Causal inferences of external–contextual domains on complex construction, safety, health and environment regulation.

• The external-context domain are indirect factors of complex Health and Safety (H&S) regulatory framework. • The external-context factors include fragmented H&S regulatory environments. • The dysfunctional and fragmented H&S regulatory environments exacerbate the poor governmental and political attention on H&S. • A consolidated construction safety, health and environment regulatory framework is recommended. • The consolidated construction safety, health and environment regulatory framework should be resilient to social and political pressure. A robust and pragmatic regulatory framework that is based on a good understanding of the external–context domains of countries is fundamental for Safety, Health and Environment (SHE). However, in many developing and emerging economies the regulatory framework for SHE is complex and the external–context domains are poorly understood and not factored in SHE. Using Nigeria as a case, the study examines the causal inferences of the social, cultural, political, religious and institutional contexts on the complex Construction Safety, Health and Environment (CSHE) regulatory framework using a qualitative research approach. The findings show that the external-context domain factors are indirect determinants of CSHE regulation. There is evidence that the main external-context factors include the dysfunctional and fragmented health and safety (H&S) regulatory environments, which is exacerbated by the poor governmental and political attention on H&S. While political influence results in the low threat of regulation, 'Nigerian factors' such as 'the no follow-up culture' result in inadequate governmental and political involvement, among many, poor regulation and inadequate H&S laws. Although the need for a consolidated CSHE regulatory framework is emphasised hence recommended, it should be resilient to social and political pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]