2012 Spring Meeting & 8th Global Congress on Process Safety
(104ax) Back to Basics
Authors
Bizzotto, Sr., P. E. - Presenter, Pan American Energy
Zunana, P. R. - Presenter, Pan American Energy LLC Arg. Branch
During the ending of facilities modifications in a gas Plant and while attempting to remove an inflatable plug from a pipe, a worker was hit by the plug and suffered fatal injuries.
The incident investigation showed weaknesses of local safety culture, deficiencies in the application of the work permit system and lack of competency in energy isolation.
Just fourteen months after the accident, the result of an independent safety culture evaluation was “Proactive to Generative” as per the OGP scale, and work permit audits showed high level of job planning, risk analysis, and execution.
This paper details the approach of the company to recover from the situation and reach such significant Safety improvements in a relatively short lapse. Additionally, a vision of future work is presented.