Occupational health in the Nigerian construction industry: The role of safety training and lean-based interventions

The construction sector remains one of the most hazardous industries globally, with the Nigerian context typified by weak safety enforcement, limited training structures, and high incidence rates of occupational injuries. This study investigates the integration of lean construction principles into health and safety training to evaluate its impact on occupational health outcomes in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from six construction firms through surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and review of safety records, measuring both behavioral responses and the Rate of Occupational Incidents (ROI). Results revealed that while 74% of workers acknowledged the importance of safety training, only 28% of firms had structured programs aligned with lean principles. Firms with regular, tailored training recorded significantly lower ROIs (as low as 28 incidents per 100,000 hours worked) compared to those with outdated or sporadic modules. Qualitative feedback emphasized the effectiveness of interactive methods, trainer competence, and language inclusivity. Barriers such as time constraints, poor follow-up, and lack of policy enforcement were identified. This study concludes that lean-aligned safety training enhances worker engagement, improves safety outcomes, and offers a sustainable model for occupational health improvement in Nigerian construction. The findings support policy revisions and organizational reforms geared toward context-specific, participatory training approaches