A systematic review of safety assessment and occupational risk among roadside vulcanizers in Nigeria

Roadside vulcanizers constitute an essential part of Nigeria’s informal economy, providing affordable tyre repair services across urban and rural communities. Despite their importance, their work exposes them to significant occupational hazards that remain largely unaddressed by research, policy, and formal safety systems. This review examines the current state of occupational safety and risk management among roadside vulcanizers, highlighting key hazards such as chemical exposure to volatile organic compounds, fire and explosion risks, injuries from heated equipment and sharp tools, ergonomic strain from manual tyre handling, and environmental stressors including air pollution, noise, and harsh weather. Evidence from existing literature and occupational health frameworks reveals that these workers often operate without adequate ventilation, protective equipment, training, or regulatory oversight. Socioeconomic factors further intensify these risks, as limited income, low safety awareness, and poor access to healthcare compel workers to prioritize daily earnings over safe practices. The informal nature of the sector leaves them highly vulnerable to both acute injuries and long-term health conditions. The study underscores the need for targeted, context-appropriate interventions. It recommends developing safety guideline suited to informal workshops, expanding community-based training programs, improving access to affordable occupational health services, and promoting collaborative regulatory approaches involving government agencies, trade associations, and worker groups. Ensuring the safety of roadside vulcanizers requires an integrated strategy that enhances protection, supports economic realities, and strengthens institutional capacity within Nigeria’s informal automotive repair sector.