Assessment of the Barriers for Managing Hazards in Oil and Gas Projects

Abstract

OGP activities are generally marked by low productivity owing to intrinsic dangers and risks, alongside environmental and technological challenges. These factors have led to a rise in accidents and fatalities, operational interruptions owing to facility malfunctions, wasted time due to injuries, deviations from schedules and budgets, and threats to OGP's performance, assets, lives, and the health of team members. The primary objective of the study is to identify several key barriers for managing risks in OGP. The study utilised a mixed research design that incorporated field surveys and ex post facto methods. The study's primary data were collected from seasoned OGP specialists working in Rivers State, Nigeria. The data collection and analysis tool was a meticulously designed questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. The secondary data utilised in the study were obtained from the risk statistics of selected OGP firms. The data analysis methodologies encompassed severity ratings to examine obstacles to hazard management and a vulnerability index assessing hazards to OGP performance, personnel safety and health, assets, and the environment. The data analysis indicates that the primary challenges in OGP are technological impediments, succeeded by operational and environmental risks. The results of hypothesis testing revealed that risk assessment, control and mitigation, technology with reliability-centered maintenance, and safety culture and training are the most effective strategies for risk management in OGP. The findings underscore the imperative for effective and efficient methodologies that enable technology-driven, risk-based hazard management systems to properly deliver OGP. The study promotes a technology-driven integrated strategy and the development of cohesive, resilient solutions for mitigating hazards in the OGP