Implications of the Offshore Oil & Gas Working Environment on Mental Health and Performance of Workers

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of the site location on the relationship between the Oil and Gas working environment’s psychosocial hazards, mental health disorders and workers’ Performance. Quantitative methods and deductive approaches have been used. The study’s population was Egyptian Oil & Gas workers, and the study sample included 409 participants. The collected data were statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results indicated a high levels of psychosocial hazards in the Oil & Gas working environment, where isolation, remoteness and adverse living conditions significantly depicted the highest levels. The presence of mental health disorders was confirmed by screening Depression, Stress and Anxiety among the study sample, where most responses indicated difficulties in their abilities to overcome. Further, the results showed an average level of performance with a noticeably low levels in contextual performance aspects. The study concluded that performance in the offshore Oil & Gas industry is not entirely a functional pattern but can also be influenced by the working environment, where the moderating effect of the site location of the Oil & Gas working environment on workers’ mental health disorders could eventually compromise their performance levels, ultimately harming the interest and sustainability of this vital sector.