Improving proactive major accident prevention by new technology and work processes

Abstract

The paper shows how new technology and new work processes in the offshore oil and gas industry can improve proactive management of process safety. A generic model for proactive major accident prevention is presented, which includes generation of information on hazards, risk and safety performance, presentation of the information and decision-making based on this information. The model is extended with feedback loops for spotting and exploring the unknown contributions to risk on the basis of operational experience. This is based on sensitization for situated experience with risky processes, and on sensitization for complexity and potentiality beyond intended/designed operation. The paper identifies four main improvements on risk assessment and management by new technology and new work processes in the offshore oil and gas industry: 1) better risk models and risk pictures by data capture, communication infrastructure and information access; 2) better communication of risk models by communication infrastructure, information access, information visualization; 3) better interpretations and decision-making by collaboration work arena, operational capability and IO mindset; and 4) better sensitization related to the unknowns.