A web-based collection and analysis of process safety incidents

Abstract

Process safety incidents have large consequences on people, community and environment; hence, it is important to have a learning organization to build on lessons learned from incidents both within and outside the organization. In this study, a web-based collection of process safety incidents is categorized and analyzed in a two-tiered manner to identify proximate causes. Further, a risk-based framework is used to determine deficiencies in the safety management systems. 96 incidents were collected and subjected to the analysis. Even though these incidents are from across the world, they are not statistically representative due to the lack of a universal database of process safety incidents. During the analysis, it was observed that 60% of the incidents resulted in explosions and 16% had equipment malfunction as a proximate cause. In addition, the analysis using the risk-based framework showed that incidents were influenced by a deficiency of safe work practices, operating procedures and conduct of operations. Future work in this area includes the development of tools for continuous monitoring of safety critical systems by leveraging lessons learned from previous incidents.