SAFETY

Offshore drilling operations constitute one of the most technically demanding and hazardous activities in the global petroleum industry. The complexity of these operations, combined with the challenges of deep-water environments, necessitates the implementation of rigorous safety protocols to protect personnel, assets, and the environment. This study provides a comprehensive overview of safety protocols in offshore drilling operations, emphasizing their effectiveness, challenges, and prospects for improvement. The research adopts a qualitative methodology that integrates literature reviews, regulatory reports, and case analyses from national and international offshore operations. Key focus areas include risk assessment modeling, safety management systems, regulatory compliance, human and organizational factors, and the application of modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and digital twin systems in enhancing offshore safety performance. Findings reveal that although substantial progress has been made in safety management and regulatory enforcement, gaps still exist in the consistent application of safety standards, particularly in developing regions where limited resources and weak regulatory oversight hinder full compliance. The study further highlights that most offshore incidents result from a combination of technical failures and human factors, underscoring the need for stronger safety cultures, continuous training, and advanced monitoring technologies. It concludes that a holistic, technology-driven, and human-centered approach is essential for achieving sustainable offshore safety. The research therefore recommends the adoption of integrated safety management frameworks, proactive risk mitigation strategies, and harmonization of global safety regulations to ensure safer, more resilient, and environmentally responsible offshore drilling operations.

This study examined the impact of youth unemployment on the security and safety of Egor Local Government Area. The study sought to investigate how the high rate of youth unemployment influences insecurity and affects the safety of lives and property within the community. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, four research questions were formulated to guide the research. The design for the study consisted of youths in Egor Local Government Area. A total of fifty (50) questionnaires were administered using a simple random sampling technique to ensure fair representation of respondents within the study area. The research instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed by the researcher and titled “Impact of Youth Unemployment on Security and Safety Questionnaire in Egor Local Government Aera.” The instrument was validated by experts to ensure its reliability and suitability for the study. The findings of the study among others revealed that youth unemployment significantly contributes to insecurity in Egor Local Government Area, leading to increased cases of crime and threats to the safety of lives and property. The study concluded that addressing youth unemployment through job creation, skill acquisition programmes, and government intervention can help improve security and enhance the overall safety of the community. Appropriate recommendations were therefore made based on the findings

This study investigates crosswalk safety in Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, focusing on the perceptions of road users, adequacy of crosswalk infrastructure, compliance with safety measures, and enforcement of pedestrian safety rules. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to three sample groups of students, staff, and drivers in the campus. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses was tested with chi-square at 0,05 significance level. The results suggest that comprehensive solutions incorporating improved infrastructure, increased enforcement, and educational campaigns are essential for creating a safer campus environment for all road users. The findings revealed a general negative perception of crosswalk safety, with key concerns around aggressive drivers’ behavior, including over-speeding and mobile phone usage while walking and driving. The research also identifies significant deficiencies in crosswalk signage and markings, with a substantial proportion of respondents reporting poor visibility of crosswalk infrastructure. Whereas, drivers claimed to yield at crosswalks, pedestrians frequently experienced drivers’ non-compliance, highlighting a disparity in perceptions between these groups. Furthermore, the study found a widespread agreement on the need for infrastructural improvements such as better signage and clearer markings. These findings emphasize the need for addressing both infrastructure deficiencies and behavioral issues to improve pedestrian safety. The study contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical data on crosswalk safety in a university setting, offering valuable insights for future interventions aimed at enhancing pedestrian infrastructure and safety enforcement. This study concluded by providing important insights regarding crosswalk safety in Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, emphasising critical concerns related to pedestrian and driver conduct, along with infrastructural deficiencies. It recommended that all existing crosswalk signage should be repainted using reflective and durable thermoplastic materials to improve visibility, particularly at night and the University’s Security Department, along with local traffic authorities, should enforce pedestrian laws to ensure compliance by both pedestrians and drivers.