Health and Safety Practices, Challenges and Strategies in Oil and Gas Activities at the Takoradi Port

Abstract

The oil and gas industry is deemed as one of the most risky sectors globally, posing several health and safety hazards to employees in their line of duty. This study therefore examined the health and safety practices, challenges and strategies to mitigate these challenges within the Takoradi Port of Ghana. Using a quantitative approach and a descriptive design, the study collected data from 200 randomly sampled respondents and the data was analysed, using tables frequencies, means and relative importance index. Among other things, the study found that health and safety practices within the sector at the Port include the provision of PPE, emergency assembly points, availability of first aid kits and clinical services, availability of alarm systems, safety information communication systems, visitor safety training and adequate safety facilities. However, these practices are also confronted with challenges such as lack of awareness on health and safety measures, poor risk assessment management process, insufficient training of site personnel on health and safety issues, lack of proper technology to monitor and assess health and safety trends and indicators, lack of legal and regulatory framework and lack of access to materials and PPE. It was also revealed that some strategies that can be devised to mitigate these challenges in the oil and gas sector include; improving the working conditions of employees, sensitizing and building the knowledge level of workers, effective health and safety regulations and capacity building of the regulatory institutions. The study, therefore, recommends that the regulation and enforcement of the safety protocols be implemented effectively and rigorously.