Appraisal of occupational health and safety practices in Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) PLC Abuja distribution zone.

Abstract

This study was designed specifically to determine the adequacy of the safety equipment and devices, the compliance of occupational health and safety standards and the possible ways of promoting occupational health and safety in Abuja distribution Zone, Nigeria,. The three research questions and one hypothesis were formulated and tested at .05 level of significance. The research designed used for this study was the survey method as it involved the use of questionnaires to elicit opinions from respondents. The study was conducted in Abuja distribution Zone, Nigeria, purposeful sampled techniques was used. 85 technicians and 35 supervisors/engineers and 15 Managers were randomly sample from these stations. The designed questionnaires were administered to the respondents and had 100% returned rate. Four point scales was used. The data collected for this study was analyzed using mean, standard deviation and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings emerged from the study among others are inadequate of some safety equipment and devices like Automatic Smoke Detectors, Muffs/Plugs and safety nets and No employee is permitted to work on power equipment alone and not only approved safety belts and straps are worn by linemen. Based on these findings it was recommended among others that the management should provide adequate and relevant safety equipment and devices, ensure strict compliance with OHS standards and establish of OHS department in every station and business unit.