Assessment Of Oil Spill Responders’ Perception of Job Safety Analysis in Niger Delta, Nigeria

• Author(s): Nta, Unwana Ekpo; A. A. Obafemi; N. U. Udeh
• Paper ID: 1719618
• Page: 923-936
• Published Date: 10-07-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 10 Issue 1 July-2026
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719618

Abstract

This study assessed Niger Delta oil spill responders' perceptions of Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and its impact on safety outcomes, addressing a critical gap in understanding the human and organisational factors affecting JSA implementation in this high-risk environment. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, collecting data from 66 responders across three spill response companies using a structured, mobile-optimised questionnaire. The study achieved an 88.0% response rate, with excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.915). Descriptive, thematic, and inferential statistical analyses (Pearson's correlation, One-Way ANOVA) were conducted. Findings revealed a fundamental paradox: while responders overwhelmingly valued JSA (95.5% agreement, weighted mean = 4.6/5.0) and demonstrated strong self-rated understanding (mean = 4.0/5.0) significantly enhanced by formal training (r= .321, p= .009), implementation was critically undermined by cultural and leadership constraints. The "heroism-safety dichotomy" was empirically validated through a very strong correlation between perceived "speed-over-safety" culture and JSA bypassing (r = .702, p < .001). Management commitment emerged as the most influential factor (mean = 4.0/5.0) yet simultaneously the single biggest barrier (42.4% of respondents). One-Way ANOVA formally identified a significant "auditor-operator perception gap": HSE personnel perceived JSA effectiveness significantly higher than field operatives (p= .021), while operatives reported significantly higher bypassing rates (p = .023). The regression model explained 60.3% of variance in JSA effectiveness (R² = .603, p < .001), with management commitment as the strongest predictor (β = .387). The study concludes that the core challenge is not a lack of JSA awareness, but systemic and cultural barriers that decouple procedural knowledge from field practice. It is recommended that the management of spill response companies prioritise demonstrable leadership commitment and implement contextual, scenario-based JSA training to bridge the identified gaps and foster a more resilient safety culture.

Keywords

Oil and Gas Industry, Niger Delta, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Oil Spill Response, Safety Perception and Occupational Safety

Citations

IRE Journals:
Nta, Unwana Ekpo, A. A. Obafemi, N. U. Udeh "Assessment Of Oil Spill Responders’ Perception of Job Safety Analysis in Niger Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 1 2026 Page 923-936 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719618

IEEE:
Nta, Unwana Ekpo, A. A. Obafemi, N. U. Udeh "Assessment Of Oil Spill Responders’ Perception of Job Safety Analysis in Niger Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719618

APA:
Nta, Unwana Ekpo, A. A. Obafemi, N. U. Udeh (2026). Assessment Of Oil Spill Responders’ Perception of Job Safety Analysis in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719618

MLA:
Nta, Unwana Ekpo, A. A. Obafemi, N. U. Udeh "Assessment Of Oil Spill Responders’ Perception of Job Safety Analysis in Niger Delta, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV10I1-1719618

BibTeX

@article{1719618,
author = {Nta, Unwana Ekpo, A. A. Obafemi, N. U. Udeh},
title = {Assessment Of Oil Spill Responders’ Perception of Job Safety Analysis in Niger Delta, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {923-936},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719618.pdf},
abstract = {This study assessed Niger Delta oil spill responders' perceptions of Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and its impact on safety outcomes, addressing a critical gap in understanding the human and organisational factors affecting JSA implementation in this high-risk environment. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was employed, collecting data from 66 responders across three spill response companies using a structured, mobile-optimised questionnaire. The study achieved an 88.0% response rate, with excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.915). Descriptive, thematic, and inferential statistical analyses (Pearson's correlation, One-Way ANOVA) were conducted. Findings revealed a fundamental paradox: while responders overwhelmingly valued JSA (95.5% agreement, weighted mean = 4.6/5.0) and demonstrated strong self-rated understanding (mean = 4.0/5.0) significantly enhanced by formal training (r= .321, p= .009), implementation was critically undermined by cultural and leadership constraints. The "heroism-safety dichotomy" was empirically validated through a very strong correlation between perceived "speed-over-safety" culture and JSA bypassing (r = .702, p < .001). Management commitment emerged as the most influential factor (mean = 4.0/5.0) yet simultaneously the single biggest barrier (42.4% of respondents). One-Way ANOVA formally identified a significant "auditor-operator perception gap": HSE personnel perceived JSA effectiveness significantly higher than field operatives (p= .021), while operatives reported significantly higher bypassing rates (p = .023). The regression model explained 60.3% of variance in JSA effectiveness (R² = .603, p < .001), with management commitment as the strongest predictor (β = .387). The study concludes that the core challenge is not a lack of JSA awareness, but systemic and cultural barriers that decouple procedural knowledge from field practice. It is recommended that the management of spill response companies prioritise demonstrable leadership commitment and implement contextual, scenario-based JSA training to bridge the identified gaps and foster a more resilient safety culture.},
keywords = {Oil and Gas Industry, Niger Delta, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), Oil Spill Response, Safety Perception and Occupational Safety},
month = {July}
}