Safety and Health Assessment in Kenyan Petrol Stations: Case Study of Thika-Nairobi Highway Stations

Abstract

In modern workstations, safety has been given priority to safeguard the well being of employees and structures therein. The recent outburst of flames in petrol depots has raised a lot of concern to all stake holders. Petrol stations hold highly inflammable petroleum products such as super petrol and liquefied petroleum gas which must be handled with great care. This research sought to identify the distribution and location of petrol stations along Thika-Nairobi Superhighway and thereafter evaluate the practices and awareness of staff to safety and health regulation. Determination of management physical controls to health and safety risks was also done. Preliminary visits were conducted to establish the exact number and locations of the stations, a questionnaire was also designed with structured questions to establish the in-depth conditions of the workplace organization, housekeeping, electrical, fire and chemical safety, training of staff in emergency preparedness, and other general observations related to health and safety. The study established that, although the employees in all the identified stations were aware of the risks to safety and the health surrounding their work environment, the level of importance attached to this by the multinational dealers was higher than for independent stations. Training on employment and continuous sensitization was only done by multinationals. The independent dealers only observed and adhered to the legal requirements that would put them out of operation if defaulted. This study will generate facts which the stake holders in the petroleum dealership industry can use to improve service delivery to their customers. Employers and employees could be encouraged to adhere to laid down standards to ensure that their work place is safe. The public can also be sensitized, based on the findings to be aware of the risks associated with petrol stations and to take precaution whenever they approach petrol station.