Compliance of Expatriates with Perceived and Real Health and Safety Risks in Overseas Oil and Gas Operations
Authors: Allen James S. 
Published: December 2007

Compliance of Expatriates with Perceived and Real Health and Safety Risks in Overseas Oil and Gas Operations James S. Allen

A survey of health and safety concerns amongst an expatriate community in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, revealed discrepancies between recommended and actual practices, and perceived versus real risks. Eighty-three responses were obtained from an expatriate community of approximately 200 households.

Most responders do not follow the advice given prior to transfer regarding malaria prophylaxis. Most responders drive their own vehicles, despite the fact that most had no preparation regarding local traffic laws. A significant number lack adequate seat belts. Most felt insufficiently informed prior to transfer. Forty-three percent would consider using a psychological counseling service. Ranked of greatest importance for health and safety were access to medical care, food/water quality, and traffic safety. These responses suggest ways that companies can better prepare families for transfer to this area.

Introduction

An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to expatriate households in Balikpapan, E. Kalimantan, Indonesia. The purpose of this questionnaire was to ascertain the population's perceptions of various health and safety risks, and to document current practices. It sought to identify how prepared expatriates were for living in a relatively remote tropical setting, and what health and safety issues they ranked of greatest importance.

Balikpapan is located in the middle of the east coast of the island of Borneo, approximately 800 flight up miles from either Singapore or Jakarta, which serve as centers for medical and dental care.

The expatriate population at the time of the survey consisted of approximately 800, comprising workers and their families from six different companies. This heterogeneous group contained citizens of the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, France, and Norway. In comparison, the Indonesian National population numbered approximately 350,000.

The expatriate workforce, while traditionally associated primarily with the oil and gas industry, has recently grown to include many with coal and gold-mining operations.

The relative remoteness of the location can pose various difficulties for a small expatriate group : social isolation, difficulties with travel, access to medical/dental care, etc.

Methods

The questionnaire was drawn up based on issues raised in the course of the author's clinical experiences as a primary care physician for the subject population.

Because of the small size and cohesiveness of the group, anonymity was deemed necessary to obtain frank responses.

Of the 125 questionnaires distributed, 83 complete responses were returned. Thirty-four questions, compiled in a simple "yes/no" format, or requiring ranking on a 10-point likert scale, addressed the following:Use of antimalarial prophylaxisDriving habitsPretransfer educationKnowledge of immunizationsKnowledge of first aidSource of stressEstimation of alcohol abuseConcern about crimeInterest in psychological counselingRanking of health/safety concerns

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