Relevance Of Tools And Machinery In Accident Prevention . (A Case Study Of Spdc Port-harcourt

Relevance Of Tools And Machinery In Accident Prevention . (A Case Study Of Spdc Port-harcourt

Chapiter 1

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

According to the most recent estimates, over 474 million individuals suffer from occupational diseases and non-fatal accidents, and around 2.3 million workers pass away from work-related accidents and diseases; these expenses exceed US$2.8 trillion, or 4% of gross domestic product (Takala et al., 2012). These have grown by at least 10% since ten years ago (Takala, 2005), and are predicted to grow even more as nations and organizations struggle with the quick pace of technological advancement, the changing nature of accidents, hazards, and risks, the shifting social perceptions of accidents, the introduction of new types of regulations, and rising levels of complexity and coupling. Obviously, the extent of these will vary depending on the industry in question and the climate in which it operates.

Rahim (2008) described an accident as a circumstance that was unplanned, undesirable, expected, or under control. Normally, accidents that result in casualties would garner more attention (Hinze, 1997). Accidents do not always result in injuries, but they do often result in the destruction of equipment and supplies. Accidents are unintended occurrences that cause bodily harm or property damage, typically as a result of coming into contact with an energy source that is more powerful than the body or the structure can handle. 99% of accidents, according to Ridley (1986), are the result of either risky behavior, harmful surroundings, or both. Any accident should be taken seriously, regardless of the kind of loss or damage it causes. To prevent and lessen such mishaps in the future, precaution should be taken. Accidents that occurred during construction caused unintended harm, property damage, and disruption. Identifying where and how risks occur is necessary in order to reduce the number of accidents. Poor safety awareness from top leaders, a lack of training, a lack of organizational commitment, a lack of technical guidance, an uncontrolled operation, a reluctance to contribute resources for safety, a lack of certified skilled labor, unsafe equipment, a lack of first aid measures, a lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations, a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a lack of protection in material transportation were the causes of accidents, according to Tam et al. (2004).

Because they are the most obvious causes and are frequently directly involved or present at the time the accident occurs, it can be inferred from the studies and research conducted by various researchers that unsafe acts and unsafe conditions are categories to immediate or primary causes of accidents. The failings of the management system to predict secondary causes, such as a lack of training, maintenance, sufficient job planning and education, and the absence of safe systems of work, are listed by Holt (2001).

1.2 Description Of The Issue

Rahim (2008) described an accident as a circumstance that was unplanned, undesirable, expected, or under control. Accidents do not always result in injuries, but they do often result in the destruction of equipment and supplies. Accidents are unintended occurrences that cause bodily harm or property damage, typically as a result of coming into contact with an energy source that is more powerful than the body or the structure can handle. 99% of accidents, according to Ridley (1986), are the result of either risky behavior, harmful surroundings, or both.

Additionally, accidents in the construction sector have caused unintentional injury, property damage, and disruption. According to NSTP (2000) statistics, there were 5.6 percent more construction accidents in 2003 than there were in 1995, with 4,654 instances total.

In a research on the causes of accidents in the construction sector, Abdelhamid and Everett (2000) divided them into two categories: human and physical factors. Poor safety awareness from top leaders, a lack of training, a lack of organizational commitment, a lack of technical guidance, an uncontrolled operation, a reluctance to contribute resources for safety, a lack of certified skilled labor, unsafe equipment, a lack of first aid measures, a lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations, a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and a lack of protection in material transportation were the causes of accidents, according to Tam et al. (2004). The prevalence of industrial accidents in Nigeria’s construction and non-construction industries, according to Aderayor (2009), has also been ascribed to a lack of or inadequate supply of high-quality industrial tools, equipment, and machinery. But this has led to more material waste, worker injuries, and fatalities. Industrial accidents have been significantly influenced by the purchase of low-quality tools and equipment that isn’t functioning properly. Given the foregoing, this study focuses on the role that tools and machinery play in preventing accidents.

1.3 Study’s Objective

This study’s overarching goal is to investigate the value of equipment and tools in preventing accidents. In order to do this, the study specifically;

1. Investigate the reasons behind industrial accidents.

2. Determine whether using industrial equipment and tools helps to prevent industrial accidents.

3. Check to see if industrial companies have enough high-quality equipment and tools available.

4. Check to see if employees have received the necessary training on the importance of using the proper industrial tools and equipment constantly while operating.

5. Determine the degree to which employees use the proper equipment while doing tasks.

1.4 Research Problem

The following inquiries will guide this investigation.

1. Does using industrial equipment and tools help to avoid industrial accidents?

2. Are industrial enterprises adequately stocked with high-quality tools and equipment?

3. Are employees properly instructed on the necessity of utilizing the proper industrial tools and equipment at all times while they are operating?

4. To what extent do employees use the proper equipment and tools while doing their duties?

1.5 Importance Of The Research

By introducing students to current safety management practices, this study will be pertinent to safety managers, the government, businesses, and regulatory organizations. They will be able to become risk-aware thanks to this understanding. The study will help the manufacturing sector develop an efficient safety management system to maintain a successful firm. The results of this study will further motivate industrial managers to check the condition of existing and upcoming industrial equipment. Finally, because it will act as a roadmap for future research, this work will be important to researchers in the future.

1.6 Study’s Purpose

The study emphasizes on the importance of equipment and instruments in preventing accidents. However, the study will also look at the factors that lead to industrial accidents, determine whether the use of industrial tools and machinery helps to prevent industrial accidents, determine whether industrial companies have enough high-quality tools and machinery, determine whether workers are properly instructed on the importance of continuously using the right industrial tools and machines while operating, and determine the degree to which workers use the proper tools and machinery. As a result, the study would be conducted in Rivers State’s SPDC Port-Harcourt.

1.7 Study Restrictions

The researcher encountered some obstacles while conducting this study, including time restrictions, budget limitations, language hurdles, and respondents’ attitudes. To assure the success of this investigation, the researcher was able to overcome these obstacles.

1.8 Term Definitions

Accident: Any unforeseen event that could result in harm or property damage. Any occurrence that has or would have resulted in harm, destruction, or a disruption of labor (Emenite: 2003).

Management is the process of accomplishing goals via and in collaboration with others, according to Robins and Decenzo (2005).

Safety is defined as “all laws and ordinances pertaining to the safety of a firm’s operations, products, and employees” (Kadiri, 2006).