Posted: August 14th, 2022

Analyzing causes of accidents and injuries to workers at Nigerian ports

Analyzing causes of accidents and injuries to workers at Nigerian ports

Ports are essential gateways for international trade and commerce, but they can also be dangerous work environments. In Nigeria, there are numerous reports of accidents and injuries to port workers. Understanding the causes of these incidents is important for improving occupational health and safety. This essay analyzes major causes of accidents and injuries to workers at Nigerian ports.

Lack of Safety Regulations and Enforcement

A primary factor contributing to accidents and injuries is a lack of comprehensive safety regulations and enforcement in Nigerian ports (Omozokpia, 2015). Unlike most developed countries, Nigeria does not have a standardized national policy that mandates strict occupational health and safety practices across all ports. The result is inconsistent and often inadequate safety protocols. For example, some ports do not require or enforce the use of proper protective equipment by workers handling hazardous materials (Etebu & Nwankwo, 2017). Without stringent regulations dictating mandatory safety practices, ports are left to operate with varying and subpar standards. Weak enforcement of the limited policies that do exist exacerbates this problem.

Insufficient Training and Safety Education

Inadequate training and safety education for port workers also increases accident risks (Umeano, 2020). Forklift operators, cargo handlers, and other personnel are often not taught proper procedures for safely performing their duties. For instance, many equipment operators at Apapa Port lack formal forklift training (Chigozirim, 2021). Untrained workers are more prone to accidents caused by improper equipment usage. Additionally, port laborers may not receive sufficient instruction on safely handling dangerous goods like petroleum and chemicals. Insufficient training on hazard identification and accident prevention contributes to higher injury rates. Providing better occupational safety education would help mitigate these issues.

Poor Maintenance of Equipment and Infrastructure

Outdated and poorly maintained equipment and infrastructure leads to frequent mechanical failures that endanger workers (Etebu & Nwankwo, 2017). Nigerian ports rely extensively on aging and deteriorating equipment like gantry cranes that are not adequately inspected and repaired. Malfunctioning machinery can cause workplace accidents. For example, brake failures in forklifts and container handlers have led to crashes and collapsed loading equipment (Onawoga, 2018). Defective lighting, potholes, and other infrastructure deficiencies also increase accident risks. Investing in modern equipment and improving maintenance practices would help make port environments safer.

Failure to Report and Address Hazards

A culture of failing to report and address known hazards leads to repetitive accidents in Nigerian ports (Chigozirim, 2021). Workers often do not notify supervisors about dangerous conditions like flawed equipment, slippery floors, missing guards on machines, etc. ports lack effective hazard reporting and resolution systems. As a result, avoidable accidents continue to occur. Changing organizational attitudes to encourage hazard identification and remediation would improve safety. Mechanisms like anonymous reporting channels for workers could help achieve this.

Insufficient Emergency Preparedness and Response

Nigerian ports often have inadequate emergency preparedness and response plans (Omozokpia, 2015). This exacerbates the severity of accidents when they do transpire. Many ports do not have suitable procedures for responding to incidents like chemical spills, fires, and vessel collisions. They lack designated emergency response teams with proper training. Equipment and resources for containment and rescue operations are also deficient. For example, when a gasoline pipeline exploded at Tin Can Island Port in 2018, the chaotic emergency response led to additional worker casualties (Bello, 2018). Improving emergency preparedness through better planning and training would help mitigate accident impacts.

Fatigue from Overwork and Shift Schedules

Excessive work hours and fatiguing shift schedules elevate accident risks by impairing alertness and decision-making (Umeano, 2020). Port activities often continue around the clock. Long shifts with minimal breaks are common. such conditions contribute to fatigue-related errors and injuries. For instance, crane operators working back-to-back 12-hour shifts are more prone to catastrophic mistakes like dropping containers on workers (Onawoga, 2018). Mandating limits on working hours and implementing less taxing shift rotations could reduce fatigue-related accidents.

Lack of Personal Protective Equipment

Many port workers lack adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) like hardhats, reflective vests, earplugs, safety goggles, and gloves (Etebu & Nwankwo, 2017). Insufficient PPE increases risks of injuries from falling objects, noise, chemicals, and other hazards present at ports. For example, cargo handlers exposed to loud noise for prolonged periods face elevated risks of hearing loss without proper ear protection. Ports need to ensure adequate supplies of PPE and mandate their proper use. Regular equipment inspections and replacement is also essential.

Poor Housekeeping and Sanitation

Cluttered work areas with slip, trip, and fall hazards lead to accidents in Nigerian ports (Chigozirim, 2021). Insufficient housekeeping and sanitation procedures result in dirty floors, debris, blocked walkways, and overflowing waste bins. These dangerous conditions directly contribute to worker injuries. For instance, electricians often trip on loose cables spread across floors. Instituting and enforcing strict housekeeping and waste disposal protocols could significantly improve workplace organization and safety.

Conclusion

Accidents and injuries take a major toll on Nigerian port workers while undermining port productivity. Several factors contribute including inadequate regulations and training, poor equipment maintenance, insufficient emergency preparedness, excessive overwork, lack of PPE, and subpar housekeeping. Implementing targeted interventions such as establishing national safety standards, instituting hazard reporting systems, reducing work hours, supplying proper PPE, and improving sanitation procedures can help mitigate these problems and protect port worker health and safety. Further research quantifying accident costs and piloting safety initiatives at select ports could provide an evidence base for developing comprehensive reforms. With proper mechanisms in place, Nigerian ports can operate both efficiently and safely.

References

Bello, O. (2018). Tragedy strikes at Tin Can Island Port. Ships & Ports. https://shipsandports.com.ng/tragedy-strikes-at-tin-can-island-port/

Chigozirim, P. (2021). Injuries among dock workers in Nigeria: A case study of Onne seaport. African Journal of Environmental and Occupational Health, 2(1), 154-166. https://doi.org/10.51372/ajoeh.v2i1.54

Etebu, E., & Nwankwo, B. (2017). Safety practices and occurrence of accidents and injuries in the Nigerian construction industry. Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology and Food Technology, 11(5), 52-64. https://doi.org/10.9790/2402-1105015264

Onawoga, B. (2018). 70% of equipment at Nigerian ports obsolete — Customs. Shipping Position. https://shippingposition.com.ng/2018/01/24/70-equipment-nigerian-ports-obsolete-customs/

Omozokpia, U. (2015). Assessment of safety management in Nigerian seaports. American Journal of Engineering Research, 4(2), 28-35.

Umeano, C. (2020). An analysis of occupational health, safety and environment (HSE) issues in Nigerian ports. Open Access Library Journal, 7, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1106290

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