Safety Culture, Policies and Practices in Nigerian Maritime Industry: The Exxon-Mobil Experience

Abstract

Over the years, issues on safety culture and policies in maritime industry have received widespread research attention. Some maritime firms have even gone further to anchor their safety policies on learned corporate culture. However, whether these policies are fully embraced and complied with by seamen is a different kettle of fish altogether. This study therefore, examines safety culture, policies and practices in Nigerian maritime industry with a view to ascertaining: the extent of freight men’ awareness and compliance to safety policies, identifying hindrances to conformity with safety policies and practices, and determining intervention options that management of Exxon-Mobil could use to foster safety compliance. The study adopts a survey approach, with structured questionnaire, and gathering primary data from seamen onboard. The findings reveal that workers are aware of the various safety policies and practices put in place by management, but adherence is impeded by several factors-inadequate staff strength, crew fatigue, and poor wages. Others include contract labour, inadequate safety training, complacency, and high risk tolerance. Surprisingly, improper handover and supervisory interference were not potent enough to hinder compliance with safety regulations at sea.