Impact of Safety Leadership on Occupational Health and Safety Performance in Selected Oil Companies in Rivers State

This study aimed to determine the influence of safety leadership on occupational health and safety performance within Nigerian oil and gas businesses operating in Rivers State. This study employed Lewin's technique as the theoretical foundation, drawing upon trait theories. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional research approach, specifically targeting a group of oil and gas firms(IOGC and IOC) situated in the Eleme, Port Harcourt, and Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The study encompassed 3,800 individuals employed by two distinct oil businesses, with a sample size of 380 people. The sample methods utilised in this study consisted of purposive or convenient sampling techniques. Data collection was conducted by administering a questionnaire adapted from a reference document provided by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). The data was analysed using SPSS 25, using statistical techniques such as ANOVA and t-test. The findings of the study revealed a multitude of insights pertaining to the qualities of safety leadership. In relation to credibility, a significant proportion of participants from both the International Organisation of Governmental Control (IOGC) and International Oil Companies (IOCs) expressed the view that their respective leaders exhibited a deficiency in this attribute. The majority did not view feedback and recognition as highly evident, indicating another lacking characteristic. According to the respondents, the organisations under research did not exhibit a high presence of collaboration, which is seen as a trait of safety leadership. The aforementioned principle can also be extended to the domain of communication. Therefore, the study concluded that safety leadership is critical in influencing safety performance within the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, the results indicate that there exists a perceived need for more specific leadership attributes among the executives within the firms under investigation. Addressing this deficiency has the potential to result in improved safety outcomes within these organisations.