COMPLIANCE WITH HYGIENE AND SAFETY REGULATIONS IN THE OIL AND GAS SECTOR: THE CASE OF SONARA

ABSTRACT

Oil and gas resources are unarguably the life blood of the modern economy and have now become one of the most essential energy resource in the world. The Cameroonian economy depends on the oil and gas sector for revenue and fuel. However, oil and gas activities have the potentials of causing harm to lives, properties and the environment if not controlled and regulated appropriately. Measures and strategies designed to prevent, control, reduce, or eliminate hazards in the oil and gas industry have most often been futile due to the disregard to hygiene and safety rules. Against this backdrop, this study critically examines compliance with hygiene and safety regulations in the oil and gas sector in Cameroon and the extent to which these hygiene and safety measures are implemented in SONARA. The researcher made use of qualitative research methodology encompassing an in-depth of content analysis of both primary and secondary sources of information, accompanied by interviews and personal observations. Findings revealed the existence of commendable legal and institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety regulations at SONARA. It was further revealed that the management of SONARA has also committed herself genuinely to the implementation of hygiene safety measures. This notwithstanding, the recent fire incident at SONARA on Friday, 31^st May 2019 and other major hygiene and safety challenges depicts that safety measures adopted by the management of SONARA are inadequate. It is therefore recommended that the management of SONARA ensures regular machine maintenance, purchase and install high standard machines, import efficient and effective generators, carry out routine training on hygiene and safety, and implement the laws regulating hygiene and safety.