Exploring new antecedent metrics for safety performance in Ghana’s oil and gas industry using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM)

Abstract

Safety plays a major role in the oil and gas industry's capacity to function successfully within acceptable risk and dangerous conditions. Thus, promoting a safe working environment is an obligation for oil and gas companies with inherently high risks. Even though the oil and gas industry's safety records have greatly improved due to better technology and improved levels of risk perception, some stakeholders remain worried about the industry's present safety performance. This research studied the safety practices and performance of a critical sector in Ghana; the oil, gas, and allied energy industry, and proposed an integrated strategy for investigating new antecedent metrics for enhancing the safety performance in the sector. A Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis found that 1) safety training is the most significant contributor to safety performance and 2) This relationship is best mediated through safety knowledge and safety culture. The results further demonstrate that effective safety training is another safety management practice that can help develop a well-functioning safety policy. However, this study found that safety training had no significant effect on safety compliance, and safety compliance had no influence on safety performance. Oil and gas companies in Ghana seeking to improve safety compliance should prioritize safety training practices that demonstrate a clear commitment to safety concerns, improved accessibility and clarity of safety procedures, and training that emphasizes increased knowledge of safety issues and safety procedures.