Analysis of Safety Hazards and Implications for Container Port Terminal Operations in Nigeria
1IGaladima, S. P.
1Department of Transport Management, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria.
DOI: 10.36108/laujoces/4202.21.0140
Abstract
Port operations in Nigeria have come a long way in terms of growth, with significant shipment turnovers occurring annually. However occupational hazards including falls from heights, lifting mishaps, mooring mishaps, slips and trips as well as human fatigue occurring during field operations which pose significant risks affecting the safety and performance of operations. This study aggregates data from port workers in six (6) container terminals within Nigeria in order to determine the magnitude of these occupational hazards being faced and juxtapose the role of the terminal operators in balancing service efficiency with safety. Convenience sampling technique was deployed for this survey while primary data was collected through the use of closed-ended questionnaires. A total of 340 questionnaire responses from APM Terminal Ltd, Josepdam Port Services Ltd, Five-Star Logistics, WACT, Ecomarine Nigeria Ltd, and Green Leigh Nigeria Ltd., were analyzed for operational risk factors using percentages. Chi-square analysis was used to test the postulated hypothesis which sought a relationship between frequency of occupational hazard and years of field experience. The null hypothesis was accepted (P > 0.05) and hence inferred that hazard occurrence over the years was independent of field experience. The result suggests a holistic implementation of safety regulations including the use of technology as a measure to curb operational hazards.
Keywords: Efficiency, Fatigue, Risk-factors, Safety, Terminals,