Evaluation of Port Health and Safety Management at Onne Port Complex, Rivers State

Port complexes involving simultaneous cargo handling, vessel berthing, and industrial processes require comprehensive health and safety management systems to prevent accidents and occupational illness. This study evaluates the health and safety management practices at Onne Port Complex in Rivers State, one of Nigeria's principal oil and gas logistics hubs. A professional survey methodology was adopted, with structured questionnaires administered to health, safety, and environment managers, terminal supervisors, and dock workers across three terminal operators at the complex, combined with review of occupational accident records and safety inspection reports for the period 2021 to 2024. The study applies the Factories Act and relevant provisions of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act as domestic compliance benchmarks, alongside international port health and safety standards. Findings indicate that the major terminal operators maintain certified health and safety management systems and demonstrate acceptable accident frequency rates by international standards, while smaller service contractors operating within the port present elevated accident rates and weaker safety governance. Silica dust exposure during bulk cement handling and ergonomic hazards in container lashing operations are identified as inadequately controlled hazards. Recommendations include extension of the major operators' health and safety management systems to contractor safety governance, mandatory health surveillance programme for workers in dusty cargo operations, and establishment of a port-wide emergency response coordination centre. Keywords: port health and safety, Onne Port, occupational safety, safety management system, dock workers