INDUSTRIAL

ACCIDENTS AND

INVESTIGATIONS

1
 OLD VERSUS NEW
Old Myths :
 It will never happen to me.
 It has never happened here.
 Health and Safety is an additional burden.
 H&S is our ‘Safety Departments’ responsibility
 Health and Safety is just another ‘Paper exercise’
 Accidents are unplanned incidents
 Health and safety isn’t worth the required effort.
 We simply can’t afford all of this and H&S

Source: CIDA 2
 Modern (New) Beliefs
 Health and Safety is everybody’s responsibility.
 Accidents are ‘caused’, they don’t just happen.
 Health and Safety is a long term investment.
 A healthy and safe working environment is
productive working environment
 No job is so important that it cannot be done in a
healthy and safe way.
 Health and Safety is a frame of mind.

Source: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) 3

Modern (New) Beliefs….Continued.

 A vast majority of accidents, injuries and

damages are indeed preventable.
 Health and Safety is not an ‘add on’, it must be
‘built in’.

Reactive versus Proactive

Source: CIDA 4
 Incident and Accident
 INCIDENT
An incident is an unplanned event that does not
necessarily result in loss but has the ‘potential’ to
result in a measurable form of loss.

 ACCIDENT
An accident is an unplanned event that results in
injuries or harm to persons, damage to equipment or
material, loss of property or damage to the
environment;

Source: CIDA 5
 Reporting Incidents and Accidents
 OBJECTIVES
 Data for statistical analysis and performance
tracking.
 Identification of improvement opportunities.

 Improve communications regarding hazards

related information.

Source: CIDA 6
Types of incidents and Accidents to
Report (General)
 Operational accidents – loss of raw material or
product
 Injuries or occupational illness.
 Minor injuries – resolved through local first
aid.
 Any emergency situation
 Near misses and hazardous conditions

Source: CIDA 7
 Types of incidents and Accidents to
Report (Oil & Gas Focused)
1. Damage to Flora & Fauna
 Kill of more than 20 fishes or small animals or birds at one location; or
Kill of more than 10 fishes or small animals or birds at each of two or
more locations; or Kill of one or more large mammals (e.g. dolphin,
dugong, camel) or turtles; or Obvious, widespread damage to vegetation
(e.g., mangroves, oasis).

2. Oil Spills
From source, one incident
On sea or land surface
fields)
Shorelines gross contamination of
> 10 brl
> I sq. km (Size of two football
> I 00m of shoreline.

3. Algal Blooms
On sea surface > I sq. km (size of two football fields)
Distinguished by significant discoloration of water and not to be confused
with mud from drilling rigs Source: CIDA 8
 Types of incidents and Accidents to
Report (Oil & Gas Focused)
4. Tainting or Contamination of Groundwater
From well or surface source ‑ any alleged incident

5. Public Interest Simulation exercise or pre‑planned activity

that may generate public interest

6. Chemical Spills
Any chemical, one incident ‑ I or more packages/containers
(Report must give relevant details of chemical and its
toxicity form. Materials Safety Data Sheet; if person
reporting is unsure of toxic nature of chemical it should be
reported in any event)
Source: CIDA 9
 Types of incidents and Accidents to
Report (Oil & Gas Focused)
7. Accidental Discharge of Hazardous Waste
One incident ‑ I or more containers

8. Accidental Loss or Discharge of Radioactive material

One incident ‑ any quantity

9. Accidental Re lease of Toxic, Flammable or Explosive Liquids or Gases

The accidental release, in a single incident, of significant
quantities of a toxic, flammable or explosive gas or liquid
which could have an impact on the population and/or
environment and which may require off‑site emergency
response. The release could occur as result of leaks, spills or
rupture of pipe, storage tank, ship process vessel, cylinders,
etc. It may include gases such as ammonia(NH3),
Chlorine(C12), Hydrogen Sulphide(H2S), Liquid Petroleum
Gases (Propane (C3)/ Butane (CO Refrigerant or fire
suppressant gases Source: CIDA 10
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) 

05/30/21 Source: CIDA 11

 Why Won’t People Report?
 Red Tap: To avoid paper work
 Ignorance – no training provided
 Repercussions: They worry about being blamed or
punished.
 Embarrassment: They don’t want to spoil the long term
safety record.
 They may be harassed by fellow workers.
 They don’t want to report incidents involving other
workers.
 They don’t want to appear accident prone.
 Fear of medical treatment.

Source: CIDA 12
 How to Encourage Reporting
 Eliminate the element of ‘Blame’.
 Make workers aware that their input and
assistance is very ‘valuable’ in identifying the
causes and in the correction of the situation or
condition.
 Demonstrate that incident and accident
reporting is vitally important by investigating
all reported occurrences and by making the
necessary improvements.

Source: CIDA 13
 OHS ACCIDENTS
Common Contributing Factors
 Inadequate training and / or job instructions
 Inadequate supervision
 Improper job instruction
 Improper tools and equipments
 Limited job experience.
 Over confidence
 Personal problems
 Ancestral attitude
 Stress to strive for the best or loose the job
Source: CIDA 14
 Investigating OHS Accidents
 Objectives:
 to prevent the reoccurrence of situations or
conditons that either resulted in a loss or had
the potential to cause loss.
 to gather evidence
 to establish facts and
 to determine corrective actions.

Source: CIDA 15
 Investigation Requirements
 Take all the emergency preparedness measures
as per Written SOPs, first
 If medical attention is required ensure that it is
provided before the investigation is started.
 Start investing as soon as emergency is over
 Interview primary, 2ndry and 3ry witnesses
and compile a written report.
 Collect evidence
Source: CIDA 16
 Reasons for Timely Investigations
 Working environment conditions which could
have contributed may be altered.
 Weather conditions may differ from the time
of the incident.
 Critical evidence could be lost
 Witnesses may exchange notes
 Loss of memory with times

Source: CIDA 17
 Accident Investigation Kit
 Chalk, pen, pencils, colored maker
 Graph paper, plain paper, clip board,
accident/incident report form.
 Envelopes, labels and tags.
 Measuring tape (150 ft), short measuring tape
or ruler.
 Camera
 Tap recorder
Source: CIDA 18
 Accident Investigation Kit
 Copies of applicable procedures and rules.
 Personal protective equipment for each
investigation team member.

Source: CIDA 19
 Investigation Procedure
 Thorough survey of the site
 Call Police, Hazmat, fire brigade as required
 Gather the necessary evidence.
 Analyze the data and information.
 Determine contributing factors
 Determine Root Causes
 Focus on what caused it rather than who caused it.
 Interview all possible witnesses
 Develop the investigation report
 Present the report to appropriate authorities.

Source: CIDA 20
 Investigation Procedure …cont’d
 Whilst interviewing, ask open ended questions
 Ensure witness’s safety and confidence
 Inform the witness if interview is being recoded
 Use Who, Where, Why, When, how as appropriate
 Try to remember key points – make notes later
 Interview on or near the site – avoid Principal’s Office
Syndrome.
 Keep questions plain and use no threatening body
language
 Discuss the results of the investigation with potentially
affected employees.
 Ensure that any resulting recommendations are properly
implemented and confirmed to be effective.
Source: CIDA 21
 Typical Investigation Questions
 Describe what occurred to cause the accident.
 What was the employee doing at the time?
 Were the proper tools and equipment
available?
 What instructions or precautions were
provided?
 Was the proper PPE being utilized?
 Was the employee properly trained?

Source: CIDA 22
 Investigation Team Skills
 Technical knowledge.
 Familiarity with the job
 Analytical and problem solving skills
 Communications skills, such as written
presentations and interviewing skills

Source: CIDA 23
 Reference Assignment
 As an OH&S manager of ABC Construction
Inc., you are required to investigate the death
of a worker who fell from a scaffolding at 3
PM. The scaffolding connections at the site
were found loose and entangled. A by-passer
was also slightly injured and traffic was
blocked for 15 minutes. Prepare a report
based upon interviews and site visit.

Source: CIDA 24
PLANNED INSPECTIONS – A Tool
to Avoid OHS Accidents
 Types of Planned Inspections
 By Manager
 By Insurance Company Agent

 By Regulatory Authority

 By Certifying Agency

 Areas of Focus – Training, SOPs, PPEs, Safeguards

 Basic Risk Assessment
 Managing Planned Inspections

Source: CIDA 25
 Typical Methods of Accident
Control
 Engineering Controls
 Isolation, Ventilation, Substitution
 Education
 Induction training, on-the job training, evaluation
 Administrative Controls
 Work periods, SOP, Personal, Hygiene, Safety Rules
– development & enforcement
 PPE
 Face & Eye Protection
 Hearing Protection
 Respiratory Protection

Source: CIDA 26
Common Accident Prevention Techniques

 Failure Minimizations
 Fail-Safe Designs
 Isolation
 Lockouts
 Screening
 Timed Replacement

Source: CIDA 27
Measuring H&S Performance
 Serious Injury – frequency &
consequences
 Minor Injuries - frequency &
consequences
 Property Damage - Cost
 Near misses (Potential) - frequency &
consequences

Source: CIDA 28
05/30/21 Source: CIDA 29
05/30/21 Source: CIDA 30
Benefits of Accident Prevention
 Improved Performance
 Improved Quality
 Improved Image
 Improved Compliance
 Improved Employee’s Moral

Source: CIDA 31
Exposure Assessment

 Walkthrough Surveys
 Process Reviews
 Employee Reviews
 Sample Collection

Source: CIDA 32
 Exposure Rating
0 No Exposures No contact with the agent
1 Low Exposures Infrequent contact with the agent

2 Moderate Frequent contact with the

Exposures agent at low concern
3 High Frequent contact with the
Exposures agent at high conc.
4 Very High Frequent contract with the
Exposure agent at very high conc.

Source: CIDA 33
 Health Effect Rating
0 No Known or suspected health effects
1 Reversible health effects of concern
2 Severe Reversible health effects of concern
3 Irreversible health effects of concern
4 Life threatening or disabling

Source: CIDA 34
Toxicity Vs Hazard

All substances are poisons,

there is non which is not.
The right does
differentiates a
poison from a remedy

Source: CIDA 35
 Entry Point Toxic Agents

05/30/21 Source: CIDA 36

 Monitoring & Sampling
Rationale
Evaluation of workplace exposures which permit
judgment to be made relative to the potential
hazards and the adequacy of protections

Source: CIDA 37
 Sampling Strategies
Create A sampling Plan
o What should be sampled?

o Where should samples be collected?

o What methods should be used for sample

collections?
o What is sample length?

o Who should be sampling?

o How many samples are needed?

Source: CIDA 38
 Monitoring Methods
 Air Monitoring Performed during operations
where hazardous materials are present or may
be released.

 Biological & Medical Monitoring Follow Up.

Source: CIDA 39
 Air Monitoring
 Integrated Methods Device (Active Sampling
in which sophisticated equipment collects and
analyzes sample.

 Direct Methods device- Passive sampling ie.,

sampling of a single type of gas at one time.

Source: CIDA 40
 Sampling Frequency
 Professional Judgment
 Inclusive Sampling Results
 Need of Control Checks
 Process Engineering or Procedural Changes

Source: CIDA 41
 Exposure Limits
 TLV (Threshold Limit Values)

 BEI (Biological Exposure Indices)

Source: CIDA 42
 Biological Monitoring
 Health Surveillance Programme
 Pro-placement testing
 Periodic Monitoring

 Special Purpose

 Hazard Oriented Examination

Source: CIDA 43
 Pro-Active Monitoring System
Checking compliance with H&S performance
standards/Achievement of specific objectives
o Policy
o Surveys
o Tours
o Audits
o Inspections
o Sampling
o Hazop

Source: CIDA 44
 Reactive Monitoring System
Monitoring/Recognition/Reporting of
Consequences
 Injuries and cases of ill health

 Damage to property

 Incidents Investigation

 Hazards identification

 Weakness or omissions in performance

standards
Source: CIDA 45
 Management’s View of
Health and Safety

Overall Health & Safety Policy is an

integral part of the companies long term:
 Vision

 Values and

 Goal

Source: CIDA 46
 Management’s View of
Health and Safety
What a OH&S policy should accomplish?
 Affirm a long range purpose

 Commit management at all levels to

reaffirm and reinforce this purpose in
daily decisions
 It should indicate the scope for
discretion and decision by lower level
management
Source: CIDA 47
 Management’s View
of Health and Safety
The OH&S Policy must include:
 Starting point

 Line responsibility

 Direction and assignment

 Action from individual

Source: CIDA 48
 Accountability & Safety

 Principle: Targets and Objectives of Safety

management must be measurable.
 Relationship between measurement and accountability
 Accountability for Activity / Decision
 Technique for Safety Accountability
 Prepare a code
 Take a Sample
 Validate the sample
 Report to management

Source: CIDA 49
Roles & Responsibilities in Safety
Management

 Define objectives of OH&S

Management
 Communicate safety
 Measure
 Monitor
 Feedback

Source: CIDA 50
 Roles & Responsibilities
Coordinate Safety Efforts With
 Personnel
 Production
 Plant Engineering
 Research & Development
 Plant maintenance
 Security
 Purchasing
 Legal
 Employees Relations

Source: CIDA 51
 Role of Health & Safety Team
 OH & S Manager: EXPERTISE
 STRESS MNMNGT, RADIATIONS, EXPLOSIVES,
LAWS, STDs & CODES, ERGONOMICS, EITHICS
 OH & S Manager: JOB DESCRIPTION
 OH & S TEAM
Health & Safety

Environmental Occupational
Safety Industrial Health OH
Engineer Physician
Engineer Hygienist Physicist Nurse
Manager
Source: CIDA 52
OH & S Manager: JOB DESCRIPTION

Source: CIDA 53
 OH & S Manager
 Most Common Problems
 Lack of Commitment by the management
 Production Vs Safety

 Market’s competitiveness Response

Time
 SOLUTION Cost

 Safe and Healthy Workplace Helps in: Productivity

Quality
 retaining best employees Service
 longer peak performance Image
 Staff work with full concentration
 keeping up-to-date technologies as pay-back period be short
 Prevention of accidents rather than paying workers compensation
 Essential ingredients of Competitiveness
Source: CIDA 54
THANKS

55