Ergonomic assessment of block-making industry in Nigeria: A review

The block-making industry is a critical component of Nigeria’s construction sector, providing essential materials for housing and infrastructure while employing thousands within the informal economy. Despite its economic significance, the sector is characterized by poor mechanization, inadequate safety practices, and high physical demands that expose workers to severe ergonomic risks. This review synthesizes empirical studies and policy documents to examine the ergonomic and occupational health challenges prevalent in Nigeria’s block-making enterprises. Key findings reveal widespread musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory ailments from cement dust exposure, and vibration-induced fatigue resulting from repetitive manual handling, awkward postures, and poorly designed locally fabricated equipment. Underlying determinants include low ergonomic awareness, weak institutional regulation, technological stagnation, and socio-cultural perceptions that valorize endurance over safety. The study identifies systemic factors economic informality, infrastructural deficits, and insufficient policy enforcement that perpetuate these hazards. It recommends a multi-level intervention framework encompassing ergonomic machine redesign, worker training, participatory safety education, and policy integration within Nigeria’s National Occupational Safety and Health framework. Embedding ergonomics in design, education, and governance is crucial for transforming block-making from a labour-intensive, high-risk trade into a sustainable and productivity-enhancing enterprise aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.