Abstract

The Nigerian oil and gas industry is a high-risk sector where occupational safety, health, and environment (OSHE) professionals play a critical role in mitigating workplace hazards. However, empirical evidence on their impact remains limited. This study assessed the influence of the presence and effectiveness of OSHE professionals on workplace safety in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing a structured self-administered questionnaire distributed to 100 professionals across various subsectors. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Chi-Square tests, were used to evaluate associations between OSHE professional presence, effectiveness, and reported safety outcomes. The analysis revealed a statistically significant positive association between the presence of OSHE professionals and enhanced workplace safety (p < 0.05). Organizations with effective OSHE teams demonstrated better safety performance, while those without such teams reported poorer safety environments. The findings underscore the vital role of OSHE professionals in promoting workplace safety in high-risk industries. Strengthening their presence and operational effectiveness is essential for improving safety standards in Nigeria's oil and gas sector.