Impact of human errors on accidents in the oil and gas industry in Bahrain

Alkhaldi, M

Abstract

Through the last few decades, occupational accidents had increased in different workplaces around the world. One of the main causes of these accidents is human error. Human error is an improper decision or behaviour of any worker in the workplace. In the Oil and Gas (O&G) industry, human error constitutes as the largest contributor of over 80% of all accidents. Although the O&G industry is a pillar of the economy of some countries like Bahrain, few studies have paid attention to address human error accidents and reduce its occurrence particularly within this industry. Accordingly, this research aims to enhance the industrial safety strategy by considering human attributed accidents in the O&G industry in Bahrain through developing an action plan. This aim will be achieved by identifying the current Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) framework in Bahrain and by critically evaluating the challenges related to human errors specific accidents in the O&G industry in Bahrain.

In order to achieve the aim and objectives of the research, a case study strategy and multiple case study design is adopted. Three case studies are selected in refining, distributing and storage units in the downstream. Data collection and data analysis were conducted following mixed methods using semi-structured interviews and questionnaire surveys as primary data collection techniques. 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted with the managerial level in three units. Whilst a total 226 questionnaires were distributed, 163 were received and valid. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Descriptive statistics through central tendency measures and inferential statistics through Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Coefficient and Mann-Whitney U Test were both deployed to analyse quantitative data. Results indicate that human error accidents have common examples in the O&G industry in Bahrain like overconfidence, ignoring the importance of wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and carelessness and there are nine challenges that contribute to these accidents. The most critical five challenges from the managerial and operational levels viewpoints are safety training, accidents reporting system, communication, safety implementation and safety leadership. Results reveal also that OHS framework in this industry in Bahrain requires more improvement and compliance with international regulations and best safety practices.
As this thesis develops an action plan, it is a powerful platform for change that focuses on the nine action areas in the developed strategy. This thesis as well gives academics and professionals unique insights and significant understanding of the setting of human error accidents in this industry in Bahrain and the related challenges.

Citation

Alkhaldi, M. Impact of human errors on accidents in the oil and gas industry in Bahrain. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 8, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 8, 2019
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2019