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Psychosocial Safety and Health Hazards and Their Impacts on Offshore Oil and Gas Workers

Authors :
Emma D’Antoine
Janis Jansz
Ahmed Barifcani
Sherrilyn Shaw-Mills
Mark Harris
Christopher Lagat
Source :
Safety, Vol 9, Iss 3, p 56 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

The offshore oil and gas working environment is an inherently dangerous one, with risks posed to physical safety on a daily basis. One neglected field of research is the added psychosocial stressors present in this environment. This research examined the experiences of offshore oil and gas workers through one-on-one online interviews which were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed through the qualitative software NVivo, which generated themes and patterns for the responses given to questions that were developed through a focus group. The results of the analysis showed that multiple psychosocial stressors are present in this population, such as fear of speaking up, unsatisfactory company-provided facilities, work–life interference, work status, micromanaging, gender harassment and bullying. In addition, interviews identified that production and time pressures, along with fatigue, can influence accidents and mistakes. Climate factors also cause discomfort. However, these are managed according to best practices by organizations. Due to the timing of the study, COVID-19 was a significant stressor for some, but not all, employees. In conclusion, offshore oil and gas workers face multiple stressors in a dangerous environment that may lead to devastating consequences.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2313576X
Volume :
9
Issue :
3
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Safety
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.47522ef01eb9417aa7e8d4b0b5a96a2a
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9030056