SAFETY CLIMATE AND PERFORMANCE IN THE NIGERIAN OIL AND GAS SECTOR

Abstract

This study empirically examined the link between safety climate and safety performance in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The safety climate constructs examined include safety supervision, safety promotion and safety commitment. A cross-sectional survey was used in carrying out the investigation. The population of this study comprised four (4) selected oil and gas producing companies with a total population of 1300 employees. The sample size as determined using Yamane’s formula consists of 306 employees proportionally selected from the four companies. The research instrument used for collecting data was the questionnaire. The data obtained were analyzed using frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, correlation and regression analyses. The study found that safety climate constructs such as safety supervision (β = -0.212; t = -4.817), safety promotion (β = 0.427; t = 6.207), and safety commitment (β = 0.290; t = 5.389) significantly impact safety performance. The study concluded that the involvement of the employees will help to change unconstructive attitudes and make them more dedicated to the attainment of the organizations' goals. The study therefore recommended that an effective safety climate can be sustained by applying the appropriate leadership practices, promote a healthy safety system and reward the safety commitment of workers. It is also recommended that the management of oil and gas firms should encourage employees to offer suggestions and ideas for improving performance in safety-related issues.