A framework for analysing the determinants of health and safety self-regulation in the construction industry

While regulating health and safety (H&S) is one of the preconditions for improving and sustaining H&S, there is substantial evidence that the Nigerian construction industry continues to suffer neglect in that regard. Nonetheless, some construction contractors self-regulate in the absence of external influences including regulation. The decision to self-regulate is determined by a number of key factors. It is, therefore, important to understand their decisions to self- regulate for effective policy making with the aim that more construction contractors will start adopting self-regulatory programs for H&S. Based on current evidence and theories from existing literature, this paper presents a proposed framework for analysing the determinants of H&S self-regulation in the Nigerian construction industry. Some elements of the framework are centred on: regulatory issues, the ability to self-regulate, normative factors, industry issues, social pressure and economic climate. It is established in this study that while there is significant hypothetical relationships among the elements of the framework, the evidence in practice may annul the hypothetical relationships.