Post-Conflict Recovery and Safety Culture Development in Libyan Oil Facilities: A Multi-Site Case Study Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the development and implementation of safety culture at Libyan oil facilities during post-conflict rehabilitation (2015–2023) and focuses on three main sites, Ras Lanuf, Zueitina, and Sirte Oil Company. In examining the success of safety culture initiatives, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, studying safety performance data, interviewing 45 stakeholders, and examining organizational documentation.

The Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) decreased by an average of 37% at all sites, and there were significant relationships between improved safety performance and leadership involvement (β = 0.64, p < 0.001). A four-phase recovery model that includes the phases of stabilization, systems development, cultural integration, and sustainability was developed by the study. Important conclusions showed that traditional Libyan values and international safety standards might be successfully combined to create a hybrid safety culture model that works well in post-conflict settings. Significant gains in employee engagement (92% positive response rate) and near-miss reporting (r = 0.76) were revealed by statistical analysis. By applying Reason's organizational accident theory and Hudson's evolutionary model to post-conflict settings, the study advances safety culture theory while offering helpful implementation advice for comparable settings. For organizations working in post-conflict areas, especially in the oil and gas industry in the MENA region, the developed framework provides insightful information. It highlights the significance of striking a balance between local cultural considerations and international safety standards to develop a sustainable safety culture.