Overview of Impact of Organizational, Human, and Workplace Factors on Safety Performance in the Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

The oil and gas industry, due to the nature of its volatile products is highly prone to be at the receiving end of major fires, explosions and other industrial disasters. In addition, this industry has also been marked as a major offender in case of crimes against the environment along with concerns about the volatile nature of its products in the society and the risks associated with workplace accidents and injuries causing suffering for the workers, working in this industry. This paper highlights the factors influencing accidents in the oil and gas sector. It integrates findings from scholarly articles, industry publications, and case studies to highlight the role of organizational factors, human factors, workplace environmental conditions such as workplace layout and ergonomics etc. This research paper has sought to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors responsible for the accidents which have occurred in the oil and gas industry, through a review of the relevant research literature pertaining to the topic, so that the levels of industrial safety can be increased, reducing the chances for accidents to occur in the oil and gas industry, which can benefit the stakeholders in-charge in the industry for the development of industrial disaster and accident prevention and safety programs. It emphasises on the importance of effective safety programs, management commitment, human factors like behaviour and fatigue, and workplace ergonomics in preventing accidents and promoting a culture of safety. The paper also discusses the significance of effective safety leadership, recognizing good safety practices to protect individuals, the environment, and support economic development in the industry.

Keywords: Oil, Gas, Safety, Accident, Human Factors, Workplace Environment, Organisational factors

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