44   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

AMERICAN Journal of Public Diplomacy and  
International Studies 

Volume 3, Issue 7, 2025 ISSN (E):2993-2157 

 

 
The management of Accident in the Oil and Gas Servicing Firms in 

Nigeria through Workplace Safety Programs 

 

Needorn Richard Sorle, Nwokolo Ugochukwu Lucky 

Department of Management, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt 

   

Abstract: Organization in the course of the discharge of their activities in the workplace 

encounter both inherent and potential hazards. The manifestation or occurrence of this accident 

in the discharge of assigned exude grievous negative impact to not just the injured but the 

organization at large. It affects the output level, integrity of the firm and its image, growth and 

survival and continues operation. It has a telling effects on the firms in terms of lost work days, 

medical bills, compensation, fines, delay production as a result of facility/plant shut down etc. 

given this cost implications, organization are in constant need of models and programs to stern 

this tide. Given the integral nature of this all-time desire and in the realization of this, lot of 

scholarly works have been advanced postulating and prescribing models and theories on how to 

achieve this feat. Some of those have yielded results while others have not. In the light of this 

desire we attempt to examine the workplace safety models and program which is considered to 

be elaborate, robust and all-encompassing and thus, situate it within the Nigeria oil and gas work 

sector and investigate how this can impact on accident management. To put the study in 

perspective, workplace safety program was measured using management commitment, worksite 

inspection, training and education and safety culture and accident was measured by the 

occurrence of injury. Four null hypotheses deduced from literature was structured to put the 

work in working context. After a critical analysis adopted using structural equation modelling 

through the AMOS package several findings were made upon which some recommendations 

were equally advanced.  

Keywords: Workplace Safety Program, Management Commitment, Worksite Inspection, 

Training and Education and Safety Culture, Accident, Occurrence of injury., Structural Equation 

Modelling. 

 

Introduction 

Workplaces and work activities have inherent and potential hazards in the course of discharge of 

the assigned duties. These hazards and manifestation of these accidents are as a result of workers 

unsafe behaviors and unsafe work environment. These hazards and risk factors in the workplace 

is threatening not just to the workers but also to the shareholders, output level, integrity of the 

firm and its image, growth and survival and continues operation (OSHA, 2010). Occupational 

accidents are indeed the most disruptive problem, firms contend with. The logic behind the 

assertion is that workers are the most valuable asset of a company, accident cost money in terms 

of lost work days, medical bills, compensation, fines, delay production as a result of 

facility/plant shut down etc. when the firm is faced with the above-mentioned elements, 

reputation is dented, profit dwindles, which in extension could lead to worker redundancy and 

shut down. 



45   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

In the light of the above, organizations are now developing high penchant for safety at workplace 

as well as promoting health and work ability of all employees including workplace safety 

programmes. Workplace safety programs deal with the prevention of accidents and/or minimize 

the resulting loss and damage to lives and properties. Every worker has the right to a safe 

working environment, the right to be properly trained, and the right of refusal of unsafe working 

conduct and environment. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that any work undertaken 

meets minimum safety requirements (Adeniyi, 2001). Available data reveal startling and 

tremendously high rates of work-related deaths and injuries in both developed and developing 

(Gyekye, 2006; National Safety Council, 2004). Despite these huge global figures on 

occupational health and safety, only a small number of empirical research studies on workplace 

health and safety have been conducted in Nigeria, where citizens are engaged in jobs classified 

hazardous such as the oil and gas industry, mining and construction industry etc. 

Although workplace safety and workplace safety programs has improved dramatically in the 

developed economies in this past few decades, that has not been the case in the developing 

countries like Nigeria, where the accident rate is still high, and the fatality rate is daunting (ILO, 

2018). 

To address this issue, several scholars—such as Asuzu (2003), Omokhodion (2009), Ehi (2010), 

and Adeogun and Okafor (2010)—have conducted studies across various industries and thematic 

areas. In recognition of the significant role that accident prevention models play in 

organizational safety, numerous empirical studies have been undertaken, offering diverse 

theoretical perspectives and practical models aimed at reducing workplace accidents. These 

contributions include, but are not limited to, equipment supervision (Asuzu, 2003), regular 

servicing and maintenance practices (Omokhodion, 2009), the design and implementation of 

effective facility layouts (Ehi, 2010), and the provision and proper use of safety kits and 

protective gear (Adeogun & Okafor, 2010). 

Given the plethora of research work as evident in the management literature cited above, it is 

obvious that there is no single generally accepted effective model established which captures one 

best approach in preventing, minimizing of accident in the organization or improving safety. At 

best the different scholars or in their different scholarship make different preposition or 

prescription on improving safety in the organization based on the standpoint or background of 

study. This probably explains the volume of literature on the subject matter. These studies and 

extant literatures did not consider workplace safety program that is all encompassing as a factor 

neither did it provide any empirical knowledge on the role of workplace safety program in the 

organization, yet in the work place lots of measures are undertaking to ensure safety of 

employees in the discharge of their work role. The closer attempt at this is evident in the studies 

by Borys (2009) where the issues examined where not within the context of the oil firms nor the 

same work setting and environment. 

In the light of the literatures examined so far we are inclined to believe that the direction of 

interest of the scholars as it pertains to workplace safety were restricted to different measures of 

minimizing accident. Others who attempted an examination were basically from only the 

perspective of health without their impact or bearing on economic, social and psychological 

spectrum. When they do, they either only glossed over them or were not quiet assertive. 

Workplace safety is a multidisciplinary concept that influences both private and social lives of 

employees in all spectrums of work. Therefore, the rationale for a good health and safety 

management system is to improve work conditions and employees’ health in the workplace. 

Thus, these views necessitated this study. In essence, this work is structured to give a more 

definitive and assertive position base on empirical evidence on the impact of workplace safety 

program on the management of accident in iol servicing firms in Nigeria. Our point of departure 

from several other studies is to fill the identified gap in literature by investigating the relationship 

of workplace safety program on the management of accident in oil servicing firms in Nigeria. To 

this end, this research tends to fill the gap left unfilled on workplace safety programs on accident 



46   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

management by substantial number of research works, seeking to add to already existing 

literature. Most indigenous companies in Nigeria unlike multinational organizations like SPDC 

and AGIP view workplace safety to be at cross-purposes with productivity and profit 

enhancement, they fail to recognize a good occupational safety and health record give them 

competitive advantage. 

Literature Review 

Theoretical Framework 

Human Factors Theory 

Shuen and Wahab (2016) argued that the human factors theory is a contrasting theory to 

workplace safety as human factors theory is the involvement of events occurring sequentially 

caused by human error. Ferrell (1977) developed human factors theory based on the chain of 

human factor events leading up to an accident. De Camp and Herskovitz (2015) and Lyndon et 

al. (2015) supported Ferrell’s (1977) assertions that human factors were the causes of accident 

occurrences when engaged in three situations. Ferrell (1977) claimed that human factors theory 

is comprised of three components: overload, improper response, and improper activity. The 

premise of the human factors’ theory is human errors and are the leading causes of accidents 

concerning unsafe acts in the workplace (Javaid, Isha, Ghazali, & Langove, 2016). 

Asanka and Ranasinghe (2015) and Gyunka and Christiana (2017) identified the negligence of 

the worker as the number one human factor leading to accidents. Workers are negligent when 

human factors are affecting safety. Managers have the responsibility of providing employees 

with training, education, and tools to develop a safe and productive work environment. Chikono 

(2017) referred to the interaction between manager and employee contributions to potentially 

hazardous conditions as uncertainties and unpredictability. Individuals understanding potentially 

hazardous conditions and safety-related knowledge might control, eliminate, or reduce the safety 

risk (Zhang, Boukamp, & Teizer, 2015). Proctor and Chen (2015) explained managers and 

employees appreciated human factor theory in an organization as both benefitted from 

understanding how to avoid potential hazards involving risk. Javaid et al. (2016) specified that 

when a worker recognized unsafe conditions and related hazards, an individual exhibited risk or 

hazard consideration. Feng, Zhang, and Wu (2015) explained the negligence of human factors 

caused higher accident costs in the organization. Feng et al. (2015) stated organizational 

managers who are expected to capitalize on product quality and cost reduction, rely on the 

implementation of quality improvement strategies. 

Peterson’s Accident Theory. 

Peterson introduced accident theory as an extension of human factor theory in 1982 (Alaswad & 

Xiang, 2017). Peterson (1982) introduced aspects associated with human factors as the decision 

to error, ergonomic traps, and system failures. Moura, Beer, Patelli, Lewis, and Knoll (2016) 

posited that accidents are caused by incidents induced errors. Under Peterson’s theory, Goode, 

Salmon, Lenné, and Finch (2015) attributed major industrial accidents to the cause of safety 

management systems. Babiceanu and Seker (2016) asserted system failures that occurred from 

production systems fail to function as expected. System failures had an original cause, which 

probably evolved into human error (Alaswad & Xiang, 2017). Salmon et al. (2017) found 

systems failure was present when employees did not abide by the standards designed to ensure 

the safety of products, employees, and activities. Aitsi-Selmi and Murray (2016) analyzed the 

origins behind the Chernobyl disaster in the former Soviet Union and identified the error on the 

part of nuclear plant operators, which caused subsequent explosions of the plant from the lack of 

cooling. Klement (2018), an incident theorist, stated accidents arise from conscious or 

unconscious decisions to error. A conscious decision involves an individual making an unsafe 

decision while knowing the probable consequences and the magnitude of risk involved (Phillips, 

Fletcher, Marks, & Hine, 2016). 



47   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

Kumar, Gupta, Agarwal, and Singh (2016) indicated the risks associated with decisions made 

had an impact on why individuals committed human errors leading to accidents. Zhou and Lei 

(2017) noted that unconscious decisions entailed individuals making unsafe decisions without 

knowledge. Zhou and Lei discovered conscious and unconscious decisions by low-level skilled 

or experienced individuals were components leading to latent and active human errors in 

workplace accidents (Thompson, 2016). Accident theorists blamed accident occurrences on 

ergonomic traps, organizational practices deemed correct with latent errors in management 

function (Sabran, 2016). 

Safety practices were not deemed hazardous until the occurrence of an accident (De Camp & 

Herskovitz, 2015). De Camp and Herskovitz (2015) uncovered inappropriate responses from 

organizational management that could be among ergonomic causes of workplace accidents. 

Although the incident theory has taken root in modern safety studies, the theory does not offer a 

comprehensive explanation of all accidents (Leveson, 2015). The placement of accident blame 

on human factors is the central focus of the accident theory (Ergai, Cohen, Sharp, Wiegmann, 

Gramopadhye, & Shappell, 2016). 

Accident Management 

The definition of an accident provided by Heinrich in the 1930s is often cited. Heinrich defines 

an accident as an unplanned and uncontrolled event in which the action or reaction of an object, 

substance, person or radiation results in personal injury or the probability thereof. Bird and 

Germain for instance define an accident as an unintended or unplanned happening that may or 

may not result in property damage, personal injury, work process stoppage or interference, or 

any combination of these conditions under such circumstances that personal injury might have 

resulted Bird and Germain (1996). 

In more recent literature, it is often argued that the notions unplanned, uncontrolled are 

misleading. This might give the idea that the event is related to fate or chance. It can't be 

controlled. However, when the causes are determined, it is usually found that many events were 

predictable and could have been prevented if the right actions were taken. This implies that the 

event is not one of fate or chance. 

The National Safety Council also define accident is an undesired event that results in personal 

injury or property damage. This definition implies two important points. First, accidents are 

unavoidable; the chance of one occurring will virtually always be present. Second, the chance of 

an accident occurring is a variable that can be changed. Leveson (2011) shows accident as an 

undesired and unplanned event that results in a loss (including loss of human life or injury, 

property damage, environmental pollution, and so on). Harms-Ringdahl (2013) accident as an 

event that causes unintentional damage or injury. 

Most contemporary definitions don't include the notion "unplanned" and/or speak in more 

general terms of "incident" instead of accident. The OHSAS 18001 standard focuses on the 

definition of an incident (OHSAS, 2007). An incident is referred to as a work-related event(s) in 

which an injury or ill health (regardless of severity) or fatality occurred, or could have occurred. 

An accident is regarded as a particular type of incident in which an injury or illness actually 

occurs. A near-miss is an incident where no injury or illness occurs. Therefore, an incident can 

be either an accident or a near-miss. OHSAS (2007). 

The standard definition of occupational accident contains the following elements: 

fortuitous, sudden, or unexpected external event; 

during working hours/on the way to and back from the workplace; 

arising out of work performed in the course and the scope of employment; 

bodily harm; 

causal link between the event and the harm. 



48   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

The fact that occupational accidents are fortuitous, sudden, unexpected external events allows 

making a decision that accident is not caused by an extended process but by a sudden event. 

Occupational accidents occur during working hours and/or on the way to and from the 

workplace. In a broad sense occupational accidents also include commuting accidents. 

The definition of an occupational accident also includes the fact that the accident has to arise out 

of work performed in the course and the scope of employment. This criterion often leads to 

discussions about accidents during activities in the workplace where the link with the scope of 

employment is somewhat questionable e.g. during excursions, doing private work or business at 

the workplace, etc. The criterion injury usually comprises not only bodily harm, but also psychic 

problems caused by an accident. 

Finally, the concept of an is based on the fact that there has to be a causal link between the event 

and the injury. Only direct consequences of the occupational accident can be compensated. 

Occupational accident is an occurrence arising out of, or in the course of, work which results in: 

fatal occupational injury or non-fatal occupational injury. 

Workplace Safety Program 

The conceptual approaches in the definition and interpretation of workplace safety have been 

viewed by various scholars and institutions. A safety workplace could also be defined and 

interpreted as” a workplace where everyone works together to achieve an agreed vision for the 

health and well-being of workers and the surrounding community. Safety at work constitutes one 

of the basic rights of the workers and reduction of the rate of industrial accidents through 

preventive measures. However, Onuegbu (2011) stated that Health and safety at work are 

inseparable in practice. 

International Labor Organization (ILO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1950, 

shared a common definition of occupational health which was revised in 1995. The definition 

reads: occupational health should aim at: “the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree 

of physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations; the prevention amongst 

workers of departures from health caused by their working conditions; the protection of workers 

in their employment from risks resulting from factors adverse to health; the placing and 

maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his physiological and 

psychological capabilities; and, to summarize, the adaptation of work to man and of each man to 

his job”. Leigh, (2011) posited that every job virtually carried the potential risk of injuries or 

diseases and each accident, injury or disease developed from multilinear interactions of the 

contributory factors and causes (Toft, Dell, Klockner, & Hutton, 2012). Workplace hazards are 

generated from three main components which included management decision, people, and 

physical workplace or environment which showed an interdependent relationship as each of the 

elements can interconnect and influence each other. 

According to Reason’s Swiss Cheese Theory, the incident will happen when the combination of 

weaknesses which related to these three components in the defense’s barriers, which contributes 

to damage and workplace accident (Reason, 2000). Some researchers claimed that people who 

lack awareness, inadequate knowledge, and attitude result in unsafe behaviour that causes 

injuries in the workplace (DeRoo, & Rautiainen, 2000;Said, 2012; Taufek, Zulkifle, & Kadir, 

2016). Reason (1997) contended that the occupational accidents were as a result of failure to 

recognize the potential hazards in the systems as there was lack of defenses used to prevent 

unwanted outcomes. On the other hand, Health and Safety Executives (HSE, 2002) concluded 

that human behaviour is the leading factor of the accident occurrence. 

Consequently, Ahiuma-Young (2012) commenting on safety and health development in Nigeria, 

revealed that the global estimate of 2.3 million occupational fatalities occur annually while 

nothing less than 100 occupational fatalities and some billions of capital losses have been 

recorded in Nigeria between April, 2009 and April, 2010. Not less than 200 cases of industrial 

accidents occur in the workplaces in Nigeria daily with an equally high rate of fatalities. The 



49   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

frequency of fatal industrial accidents is very alarming. Many times, the managements 

collaborate with some union officials to conceal cases of industrial accidents and secretly 

negotiate compensation. Presently, it is not only the workers in the factory that are pruned to 

accidents but those in the white-collar jobs are also increasingly exposed to job hazards, they 

may be unaware of the hazards because of the long gestation of such hazards and those in this 

category include workers in the financial sector, oil and gas as well as civil service. 

However, Fajana (2012) posited that a properly-managed safety culture, based on tested 

principles of workplace safety will produce employees who participate actively in training; these 

employees will be able to identify and alert one another and management to potential hazards. 

They develop effective control measures and feel a sense of responsibility for their safety and 

safety of others. Accepting safety as a responsibility demonstrates a sincere concern for each 

employee; which establishes the foundation for an effective safety culture, he opined. 

Management Commitment 

Management commitment is about the employees committed to their employer in safety and 

health issues. The top management plays an important role in reducing the injuries or accidents 

to their workers in the workplace while employees also are crucial to give commitment to 

support the practices. Hsu (2007) in Taufek et al. (2016) defined management commitment as 

management always showing positive and supportive safety and health attitudes to their 

employees’ perception about safety in the workplace. As cited in Mashi, Subramaniam, and 

Johari (2018) defined management commitment to safety as the extent to which management is 

perceived to place a high priority on safety, and communicate and act on safety issues 

effectively. Cooper (2006) also defined management commitment as the involvement and 

engagement of employer and their employees in actions to achieving a goal. However, Brown 

(2000) in Taufek et al. (2016) suggested that the perceptions of management and employees are 

equal and they understand about workplace safety. Both of them must show participation 

towards safety and health practices in the workplace. 

According to Barbera (2014), workers perceived that management should inform employees 

about the relevance of priority in term of safety and health and guiding employees through the 

appropriate task behaviour that involved potential physical and health hazards and lead workers 

to develop consistent expected safety behaviour and outcomes and act accordingly, hence it 

could reduce the negative outcomes. According to Zohar (1980), the organization’s safety 

program can successfully through the effectiveness of management commitment with safety and 

health awareness program, the participation of employees within that organization and the 

measurement of the scope of the work of the organization. As discussed by Zohar (1980): 

Arboleda, Morrow, Crum, and Shelley II, (2003): Choudhry, Fang, and Ahmed (2008), 

management’s commitment to safety is one of the determinants that cause an organization’s 

safety program successful. If the management level is committed and aware of their employees’ 

safety, so it will reduce unsafe working environment for them. 

The initiatives of management commitment and involvement in term of safety policy 

enforcement and establishing safety rules and procedure would develop a sense of self-efficacy 

among workers to demonstrate safety behaviour (Mashi et al., 2018) and could help to reduce the 

probability of employees getting injured (Hon, Hinze & Chan, 2014). Management is one of the 

determinants to ensure the success of workplace safety program. If the managers are committed 

and aware of the workers’ safety, it will help to reduce the unsafety working condition 

(Choudhry et al., 2008). Workers who work under supportive environment are more motivated to 

involve in safety activities as they feel satisfied because they have a sense of valued by the 

organization. It also stimulates the growth and learning among workers to work on safety 

practices such as to use the protective equipment (Nahrgang, Morgeson, & Hofmann, 2011). 

Work Inspection 

Worksite Inspection (job hazard analysis) as a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to 

identify hazards before they occur (OSHA, 2002). It focuses on the relationship between the 



50   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled 

hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level. 

OSHA (2002) cited that many workers are injured and killed at the workplace every day. 

Workplace injuries and illnesses can be prevented by inspecting the workplace operations, 

establishing proper job procedures, and ensuring that all employees are trained properly. One of 

the best ways to determine and establish proper work procedures is to conduct a workplace 

inspection. A job hazard analysis is one component of the larger commitment of a safety and 

health management system. He further stated that supervisors can use the findings of a worksite 

inspection to eliminate and prevent hazards in their workplaces. This is likely to result in fewer 

worker injuries and illnesses; safer, more effective work methods; reduced workers’ 

compensation costs; and increased worker productivity. The analysis also can be a valuable tool 

for training new employees in the steps required to perform their jobs safely. For a job hazard 

analysis to be effective, management must demonstrate its commitment to workplace safety and 

follow through to correct any uncontrolled hazards identified. Otherwise, management will lose 

credibility and employees may hesitate to go to management when dangerous conditions threaten 

them. Workplace inspections are an opportunity to identify hazards and assess risk in your 

workplace on an ongoing basis. As part of a proactive injury-prevention process, inspections 

reveal the current state of your workplace and any activities that you can see. It can help you 

identify hazards and prevent unsafe working conditions from developing. 

Carroll (2001) emphasized that supervision is a multifaceted process that integrates various 

elements—including goals, functions, tasks, roles, strategies, procedural components, individual 

personalities, as well as defined beginnings, middles, and endings—into a cohesive system. Due 

to the interplay of these components, supervision is inherently complex and dynamic. 

In safety training, employees are under responsibilities of an employer. Thus, they should care 

about its employee’s safety Barling (2005). The employees should have high supervision to 

manage safety practices and control from injuries. Brown (2000) in Taufek et al. (2016); Cooper 

(2002); and Zohar (1980), agreed on in order to reduce workplace injuries or accidents, safety 

programs for example, give a briefing and induction training about safety and health practices 

should implement in industrial production and manufacturing companies. The root causes for 

accidents or injuries are the implementation of the safety and health practices in an organization 

(Arboleda, Morrow, Crum, & Shelly II, 2003; Brown, 2000; Cooper, 2002; Petersen, 1996). 

According to Zohar (1980), beliefs and attitudes have a significant positive relationship towards 

safety and health practices in an organization. 

Coversely, one of the root causes of workplace injuries, illnesses, and incidents is the failure to 

identify or recognize hazards that are present, or that could have been anticipated. A critical 

element of any effective safety and health program is a proactive, ongoing process to identify 

and assess such hazards. Identifying and assessing the hazards and risks is an essential 

Training and Education 

Training will encourage employees to become productive and increase safer work environment. 

The study of Schlesinger (2017) revealed that training is an opportunity to engage employees 

and mold their behaviour to the desired outcomes of the solution. In addition, Ali, Abdullah, and 

Subramaniam (2009) suggest the occupational accidents and injuries will increase because of the 

ineffectiveness of safety training. An appropriate training perceives as the best practice to reduce 

human factor that could lead to accidents in the working places. According to Said, Halim, and 

Said (2012), technical skill education and training program are the preventive actions to reduce 

the risk of getting harmed in the workplace. While, employers will have a ready workforce with 

necessary skills and knowledge to be hired to handle the safety machines, equipment, and 

devices. 

A study of Smith-Crowe, Burke, and Landis (2003) found that safety knowledge has a moderate 

relationship with the safety performance. While the transfer of safety training program acts as the 

mediating factor between safety knowledge and safety performance. Hatala and Fleming (2007) 



51   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

stated that employees who involve in training are more likely to utilize the knowledge if they 

perceive it is relevant their work activities. However, Smith-Crowe, Burke, and Landis (2003) 

also claimed that the transfer of training would not effective without support from the 

organization. Bolarinwa (2020) stated that training is a planned process that is used to change 

attitudes, knowledge, skills and behavior through the learning experience in order to achieve 

effective performance in a specific activity or range of activities. 

Furthermore, study by Becker and Morawetz (2004) have generated important lessons about 

effective training methods, including the value of hands-on approaches that provide 

opportunities for interaction and dialogue (Burke, Sarpy, Smith-Crowe, Chan-Serafin, Salvador, 

& Islam, 2006) and that engage workers in activities to identify, control, and prevent hazards in 

their work environment (Weinstock & Slatin, 2012). Others have conducted cross-sectional 

studies to compare the frequency of injuries or unsafe behaviours of workers that have attended a 

training program with the same indicators measured for workers who have not had access to the 

same interventions (Materna, Harrington, Scholz, Payne, Stubbs, Hipkins, & Uratsu, 2002; 

Spangenberg, Baarts, Dyreborg, Jensen, Kines, & Mikkelesen, 2003). In the studies of Bell & 

Grushecky, (2006); Dong, Entzel, Men, Chowdhury, & Scheneider, (2004); Spangenberg et al., 

(2003), investigated the direct association between worker training and accident rates showed a 

real reduction in the latter as a result of the attendance. Moreover, the consistent emergence in 

the studies that analyzed the effects of training on workers’ subsequent behaviour (Becker & 

Morawetz, 2004; Materna et al., 2002) was a real increase in the frequency of safe behaviour due 

to participation in a safety training course. 

Conversely, in most workplaces, occupational safety and health (OSH) training is likely to be a 

natural part of job skills training. In occupations such as logging, for example, “poor technique” 

is widely reported as a cause of injury resulting from inadequate training and a failure to learn 

the proper work methods. The bulk of training activities involve fundamentals programs that 

instruct workers to avoid known hazards through the proper use and maintenance of equipment 

and materials. However, training can also be proactive, teaching workers to recognize and head 

off potential problems through teamwork, via union or management efforts, and encouraging 

workers and supervisors to be jointly accountable for injury control. The extent to which safety 

training can be transferred to actual jobsite demands, and the employer’s commitment to 

promote training as well as improve post-training productivity and injury outcomes can affect the 

success of training efforts. These factors can also complicate attempts to evaluate the effects of 

safety training separately from other workplace factors. Training effects may be easier to detect 

in more immediate indicators of an establishment’s injury record like changes in toxic exposure 

levels or increased compliance with safe work practices than in effects on ultimate measures of 

workplace injury. 

Safety Culture 

Safety culture had become a greater interest in several industries as a means of reducing work-

related accidents within the working places. Also, safety climate increasingly important as an 

indicator of employees’ safety and health in various industries such as manufacturing , 

construction and etc. Safety climate, also as known as safety culture is defined as the shared 

perceptions of workers on practices, procedures, and policies correspond to the importance of 

occupational safety in the organization (Sawhney, et al., 2011). Safety culture has earlier been 

shown to be related with work-related accidents and acts or behaviours (Brown et al., 2000; 

Watson et al., 2005) and recent research has successfully linked safety culture to safety practices 

(Guldenmund, 2010). The study conducted by Christian, Bradley, Wallace, and Burke (2009) 

stated that the safety climate was positively affected safety performance behaviours and 

negatively influence outcomes. The study indicated that the factor of safety climate such as 

management commitment had increased the motivation of workers and the negative outcomes 

are accidents and injuries. Also, Schlesinger (2017) claimed that organizational culture and 

norms are part of the causes contributing to the accidents. People tend to follow the 



52   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

organization’s norm where they follow the way they do thing over there, emphasizing on the 

production performance instead of safety concern (Schlesinger, 2017). 

Some safety culture researchers posit that allowing employees to work without following safety 

protocol creates a negative organizational safety culture. They maintain that if cultures such as 

the ones present in the Upper Big Branch Mine and Davis-Besse are sustained for an extended 

period, disasters are almost inevitable (Agnew & Daniels, 2010). On the other hand, these 

researchers maintain that a positive safety culture can help prevent work-related injuries, 

including major disasters similar to what occurred at the Upper Big Branch Mine (Hayes, 

Perander, Smecko, & Trask, 1998; O’Toole, 2002). 

OSHA, (2003) accentuated those injuries and their associated costs will decrease over time when 

an organization views safety as an investment rather than an expense. Similarly, there is 

widespread belief that a small near-term investment in safety programs could potentially prevent 

large, future costs due to a disaster. These costs could include workers compensation, lost-time 

work, or substantial legal costs. Additionally, public reputations could be damaged if the incident 

was significant, resulting in other financial losses for companies in the market . In an attempt to 

reduce injuries and costs, many organizations have developed efforts to assess and promote a 

positive safety culture (Arboleda et al., 2003; Haber, Shurberg, & Hofmann, 1994). 

Empirical Review 

Jilcha and Kitaw (2016) carried out a study on literature review on global occupational safety 

and health practice & accidents severity. Global occupational safety and health practice & 

accidents severity research was undertaken since 1980s onwards. The purpose of the study is to 

identify existing gaps on workplace safety and health management and propose future research 

areas. The review adds value to existing electronic database through integration of researches' 

results. To identify existing gaps, a systematic literature review approach has been used. The 

reviews were undertaken through keywords and safety related topics. In the literature, various 

characteristics of workplace safety and health problems were found emanating from the lack of 

operational activities of the employees, internal working environment and external environment 

those impose hazards on employee temporarily, permanently and on working environments. The 

integration of multidisciplinary approaches and collaborative model of hub and peripheral 

industries to protect workplace safety hazards to develop multilevel model has been undermined 

in many researches. The other face of finding is that knowledge transfer mechanism and 

industrial topology factors are left. Some researches finding showed that they have focused on 

single problems related to health and health factors leaving universal improving workplace 

safety. In general, this literature reviews compare various studies output based on their research 

method and findings to fills gap and add value to a body of knowledge. 

According to Albert, Matthew, Hallowell, and Kleiner (2014), work-related construction safety 

incidents continue to be a critical societal problem. Despite continued efforts, the industry has 

not seen any significant reduction in recordable injury rates in the last decade. An essential 

component in construction safety management is the identification of potential hazards to 

establish proactive physical or procedural controls that reduce safety risk exposure. 

Unfortunately, studies indicate that a large portion of hazards are not adequately identified or 

assessed, thus compromising worker safety. To address this issue, promising site-based 

construction hazard identification strategies were identified in a wide body of literature and 

potentially breakthrough strategies were developed by an expert panel of construction safety 

professionals in brainstorming sessions. The strategies were then prioritized based on their 

potential and applicability to construction using the nominal group technique, facilitated by a 

group-decision support system. Consensus analysis was conducted to verify consistency within 

the expert panel. A prejob safety-meeting-quality measurement tool to provide active feedback 

regarding hazard identification capability and communication emerged as being the most 

relevant strategy. This was followed by a computer based augmented virtuality training 

environment. The results of this study can be used by construction practitioners to strategically 

identify potential hazard recognition programs to complement existing methods. Future studies 



53   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

will focus on validating findings through field-based empirical tests on active construction 

projects. 

However, Jovanovic (2004) was of the opinion that medical services, physicians and nurses play 

an essential role in the plant safety program through primary treatment of injured workers and by 

helping to identify workplace hazards. She further stated that physician and nurse should 

participate in the worksite investigations to identify specific hazard or stresses potentially 

causing the occupational accidents and injuries and in planning the subsequent hazard control 

program. Physicians and nurses must work closely and cooperatively with supervisors to ensure 

the prompt reporting and treatment of all work-related health and safety problems. Occupational 

accidents, work related injuries and fatalities result from multiple causes, affect different 

segments of the working population, and occur in a myriad of occupations and industrial 

settings. Multiple factors and risks contribute to traumatic injuries, such as hazardous exposures, 

workplace and process design, work organization and environment, economics, and other social 

factors. With such a diversity of theories, it will not be difficult to understand that there does not 

exist one single theory that is considered right or correct and is universally accepted. These 

theories are nonetheless necessary, but not sufficient, for developing a frame of reference for 

understanding accident occurrences. Prevention strategies are also varied, and multiple strategies 

may be applicable to many settings, including engineering controls, protective equipment and 

technologies, management commitment to and investment in safety, regulatory controls, and 

education and training. Research needs are thus broad, and the development and application of 

interventions involve many disciplines and organizations. 

Moreover, Ivascu and Cioca (2019) noted that the rate of occupational accidents is increasing, 

leading to a number of organizational deficiencies. For European Union (EU), the non-fatal 

accident number in 2017 was 3,315,101. An increase in the number of accidents is recorded in 

many of the member states. In addition, the increase in accidents tends to focus on certain sectors 

and is due more to the increase in the incidence rate than the increase in the workforce. 

Companies in these industry sectors have also implemented less intensive prevention practices 

than firms in other sectors. Performing a statistical evaluation of non-fatal and fatal accidents is 

an important one. This assessment helps managers understand the importance of implementing 

prevention and control methods across organizations. For this research, we used series of data 

obtained from the Romanian National Institute of Statistics (NIS), Labor Inspection in Romania, 

and Eurostat of the European Commission. Data series evaluations were conducted for the EU 

and Romania. A qualitative assessment of the industry data series had been carried out. 

Furthermore, T-tests and analysis of variance analysis (ANOVA) were performed to identify the 

relationships between the frequency index of fatal and non-fatal accidents, and the categories 

chosen. The values obtained for men were significantly higher than those of female workers. 

Based on the results of the qualitative assessment and European and national strategies, an 

experimental model for the prevention and control of occupational accidents is proposed. At the 

end of the paper, the situation of labor accidents in Romania and Bulgaria, two EU member 

states, is assessed in the agriculture, forestry and fishing, manufacturing, construction and 

transport, and storage sectors. A series of trends are presented for the period 2018–2020. The 

results obtained from the evaluation of the data series represent an important core of the 

Romanian Labor Inspectorate for the development of strategic actions. 

Burke, Sarpy, Smith-Crowe, Chan-Serafin, Salvador, and Islam (2006) investigated the relative 

effectiveness of worker safety and health training methods. The study recommends major 

strategies for improving construction safety, such as: reinforcing the safety regulatory authority; 

incorporating safety in contractor’s licensing, renewal and bidding processes; establishing an 

effective mechanism for safety training and accident reporting; and ensuring an enhanced 

client’s commitment to safety by introducing safety incentive schemes. In addition, it is 

suggested to update and enforce the safety laws, and launch safety awareness media campaigns 

at the national level of safety. The research sought to determine the relative effectiveness of 

different methods of worker safety and health training aimed at improving safety knowledge and 

performance and reducing negative outcomes (accidents, illnesses, and injuries). Ninety-five 



54   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

quasi-experimental studies (n=20991) were included in the analysis. Three types of intervention 

methods were distinguished on the basis of learners’ participation in the training process: least 

engaging (lecture, pamphlets, and videos), moderately engaging (programmed instruction, 

feedback interventions), and most engaging (training in behavioral modeling, hands-on training). 

Lastly, Gupta, Malhotra, Verma, and Yadav (2017) looked at the in-depth analysis of pattern of 

occupational injuries and utilization of safety measures among workers of railway wagon repair 

workshop in Jhansi (U.P.) and noted that occupational or work-related injuries became more 

common after the industrial revolution. Over time, in response to great demand for better 

working conditions, the first occupational laws were enacted in 19th century in England. 

Occupational injuries are associated with lots of suffering and loss at individual, community, 

societal and organizational levels. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO); 

occupational injuries and diseases represented 4% of total Gross National Product (GNP). Since 

occupational injuries may occur by dangerous actions of workers, the prevention programs 

should focus on the human performance, behavior and factors in terms of better training, 

education and motivation of workers. However, certain industrial sectors with high risk of injury 

have central role in the global burden of occupational injuries and should be a part of the 

prevention strategy. Nearly half of the worker population in highly industrialized countries and 

even more in newly industrialized and developing countries are exposed to the risk of fatal 

injuries. Occupational fatal injuries therefore still remain as worldwide problem. 

Nderitua, Mwaura, and Gichuhi (2019) posited that contemporary employees spend most of their 

working lives at the workplace. Work provides economic, social and psychological experiences 

that promote the mental wellbeing of individuals. The work environment should be devoid of 

hazards as much as possible to provide healthy and decent work for the workforce. However, 

numerous injuries, illnesses, property damages and process losses take place at different 

workplaces. It is unclear how effectively OSH programs are being implemented in Kenya’s 

water sector since no study has been done. The general objective of the study was to establish 

influence of management commitment on Occupational Health and Safety policies 

implementation in Water and Sanitation Companies in Kenya, a study of water and Sanitation 

Companies in Nyeri County. The study was based on the theoretical foundation that comprises of 

two theories Leader-Member Exchange theory and Bourgeois and Brodwins Five Models of 

Strategy Implementation. The target population consisted of 474 employees in all water & 

sanitation companies in Nyeri County. From this population a sample of 243 respondents was 

drawn using random sampling technique but only 188 respondents filled and returned valid 

questionnaire giving the study 80% response rate. The study employed both descriptive and 

inferential statistics to present and analyze the data. Quantitative data was analyzed using 

descriptive statistical tools namely frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation while 

inferential statistical tools such as multiple regression was used to determine relationship 

between variables. The study findings revealed that there was a statistically significant positive 

relationship between management commitment and implementation, the 27.9% unit change in 

implementation of OSH policies was explained by the management commitment. Study 

recommends that the water companies’ management should be committed to implementation of 

OSH. 

Deducing from the reviewed literature on the measures and dimension of the criterion and 

predictor variables which constitute the subject matter of this research, the following hypotheses 

were formulated to guide the work in the statistical test: 

Hypotheses 

HO1: There is no significant relationship between management commitment and accidents 

management in oil servicing firms in Nigeria. 

HO2: There is no significant relationship between safety training/education and accidents 

management in oil servicing firms in Nigeria. 

HO3: There is no significant relationship between organization’s safety culture and accidents 

management in oil servicing firms in Nigeria. 



55   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

HO4: There is no significant relationship between worksite inspection and accidents 

management in oil servicing firms in Nigeria. 

Methodology 

This study adopted a descriptive and cross sectional survey. For the population a total of one 

hundred and thirty one (131) oil servicing firms were targeted for this study. Ten (10) were 

selected for the study. Thus, the 10 oil and gas servicing firms were chosen because of their 

market value and given that they are quoted on the stock exchange market as well as ease of 

accessibility of their required data (https://lekoil.com; https://nairamatrics.com). Respondents 

were selected at random from the pool of management staff based on convenience. A total of 350 

respondents were administered the questionnaire in the study 

The study is at the organizational level, so all inquiry and investigations are to the management 

staff. The choice of the firms were based on the size of the market value and operational rating in 

the Nigerian Stock Exchange Market. Choices of respondents were through judgmental sampling 

technique based on accessibility and convenience. Workplace safety program is the independent 

variable, and it is measured using management commitment, worksite inspection, training and 

education and safety culture while accident which is our dependent variable is measured by the 

manifestation of injury. The data analysis techniques for hypothesis testing is Structural Equation 

Modeling due to the nature of the study and the structure of the hypotheses. Decision criteria for 

validation and test of significance is at 95% confidence level. Descriptive Statistics were 

measured using the mean and standard deviation, used to capture the characteristics of the 

variables under study via Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 25. 

Inferential Statistics were tested using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Structural 

Equation Modelling (SEM) comprises of both a measurement model and a structural model. The 

measurement model is based on the common factor model. SEM has been chosen as the main 

statistical method to test the hypothetical model because of the following justifications: 

(1) Likert-scale ordinal data with large sample sizes tend to have a distribution that is close to 

normality demonstrated that if samples consist of several observations, the researcher may 

overlook the nature of data and use a tool such as SEM. 

(2) The study involves simultaneous analyses of multiple interactions among the dimensions of 

multitasking capacity and organizational performance. Submit that SEM enables researchers to 

answer a set of interrelated research questions in a single, systematic, and comprehensive 

analysis by modelling the relationships among multiple independent and dependent constructs 

simultaneously.  

The AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structure) was used in this study. AMOS is one of the popular 

specialized SEM software programs.  

The AMOS software was deployed because it has easy-to-use graphical interface and a clear 

representation of models, and other advantages, such as extensive bootstrapping capabilities. 

Table 1: Names of Oil and Gas Firms and Number of Employees 

S/N NAMES OF FIRMS NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 

1 Lekoil Nig limited 45 

2 SHELL NIGERIA 50 

3 CHEVRON NIGERIA 30 

4 EXXONMOBIL NIGERIA 20 

5 ARDOVA PLC 25 

6 ADDAX PETROLEUM 40 

7 OANDO PLC 32 

8 CAMBRIDGE LNG 36 

9 FRONTIR OIL 35 

10 ONOIL 37 

 Total 350 

Sources: Researcher 2024 

https://lekoil.com/
https://nairamatrics.com/


56   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

Fig: 1 Conceptual Framework 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig 1: Conceptual Framework on Workplace Safety Program and Accidents Management 

Source: The dimensions of workplace safety program was adapted from the works of Borys 

(2009), and the accidents management as the measure was adopted from the works of Gyekye 

(2006). 

Test of Reliability 

Reliability is a matter of whether a particular technique, applied repeatedly to the same object, 

would yield the same result each time. Implying that reliability has to do with the amount of 

random error in a measurement . The researcher, therefore, used test-re-test form of reliability 

test to ensure reliability on the instrument after such test must have yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha 

co-efficient correlation of at least 0.70 indicating the level of internal consistency. 

Cronbach’s Alpha which is in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) is used in 

measuring the reliability of this research instrument. Also, based on the Cronbach’s Alpha rule 

of thumb, only the study items with alpha value of 0.7 and above were selected to make up the 

research instrument.  

Table 2. Reliability of Research Instrument 

VARIABLES DIMENSIONS/MEASURES 
STATEMENT 

ITEMS 

ALPHA 

COEFFICIENT 

Independent: 

Workplace Safety 

Program 

Management Commitment 5 0.86 

Worksite Inspection 4 0.79 

Training and Education 4 0.72 

Safety Culture 5 0.91 

Dependent: 

Accidents 

Management 

Financial Performance 
 

4 

 

0.77 

Source: SPSS OUTPUT (2023) 

Data Presentation 

Table 3: Distribution and Retrieval of Questionnaire 

Questionnaire Number Distributed Number Returned and Used 

Frequency 350 325 

Percentage 100% 81.2% 

Source: Research Survey, 2023 

 

Worksite Inspection 

Management Commitment 

Training and Education 

Safety Culture 

Accidents 

Management 

Workplace Safety Program 



57   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

The study being predominantly quantitative, generated data using the structured questionnaire. A 

total of 350 (100%) copies of the questionnaire were distributed to targeted oil and gas servicing 

firms in the Nigeria within a specified time-frame; copies were manually distributed through 

established contacts in the firms, thereafter retrieval was also accomplished through same 

contacts in the firms. Retrieval of distributed copies recorded a success of 225 (81.2%) copies. 

Data Analysis 

Table 4: Measurement Model Analysis of Accident Management 

Model 

Chi-Square 

(df), 

Significance 

NFI TLI CFI RMSEA Variable 

Standardized 

Factor 

Loading 

Estimates 

Error 

VAR 

Accident 

Management 

(33df) 

=225, 

p>0.000 

0.80 0.72 0.82 0.15 AM 1 0.91 0.38 

      AM 2 0.88 0.41 

      AM 3 0.63 0.53 

      AM 4 0.96 0.22 

Source: Amos 24.0 output on research data, 2024 

 

Fig. 1: Structural Equational Model 

 

 

 



58   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

Hypotheses Testing 

Table 5: Result of standardized and unstandardized regression estimate of the model. 

S/N 
Mediation 

Stage 
Relationship 

Std. 

Beta 

Actual 

Beta 
S.E. C.R. P Remark 

1. 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

1) 

Management 

Commitment and 

Accidents 

Management 

0.46 0.88 0.12 2.33 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

2. 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

2) 

Safety 

Training/Education 

and Accidents 

Management 

0.54 0.81 0.33 3.22 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

3. 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

3) 

Safety Culture and 

Accidents 

Management 

0.57 0.85 0.14 4.16 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

4. 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

4) 

Worksite 

Inspection and 

Accidents 

Management 

0.64 0.82 0.19 3.27 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

Source: Amos 24.0 Output on Research Data, 2024 

Hypothesis One 

Table 5 illustrates the analysis for the association between management commitment and 

accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria, where β=0.46, r=0.88 and p = 

0.000. The findings show a very positive and significant association between both variables 

(where β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05).  

Mediation 

Stage 
Relationship 

Std. 

Beta 

Actual 

Beta 
S.E. C.R. P Remark 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

1) 

Management 

Commitment 

and Accidents 

Management 

0.46 0.88 0.12 2.33 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

 

Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 and p > 

0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate that there 

is a positive significant relationship management commitment and accidents management in oil 

and gas servicing firms in Nigeriat. Therefore, H01 was not supported. 

Hypothesis Two 

Table 5 illustrates the analysis for the association between safety training/education and 

accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms Nigeria, where β=0.64, r=0.82 and p = 

0.000. The findings show a very positive and significant association between both variables 

(where β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05).  

Mediation 

Stage 
Relationship 

Std. 

Beta 

Actual 

Beta 
S.E. C.R. P Remark 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

2) 

Safety 

Training/Education 

and Accidents 

Management 

0.54 0.81 0.33 3.22 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

 

Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 and p > 

0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate that there 

is a positive significant relationship between safety training/education and accidents 

management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Therefore, H02 was not supported. 



59   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

Hypothesis Three 

Table 5 illustrates the analysis for the association between safety culture and accidents 

management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria, where β=0.57, r=0.85 and p = 0.000. The 

findings show a very positive and significant association between both variables (where β>0.3, 

r>0.7 and p < 0.05).  

Mediation 

Stage 
Relationship 

Std. 

Beta 

Actual 

Beta 
S.E. C.R. P Remark 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

3) 

Safety Culture 

and Accidents 

Management 

0.57 0.85 0.14 4.16 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

 

Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 and p > 

0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate that there 

is a positive significant relationship between safety culture and accidents management in oil and 

gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Therefore, H03 was not supported. 

Hypothesis Four 

Table 5 illustrates the analysis for the association between worksite inspection and accidents 

management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria, where β=0.64, r=0.82 and p = 0.000. The 

findings show a very positive and significant association between both variables (where β>0.3, 

r>0.7 and p < 0.05).  

Mediation 

Stage 
Relationship 

Std. 

Beta 

Actual 

Beta 
S.E. C.R. P Remark 

X →Y 

(Hypothesis 

4) 

Worksite 

Inspection and 

Accidents 

Management 

0.64 0.82 0.19 3.27 0.000 
Not 

Supported 

 

Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 and p > 

0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate that there 

is a positive significant relationship between worksite inspection and accidents management in 

oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Therefore, H04 was not supported. 

Discussion of Findings 

The first hypothesis (Ho1) stated that there is no significant relationship between management 

commitment and accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. The findings 

show a very positive and significant association between both variables (where β>0.3, r>0.7 and 

p < 0.05). Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 

and p > 0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate 

that there is a positive significant relationship between management commitment and accidents 

management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Therefore, H01 was not supported. 

Nevertheless, territories dedicate resource in order to maximize economic outputs (e.g., GDP) 

and to minimize the negative externalities of economic activity, that is, work accidents. 

Therefore, it seems plausible to assume that specific work safety policies may help to mitigate 

work accident rates. From a policy point of view, an analysis that takes into account work safety 

controls may offer valuable information on the effectiveness of the occupational health and 

safety (OHS) system. 

The second hypothesis (Ho2) stated that there is no significant relationship between safety 

training/education and accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. The 

findings show a very positive and significant association between both variables (where β>0.3, 

r>0.7 and p < 0.05). Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance 

(β<0.3, r<0.7 and p > 0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null 

hypothesis and restate that there is a positive significant relationship between safety 



60   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

training/education and accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. 

Therefore, Ho2 was not supported. Bolarinwa (2002) felt that safety education and training for 

industrial workers are necessary, because he observed that the present level of awareness about 

occupational hazards among factory workers in rural areas of Nigeria was rather limited. Zeng et 

al. (2008) pointed out that some accidents, such as falling from height and being hit by falling 

materials in construction, could easily be prevented by implementing training programs for 

employees. 

The third hypothesis (Ho3) stated that there is no significant relationship between safety culture 

and accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. The findings show a very 

positive and significant association between both variables (where β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05). 

Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 and p > 

0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate that there 

is a positive significant relationship between safety culture and accidents management in oil and 

gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Therefore, HO3 was not supported. Furthermore, many industrial 

accident investigations have found that safety culture is a contributory factor in accident 

causation (Cullen, 2001). It’s now generally accepted that organizations with a strong safety 

culture are more effective at preventing workplace accidents and injuries. Health and safety 

practitioners have a significant role to play in improving health and safety at work by giving 

competent advice. 

The fourth hypothesis (Ho4) stated that there is no significant relationship between worksite 

inspection and accidents management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. The findings 

show a very positive and significant association between both variables (where β>0.3, r>0.7 and 

p < 0.05). Thus, based on the criteria for null hypothetical statement acceptance (β<0.3, r<0.7 

and p > 0.05); or rejection (β>0.3, r>0.7 and p < 0.05), we reject the null hypothesis and restate 

that there is a positive significant relationship between worksite inspection and accidents 

management in oil and gas servicing firms in Nigeria. Therefore, HO4 was not supported. The 

employees should have high supervision to manage safety practices and control from injuries. 

Brown (2000) in Taufek et al. (2016); Cooper (2002); and Zohar (1980), agreed on in order to 

reduce workplace injuries or accidents, safety programs for example, give a briefing and 

induction training about safety and health practices should implement in industrial production 

and manufacturing companies. 

Conclusion 

Empirical findings from the data analyzed established the following conclusions relative to the 

scope of our study; 

That there is a strong positive relationship between management commitment and accident 

management and also a significant relationship between training and education and accident 

management, between worksite inspection and accident management, and between safety culture 

and accident management. The practical implication of this is that, when employee’s gives room 

for negotiation, that for the most part of it, leads to enhanced corporate image for the 

organization. 

Recommendations 

Based on the finding of the study, the following recommendations are made: 

1. Owners of businesses/managers should ensure that there is proper training and education 

made available for employees in their various positions. This includes teaching them how to 

use equipment and follow safety procedures during their course of work. 

2. Employees must also be equipped for their specific job. Equipment may vary from safety 

harnesses to proper gloves and goggles. Under no circumstances should employees perform 

functions without the proper equipment.  



61   Journal of Public Diplomacy and International Studies                                                           www. grnjournal.us  

 

3. A cluttered, unclean work area is more difficult to efficiently maneuver in and workers are 

more prone to hazards. Make sure staff adhere to something as simple as running computer 

cables and cords properly so that they do not create a tripping hazard. No matter if your work 

environment is a manufacturing warehouse or an office cubicle, keeping the area clean and 

well-maintained decreases the chance of accidents. 

4. Managers/supervisors/experts should from time to time inspect the work progress, vehicles, 

machines used in the organization for proper maintenance in order to avoid breakdown of 

machines that might be hazardous to the employees. 

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