Development of Evidence Based Factors to Enhance Safety Behaviour in Oil and Gas Industry in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Ehiaguina, Efua (2022) Development of Evidence Based Factors to Enhance Safety Behaviour in Oil and Gas Industry in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria. Doctoral thesis (PhD), Manchester Metropolitan University.

Preview

Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

The Nigeria’s economy has benefited enormously from its oil and gas sector. However, despite the economic impact accrued to the nation from the sector, there are still safety and health concerns among its employees. Unsafe behaviour mainly influenced by poor safety culture escalates the risk of injuries and accidents at workplaces and requires proper management. This study aimed to evaluate safety behaviour and its impact on safety performance among Nigeria oil and gas workers. To achieve this aim, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were adopted. Validated questionnaires used in studies 1 and 2 were distributed via JISC Survey (Bristol online survey) platform and self-administration. For the first study, 462 frontline employees participated in the survey. Structural equation modelling was perform using the data set and, the out from the analysis found safety management practices had a significant relationship with both safety participation (p <0.000) and safety compliance (p <0.000). In addition, work experience was found to have a significant relationship to safety participation (p <0.003) but not with safety compliance (p >0.109). Quantitative survey was undertaken to achieve the second study objectives. At the end of the survey, 1004 frontline workers drawn from 14 oil and gas companies took part in the survey. Data were analysed by performing structural equation modelling and findings revealed that management commitment, safety communication, safety motivation, and employee involvement were found to have a significant relationship (p = <0.005) to both safety compliance and safety participation, except for only safety training and safety participation where no relationship was established. A qualitative face to face interview was conducted among twelve different employees (both management and frontline employees) drawn from the industries. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data based on the interview reveal gaps around the different elements of safety culture in the industry and how it impacts safety performance of employees. Based on the paucity of data within the study area, the work has advanced up to date data around the impact of safety culture on workers behaviour in oil and gas industry in Nigeria. In addition, the study is considered timely and relevant. Based on internet research, it has covered the research gap within the region and advanced tangible recommendation around the establishment of safety leading indicators for employee’s safety performance in Nigeria oil and gas industry. The study concludes that timely strengthening of workplace safety culture and visible management approach to safety is important for occupational safety improvement in the industry. In addition to this, there is the need for policy realignment to aid in the promotion of safety culture and adherence to safety standards within the industry as practiced in other countries.