ABSTRACT
This chapter describes occupational health and safety (OHS) in developing countries, taking Nigeria into consideration as the first example. According to the South African OHS Act 1994, industrialization in developing countries requires effective administrative systems to control hazards and to provide decent working environments that meet international standards. A high rate of occupational accidents, particularly in construction projects, means developing countries are poor at managing the risks of hazards at workplaces. The health status of the workforce in every country has an immediate and direct impact on national and world economies. Total economic losses due to occupational illnesses and injuries are enormous. The increased industrialisation and its impact on the health, safety and welfare of workers led to the creation of an occupational health unit in the Federal Ministry of Health and the Institute of Occupation Health in Nigeria.
