Identifying and Managing Community Health and Safety Risks and Impacts During the Constuction of a Petrochemical Refinery: Experience from Southeast Asia

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this paper is to describe an on-going case study based in Southeast Asia. This case relates to the identification and management of community health and safety risks and impacts across the construction phase of a complex, large-scale petrochemical refinery project. In the Southeast Asia case, the completion of a number of assessments along with the development and implementation of a community health and safety monitoring plan and influx management plan has been undertaken by the author. The project is being constructed to meet the International Finance Corporations Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability, and thus conformance to Performance Standard 4 on community health, safety and security is required. Experience from leading community health implementation efforts for this project has identified that effective management of community health risk requires a firm understanding of baseline conditions. In addition to understanding baseline conditions, the development of targeted, effective and collaborative management strategies and the strategic, cost-effective allocation of resources are also important. A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is generally recognized as the most effective initial step to identifying and managing potential community health risks and impacts. However, in this case, an HIA was not completed. This case points to opportunities beyond current HIA and available community health guidance to effectively manage risks and impacts, and to maximize opportunities for both the workforce and citizens who reside in communities associated with petrochemical projects.