Evaluation of the Effect of Fatigue Management Practices on the Performance of Offshore Workers in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State
Abstract
This study critically examined fatigue management practices and their influence on the performance outcomes of offshore workers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, an environment globally recognized for its demanding conditions, long shift cycles, and heightened risk of fatigue-related incidents. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, the study sampled 424 offshore employees across selected oil and gas companies, achieving a valid response rate of 95.0% (403 responses). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering fatigue management practices, policy awareness, compliance behaviour, fatigue levels, performance outcomes, and organizational barriers to implementation. Analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, composite index assessment, Pearson Product–Moment Correlation , and Exploratory Factor Analysis . The findings revealed that while core fatigue management provisions such as sleeping facilities (mean = 3.71), mandatory rest breaks (3.60), and fatigue-related training (3.50) were rated highly, other practices, particularly shift schedule optimization (3.36), handover adequacy (3.12), and non-punitive reporting systems (3.26), were only moderately embedded. Awareness and compliance patterns showed similar inconsistencies: although workers demonstrated high awareness of policy existence (3.62) and training availability (3.55), awareness of reporting procedures (3.21) and detailed responsibilities (3.32) remained moderate. Composite analysis showed 36.2% of workers exhibiting high awareness–compliance alignment, while 49.1% fell into the moderate range. Fatigue levels were generally moderate across physical (3.60), cognitive (3.48), and mental domains (3.43), with a Karolinska Sleepiness Scale mean of 5.21 indicating normal-to-moderate sleepiness. Performance outcomes showed relatively strong productivity (3.49) and work quality (3.54) but moderate safety- related performance, especially alertness (3.32) and presenteeism (3.21, reverse-scored). A moderate, statistically significant correlation (r = 0.412, p < 0.001) confirmed that stronger fatigue management practices were associated with better performance outcomes. EFA revealed three dominant implementation challenges: resource and operational constraints, supervisory enforcement and leadership support, and reporting culture and communication barriers. The study concluded that while important fatigue controls are in place, significant gaps persist in scheduling, reporting culture, and supervisory enforcement. It recommended improved shift design, stronger reporting systems, targeted fatigue training, leadership-driven enforcement, and enhanced organizational support to promote safer, healthier, and more productive offshore operations in Nigeria. IJEMT
Keywords
Fatigue Management PracticesPerformance of Offshore Workers
References
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