NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL LEGISLATION & REGULATIONS

DR A ADENIRAN MBBS, MPH, FMCPH

CONSULTANT PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIANLAGOS STATE UNIVERSITY (COLLEGE OF MEDICINE)NIGERIA

INDUSTRIAL LEGISLATION IN NIGERIA

FACTORIES ACT

Pre IndependenceWorkmen’s Ordinance

of 1941Labour Code Ordinance

of 1945Factories Act of 1955

revised in 1958

Post IndependenceNothing has changed

until recentlyThe most significant

change in the evolution of industrial legislation in Nigeria came to force in the Factories Act 1990

DEFINITION OF A FACTORYThe Nigerian Factories Act 1990 defines a factory asAny premises in which or within which or within the close

or curtilate or precincts of which one person is, or more persons are employed in any process for or incidental to any of the purposes namely:

(a)The making of any article or part of any article; or(b)The altering, repairing, ornamenting, finishing, cleaning,

or washing, or the breaking up or demolition of any article; or

(c)The adapting for sale of any article

PROVISIONS OF THE FACTORIES ACT 1990 RELATING TO HEALTH SAFETY & WELFARE

Health (General Provision): the following areas are covered:

CleanlinessOvercrowdingVentilationLight Draining of floorSanitary accommodation (conveniences): 1 for every 20 females,

& 1 for 25 malesDuty of inspector as to sanitary defects remediable by local

authority

Privacy for sexesMeals at work places: separate room for eating

WELFAREThe following areas are coveredSupply of drinking waterWashing facilitiesAccommodation for clothingFirst Aid( 1 per 150 workers)Exemption for First Aid if Ambulance room is

provided

INDUSTRIAL HEALTH & WELFARE CENTRE (IHWC)

Every industry should provide a place like thisHas Occupational Health Service Unit, Toilet

Facilities, Canteen, Resting Room

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING & APPLIANCES

Waterproof aprons, boots, goggles, ear muffs, etc

Encourage use

ENFORCEMENT OF THE FACTORIES ACT

PoorResources, especially human are not adequate and

well managedPoor awareness and education

NOTIFICATION & INVESTIGATION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS & DISEASES

Written documentSent to the nearest inspector

DISEASES FOR NOTIFICATION

THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

Discuss

WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION

Workmen’s Compensation law 1990: outlines the employers’ liability for compensation for death or incapacity resulting from accident (not deliberate) which incapacitates the worker from a period of three consecutive days

QUESTIONS