Evaluation of Aging Assets On Workers Health and Safety in A Typical LNG Company

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@article{1719158,
      author = {Goodhead Divine Tamunoidiakiri, Prof. John N. Ugbebor, Dr. Akuro Big-Alabo},
      title = {Evaluation of Aging Assets On Workers Health and Safety in A Typical LNG Company},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {2176-2223},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719158.pdf},
      abstract = {This study evaluates the effects of aging assets on worker safety in a typical LNG company through the development and application of a structured Aging Asset Index (AAI) across key equipment classes, including turbines, heat exchangers, boilers, cryogenic systems, columns, strainers, and the main cryogenic heat exchanger. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining questionnaire responses from 50 operations, maintenance, engineering, and HSE personnel with in-depth interviews of 10 subject-matter experts. Quantitative analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, t-tests, and multiple regression modelling.  Results of descriptive statistics show that; 77.4% of respondents perceived aging equipment as key contributor to unsafe work conditions (WM= 3.87>3.00), 77% accepted that good workers health and safety experience (WM=3.85>3.00), 78.4% accept presence of integrity management practices (WM=3.92>3.00) while 75.8% accepted presence of digitalization and preventive maintenance (WM=3.79>3.00). Pearson correlation analysis results revealed that there is positive and significant relationship between. Perception of Aging Assets and Integrity Practices (r = 0.61, p=0.000), Perception of Aging Assets and Digitalization ((r = 0.55, p=0.000) as well as Perception of Aging Assets and Worker Health & Safety Experience ((r = 0.59, p=0.000). Multi-linear regression analysis was carried out to examine the impact of Perception of Aging Assets, Integrity Practices and Digitalization on Worker Health & Safety Experience. And the results revealed that Perception of Aging Assets (β=0.28, p=0.003), Integrity Practices ((β=0.32, p=0.001), and Digitalization (β=0.26, p=0.012) all have positive and significant impact on Worker Health & Safety Experience. Qualitative results, synthesised in thematic figures, further highlight deferred maintenance, insulation and corrosion degradation, spare-parts obsolescence, and reactive maintenance practices as key contributors to elevated worker risk. The study concludes that aging assets have a measurable and impact on worker health and safety in LNG operations and confirms the AAI as an effective diagnostic and decision-support tool. It is recommended that LNG operators embed AAI-based thresholds into integrity management systems, strengthen predictive maintenance and digital monitoring, and prioritise asset renewal strategies to reduce worker exposure and enhance overall safety performance.},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1719158}
  }