 m high measured from floor to the lowest part of the ceiling. Each worker has a cubic capacity space of at least 11.33 m3. Most employees do not know their rights and labor regulations especially those that are applicable to their own actions and conduct due to high level of illiteracy. Policies and their implementation are below international standards and global best practices to protect the health and promote the safety of workers.
Keywords: Diseases, occupational health, labor laws, Nigeria, health regulations