Abstract
Background: Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a critical issue that must not be overlooked, as even minor workplace accidents can have severe consequences for organizations, contractors, and families, potentially leading to a reduced quality of life or even premature death. The petroleum industry's safety practices have faced criticism, particularly due to high-profile catastrophic accidents often linked to subcontractors' construction activities. These incidents, largely preventable, can be mitigated through effective OHS measures. Globally, around 270 million people suffer from occupational injuries annually, with an estimated 2 million fatalities, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). This study aims to assess occupational incidents among independent subcontractors in the petrochemical industry in Johannesburg.
Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional design to explore the relationship between construction activities in the petroleum industry and the behavior of principal and subcontractor employees at a Johannesburg-based petroleum company. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire and record review to assess workplace risks, behaviors, and employee perceptions. The collected data was then cleaned, double-checked, and entered into IBM SPSS 29 statistical software for analysis, ensuring quality assurance throughout the process.
Results: In this study of 212 participants, 11% reported injuries in the past 12 months. Human error was the most frequently cited cause, with 78% attributing incidents to this factor. Fatigue, insufficient resources, and unclear work instructions were each identified by 77% of participants as significant contributors. A lack of training, human factors, and reckless operation were noted by 76%, while workplace pressure was recognized by 75%. Additionally, 74% cited inadequate management commitment and awareness, and 72% pointed to poor workplace design as key factors. The belief that injuries would be compensated was the least cited cause, with only 40% attributing incidents to this belief.
Conclusions and recommendations: This study is the first to explore the prevalence and assessment of occupational incidents among independent subcontractors in the petrochemical industry within a petroleum company in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The findings highlight the socio-demographic factors contributing to these incidents and offer valuable insights for enhancing occupational health and safety in the sector. Recommendations include implementing training programs, improved safety management, supervision, physical assessments, workload reviews, workplace design improvements, regular safety meetings, inspections, and defensive driving practices to reduce workplace accidents in the petrochemical industry.
Keywords: Occupational health and safety, accident, injury, subcontractor, employees.