PERSONNEL SAFETY IN STORES OPERATION IN AN ORGANIZATION
ABSTRACT
The researcher undertook an in-depth research work on personnel safety in stores operation. In chapter one, the researcher gave a concise historical background of the company under study. Whereby there is a concise insight on the role and contribution of Camela Vegetable Oil Limited towards the achievement of personnel safety in stores operation. The researcher narrated the background study if the topic and the problem associated with it. In chapter two, the researcher reviewed some relevant literatures, which include journals, textbooks, periodical, encyclopedia, etc which have bearing with the research topic. In chapter three, vivid approaches for collecting data were stated. The researcher used questionnaire, personal interview and observation to obtain data for this research work. In chapter four, the researcher presented and analyzes critically, the data obtained with a view to highlighting a basis for suggesting possible solution and recommendation. Finally, chapter five dealt with the conclusion, summary and recommendation on how to achieve zero accident in stores operations.
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The researcher has chosen Camela Vegetable Oil Ltd, Owerri division as study. Camela Vegetable Oil Limited is a manufacturing/production company, operates in joint venture with a parent company in the United Kingdom, London, Located in Onitsha Road, Industrial Layout Owerri Imo State.
The company (Camela) began its operation in 1982 with a line staff of thirty personnels that consist of twenty factory workers and ten administrative staff. Camela Vegetable Oil Ltd commenced production in 1993 followed by the launching of Camela Vegetable Oil in the Nigerian market with the effect of their recruited marketing outfit. In order to have a better operational strategy, the company divided its operational administration into two groups in this country, one located at Abia State but still under construction.
The policy statement of Camela Vegetable Oil Ltd Owerri, like other operational based companies, is aimed at conducting all its operation in such a way and manner that will endure reasonable and practicable safety of all its employees as well as others who may be affected by its activities and operations. Till date the company, Camela Vegetable Oil Ltd had not only complied with requirements of the relevant legislation safety acts of 1974 but had promoted safety in an appropriate measures for safeguarding personnels in the stores and environment at large.
Accordingly, the company in 1983 introduced a number of safety incentive schemes namely: corporate safety, environmental safety scheme, factory activities based award, beside the creation of a safe working environment, the company had also provided safety equipment and safety training for its workers.
In the midst of this numerous effect by management, great losses both human and economic resources are attributed to industrial accidents and other occupational hazards. They are virtually difficult to quantify. It therefore means that managers at all levels, supervisors and researchers are required to put more effort in other to take safety fully into account throughout the company’s operations. Therefore ensuring that safety activities and instructions are fully observed.
Personnel safety is very important in every area of the organization but particularly needed in the stores due to working condintion under which the stores personnel operates, and the numerous potential hazards expose in the stores operations.
According to Uzor(2006:325) practical stores, such hazards observed in stores includes: materials falling from heights(racks), injury through lifting of excessive heavy loads, injury through lifting of normal loads badly, falls owing to climbing of bins in order to reach upper compartments, slippery of oil spillage or grease spillage, injury to hand through lifting and handling without wearing protective glove, others are mechanical handling equipments, corrosive chemical, etc.
Adequate safety in the organization in general especially in stores can not be undermined as organization profitability depends greatly upon the safety of humans. On this basis, the researcher will evaluate the causes of accidents in the stores operation and the possibility of resolving such problems. Especially as it is believes that human safety represents knowledge instrument in the prevention of death associated with work.
