Assessment Of Occupational Safety And Health Issues In Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retail Business In Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

Liquefied petroleum gas (Lpg) is primarily used as a thermal fuel. It’s a clean, green, and efficient energy source that reduces deforestation, and poses no ground or water pollution hazards. However, Lpg cylinder accidents are devastating. This study aimed at assessing the level of awareness of occupational safety and health issues in Lpg cylinder retail business among retailers in Kiambu County; examining the current OSH practices put in place, and exploring the challenges hindering good OSH practices in this business. The study adopted a descriptive-diagnostic research design; and from a population of 400, a sample of 292 was arrived at. Stratified purposive sampling was employed in selecting the study sites. Data was collected through observation, the use of interview schedules and measurements. Subsequently, the data collected was analyzed using SPSS ver.25 and excel 2019: descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were effectuated and presented in the form of charts, graphs, and tables. The study established that 77% of the respondents were not aware of the occupational safety and health issues in the Lpg cylinder retail business. Similarly, 71% of the respondents did not employ safe occupational safety and health practices in their operations. The association of awareness of how to use a fire extinguisher and gender of the respondents was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level with 2 (df=1) =4.999, since p=.025. The association of awareness of the health and safety policy and respondents’ experience was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level with 2 (df=4) =32.204, since p= <.001. The association of housekeeping and age of the respondents was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level with 2 (df=2) =7.268, since p=.026. The association of cylinder handling and education level of the respondents was statistically significant at a 95% confidence level with 2 (df=2) =14.193, since p=<.001. It was ascertained that 29.2% and 46.7% of the 13kg and 6kg Lpg cylinders respectively were non-conforming concerning weight measurements and non-destructive testing. Challenges to the application of good OSH practices included lack of sensitization on the importance of safety, ignorance, and high costs associated with Lpg cylinder safety enhancement. The study recommends that relevant regulatory agencies should undertake routine inspections and monitoring in all Lpg retail centers. Similarly, Lpg suppliers, in partnership with the County governments should raise public awareness about Lpg cylinder safety; through safety tailored campaigns on local television/radio stations, print media, and social media platforms. Technological breakthroughs should also be embraced in Lpg cylinder safety enhancement.