Exploring human performance factors influencing understanding of safeguards among offshore workforces in Terengganu

Offshore operations are conducted in high risk working environments that require effective safety management to prevent serious injuries and fatal accidents. Establishment of numerous safety policies and procedures, field implementation frequently shows misalignment between formal safety requirements and actual work practices. This misalignment is largely influenced by human performance factors and the manner in which the workforce understands and interacts with critical safeguards during the execution of high-risk tasks. This study used a qualitative case study design to examine how human performance factors influence the understanding of safeguards, particularly in terms of verifying their presence and functional effectiveness within real operational contexts. Data collection was carried out through eight non-participant observation sessions conducted at an offshore oil and gas industrial site. Observations were guided by a structured Verification and Validation Observation Checklist that supported direct interaction to document actual work practices. This approach prioritised the observation of work as performed, while reducing dependence on documentation audits that reflect work as imagined. The findings indicate a persistent gap between planned safety protocols and their implementation in the field. Although the presence of safeguards is commonly verified prior to task execution, sufficient attention is not consistently given to ensuring that these safeguards will function effectively when required. Furthermore, limited understanding and the ritualistic use of safety equipment have resulted in safeguards being perceived primarily as procedural compliance requirements rather than as active risk control mechanisms. This study concludes that enhancing safeguard effectiveness requires a shift from a procedural compliance-based approach towards a more proactive and generative safety culture. The role of Front-Line Supervisors is identified as a critical element in ensuring that safeguards are functionally verified at the operational level, in alignment with the actual risks encountered during offshore activities.