Analyzing the Safety Risk Factors and Adaptation Measures in Downstream Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

Existing risk management practices in Downstream Oil and Gas Industry (DOGI) are ineffective in reducing the frequency of incidents and delays in the turnaround projects. The underestimation of safety risk impacts during the turnaround projects is the root cause of shocking accidents and delays in the DOGI. The paper focuses on analyzing the critical Safety Risk Factors (SRFs) and the potential Risk Adaptation Measures (RAMs) associated with turnaround projects. Current literature was reviewed to explore the complexity of risk management approaches and design a questionnaire survey based on the literature findings. The survey was conducted via online, and the collected data based on 72 samples were analyzed to identify the critical SRFs and the effective RAMs using the relative risk index method. Interviews were conducted with experts to evaluate the survey findings. It is found that SRFs such as fire and explosion hazards are the most critical, followed by slips, trips, and falls; confined space; motor and vehicle accidents and injuries. The study reveals that increasing safety awareness and empowering to key staffs may be an effective way of mitigating the safety risks. The paper concludes that there is strategic difference in risk assessment practices and adopted technology in safety risk mitigations between underdeveloped and developed countries.