Policy Gaps and Implementation Barriers in Occupational Health Management of Oil Drilling Workers with Chronic Exposure Risks

Abstract

Oil drilling workers face serious long-term health risks from workplace exposures, yet protective policies often fail in practice. This study examined why this gap exists by surveying 412 Nigerian oil workers about their exposures, health conditions, and safety practices, then interviewing 54 stakeholders to understand implementation failures. Workers showed alarmingly high rates of musculoskeletal problems (68%), hearing loss (53%), and breathing difficulties (41%)—far exceeding normal population levels. Statistical analysis revealed that workplace hazards increased chronic disease risk by up to 5 times, while effective safety policies reduced these problems by 38%. However, interviews uncovered six critical barriers: production pressures override safety (78% of workers affected), inadequate resources (89% of managers reported), weak enforcement (94% of regulators acknowledged), unclear contractor responsibilities (83% of health professionals cited), gaps between knowledge and practice (84% of workers experienced), and the invisibility of gradually developing diseases (91% of all participants noted). The findings show that while Nigeria has comprehensive safety regulations, systematic implementation failures leave workers unprotected. Meaningful protection requires stronger enforcement, adequate funding, clear accountability, updated health monitoring, and organisational cultures that genuinely value worker health alongside production targets.

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