MANAGEMENT SAFETY PRACTICES AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED OIL DEPOTS IN OGHARA, DELTA STATE.

ABSTRACT
The study examines management occupational safety practices and safety performance in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. The study has its objectives as: accessing the various occupational safety practices relating to inspection, prevention and training; determine the level of management compliance with safety regulations as well as investigate the relationship between safety practices and safety performance in Nigeria. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires administered to staff of three selected oil depots in Oghara Delta State. The study utilized descriptive statistic, Pearson Correlation and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) for its tests and analysis. The study found that a number of safety practices were in place in the oil and gas industry and mixed reactions trailed the level of management compliance with safety regulations with many staff affirming below average compliance; Safety performance had a negative and significant effect on management compliance with safety regulations. The study therefore recommended that management should consider issue of continuous training of staff for safe work procedures as topmost priority to ensure good measure for safety practices in the work environment.