DEVELOPMENT OF AN ELECTRONIC TOOL FOR REPORTING BEHAVIOURAL SAFETY OBSERVATIONS IN SELECTED DOWNSTREAM ENERGY COMPANIES IN NIGER-DELTA

Abstract

This paper was focused on developing an electronic tool for reporting observed unsafe acts and conditions in downstream oil and gas companies in Niger-Delta. Cross-sectional and analytical research designs were adopted. Three downstream oil and gas companies were sampled using multistage sampling techniques, and sample size of 355 was determined using Fisher’s formula. Safety observations were focused on five selected worksite operational concerns such as use of PPE, housekeeping, hot work, equipment handling and general workplace procedures. The risks associated with these procedures were determined using their likelihood and severity. Data for the study was collected using questionnaire. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (Weighted mean score (MS), average risk score (ARS) and risk assessment matrix (RAM). The results revealed that the unsafe behaviours associated with use of PPE, hot work, equipment handling and general workplace operation are likely to cause severe injuries and accidents (likelihood and severity mean scores > 3.00) while it is likely that unsafe acts associated with housekeeping will cause injury (likelihood mean score >3.00) and it is also uncertain whether the injuries will be severe (severity mean score =3.00). The results of Risk Assessment Matrices revealed that the risk level of unsafe acts associated with use of PPE (ARS=12.67), hot work operations (ARS = 13.76), housekeeping (ARS=9.24), equipment handling (ARS =10.21) and general workplace operation (ARS =12.85) are high (ARS range of 14≥x≥8 = High Risk Level).