ASSESSMENT OF TYPE, PREVALENCE AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AMONG NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT) WORKERS IN SELECTED INDIGENOUS OIL SERVICING FIRMS

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the types, prevalence and contributing factors to occupational health and safety hazards faced by Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) workers within three selected indigenous oil servicing firms in Rivers State, Nigeria. This research adopted mixed-methods research design. The population comprised of oil and gas servicing companies operating in Rivers state from which three indigenous servicing companies were purposively sample. Purposive sampling technique was also used to sample 184 NDT workers in sampled servicing companies in Rivers State which includes safety officers, supervisors, and inspectors involved in radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant testing. A structured questionnaire was developed to collect quantitative data on types of OHS risks, their prevalence and severity as well as factors contributing to the OHS hazards. The study adopted descriptive statistics (mean, percentage and weighted mean score) and Analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results revealed that revealed that NDT workers are exposed to various OHS hazards, including physical, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. The study also identified technological, human, and organizational factors as contributing to OHS hazards among NDT workers. Furthermore, the study found that the prevalence of OHS hazards among NDT workers are high, the findings of this study have significant implications for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, particularly in terms of the need to prioritize the safety and health of NDT workers. These findings also highlight the need for improved safety culture, training, and equipment, as well as stricter regulatory enforcement and organizational compliance, to mitigate OHS dangers and enhance workplace safety for NDT employees in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. Keywords: Type, Prevalence, Contributing Factors, Occupational Hazards, Non-Destructive Testing, Indigenous Oil Servicing Firms