Socio Demographic Factors Associated with Knowledge of Occupational Hazard and Safety Measures among Workers in Selected Downstream Petroleum Companies in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Safety and health management are some of the vital constituents of oil and gas industry activities, because most of the operational conditions, chemicals and end products associated with oil and gas production are well-known to pose serious safety and health threats to the workers. However, these hazards can be prevented and controlled with good safety practices. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practices of workers in the downstream petroleum companies about occupational hazards and safety processes.

Materials and Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study which involved a quantitative approach to collect data from 379 technical workers engaged in operations in the selected downstream petroleum companies, sampled via multi-stage sampling technique. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect relevant information. Data was analysed via Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 software.

Results: Almost one-third 120 (32.0%) of the respondents were between the ages of 38-43 years old. Majority 343 (91.0%) were males, while most 277 (73.0%) were single. Majority 363 (95.8%) had good Level of knowledge on occupational Hazard, while 359 (94.7%) of the respondents had good Level of knowledge on safety measure on occupational hazard. More than one-third 139 (36.70%) had positive behaviour towards preventive measures for occupational hazard, while 167(44%) had good practice towards Safety measures for occupational hazard. Level of knowledge on occupational hazard was significantly associated age, sex and religion (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Though most of the respondents were knowledgeable about occupational hazard and safety measures, positive behaviour towards safety measure and its practice was low among workers in the downstream petroleum companies. Hence the need for behavioural interventional programmes directed at ensuring positive occupational safety related behaviour among workers generally and those in industrial settings particularly.