International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) |Volume IX, Issue XI, November 2022|ISSN 2321-2705
Franklin Okoro1*; Nwamaka Linda Okoli2; Mary Frank-Okoro3; Ambrose Onne Okpu4; Cynthia Ehialeta5
1*CleanScript Group, Nigeria
*Corresponding author
Abstract: This study assessed the economic, environmental and safety impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and coping strategies for the petroleum industry using the descriptive survey design approach. Eighty (80) oil companies that operate in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, constituted the population of the study. Random sampling method was applied in choosing the sample for assessment and in getting the respondents to answer the questionnaire. The random sample size was derived utilizing Yamane Taro’s statistical technique to arrive at a sample size of 70. The study made use of questionnaires of both structured and semi-structured nature. Data from the answered questionnaires were analyzed both qualitatively using percentages. From the findings, the environmental impacts identified were both negative and positive. The result revealed that the safety impacts of COVID-19 pandemic across selected petroleum companies in Port Harcourt are in two (2) folds (positive and negative). The positive impacts included: improved air quality, reduction in water pollution, drop in Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, reduction in noise pollutions. Whereas the negative impacts identified were clogging in water ways, increased land filling and environmental pollutants worldwide. The Positive Safety Impacts are increased level of awareness of threat to health globally and increased level of safety measures practiced. The Negative Safety Impacts include increased risk of getting infections and increased risk of disease transmission from one person to another. From the results, the economic impact felt was a reduction in the barrel price of oil. Finally, the result revealed that some of the possible coping strategies are Rigid travel policies permitting essential duties workers only should be formulated and implemented for the short period of time and reduction of working days for offshore staff.
Keywords: COVID-19; Economic impact; Environmental impact; Safety impact; Coping strategies; Petroleum industry.
I. INTRODUCTION
What began as a health crisis – with grave impact on populations, within days became an economic and fiscal crisis with a high risk of negative social implications. National and international authorities and experts suggest the use of non-pharmaceutical measures like wearing face masks and hand gloves, washing hands with soap, frequent use of antiseptic solution and maintaining social distancing (Hui et al., 2020; Sajed and Amgain, 2020; WHO, 2020). To control the spread of the virus and reduce the death rate, government of most of the affected countries initiated to restrict the movement of people. Except emergency services (e.g., medical, fire, police, food supply etc.), all other organizations including the oil companies were closed to encourage people to stay at home.