Assessment of Compliance to Occupational Health and Safety Standards Amongst Automobile Mechanics in Port Harcourt

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Geography and Environmental Management, University of Port Harcourt

2 Department of Geography and Environmental Management, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Port Harcourt

Abstract

This study assessed the compliance of automobile workshop operators (mechanics and technicians) to critical occupational health and safety standards in Port Harcourt metropolis in order to ascertain their level of compliance with set and expected occupational health and safety standards, especially in the context of the sustainable development goals #1 and #3. The study adopted a cross sectional research methodology involving the use of survey. 4435 registered workshop operators consisting of mechanical technicians, panel beaters, auto electrical technicians and auto-body spray painters formed the population for the study. A sample population of 400 was obtained. The responses from the respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics to elicit associations and significant relationships. Results revealed that 97% of the respondents have an overall knowledge and awareness about compliance to safety standards in the operation of automobile workshops within the city, however, over 54% of these automobile workshop technicians do not strictly adhere to the laid down occupational health and safety rules and standards. Further results revealed factors that account low compliance to occupational health and safety standards. The implication of these results is that more needs to be done in terms of education and awareness by responsible agencies, such as the National Orientation Agency (NOA), in raising awareness on the need for better adherence to occupational health and safety procedures.

Keywords


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