Occupational Health and Safety Hazards in selected Depots in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Abstract

The study evaluated the health hazards prevalent among workers in selected tank farms in Niger Delta, Nigeria by adopting a cross-sectional design where data were collected from 182 tank/depot workers purposively using questionnaire. A total of 200 copies of a closed ended questionnaire were administered to all cadres of staff which comprised of senior staff, middle and junior staff. Data were coded and analyzed at 95% confidence level. most respondents agreed that some machines/equipment in their various workplace are not always in good condition which was further supported by the weighted mean result, with scores more than the criterion mean and grand mean of 3.00 and 4.10 respectively for each company. Most respondents disagreed that flammable substances like; PMS, AGO, HHK, solvent and other explosive-chemicals are not appropriately stored or handled in their workplace. This was further supported by the weighted mean result which scores were below the criterion mean and grand mean of 3.00 and 2.23 respectively, for each company. This study therefore recommends that government and supervising institutions should enforce compliance to OHS in industries, especially oil and gas companies so as to minimize hazards and risk levels.