An analysis of incident investigation within the oil and gas industry (LO1)

Incident Investigation

Background

Working in challenging and extreme conditions demands constant vigilance and risk awareness. Thorough investigation of emergencies and accidents can pinpoint causes and prevent further incidents.

Investigation of incidents and near misses is a key part of most company safety management systems and is a regulatory requirement for major hazard facilities. Incident investigations provide warnings that designs, and operations may not be achieving the safety objectives assumed. Good investigation goes beyond immediate and basic technical causes to examine management systems root causes and safety barrier failures.

Assignment Task

As a health and safety advisor, you have been tasked to write a 3,000-word report which provides a critical reflection, insight and detailed analysis on the issue of incident investigation within the oil and gas industry.

Your report should address the following areas:

1. An analysis of incident investigation within the oil and gas industry (LO1)
2. An evaluation of the types failures associated with incidents in the oil and gas industry (LO4)
3. In a table, provide a detailed review and evaluation of statistics and historical accidents within the oil and gas industry relating to major incidents in the oil and gas industry (e.g. WOAD, HSE and Oil and Gas UK). (LO2)
4. A business case relating to the reduction of major incidents in the oil and gas industry.(LO3)