Abstract
Abstract : Human factors are mostly regarded as the key source of hazards under safety-related systems, human factors are still not considered when dealing with safety-related systems. If human factor risks are not taken into consideration, a system does not attain the required level of integrity. The main objective of this research study is to investigate whether human error is the cause of major incidents that occurred within the offshore oil and gas industry. The investigation is done via a human error evaluation framework that is developed, with an aim of analysing incident’s causes within the offshore oil and gas industry. The secondary aim of this research is investigate whether the developed human error evaluation framework is an adequate tool in conducting an incident investigation, with an aim of finding the cause of the incident. The research approach that this study follows is a case study approach. A total of eight case studies are evaluated via a human error evaluation framework in order to determine specific causes. Most incidents that occurred within the offshore oil and gas industry are due to various factors, namely management systems; work environment and human factors. The results from the evaluation shows that management systems are accountable for 47% of offshore oil and gas incidents, while work environment factors are responsible for 27% of offshore oil and gas industry. On the other hand, human factor is responsible for 27% of offshore oil and gas industry incidents. In order to successfully address human failure issues, it is recommended that a human factors approach must be taken by oil and gas organisations to reduce 27 % of incidents.
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)