Analysis of accidents caused by human factors in the oil and gas industry using the HFACS-OGI framework

• Published in: International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics 2022-07, Vol.28 (3), p.1642-1654
• Main Authors: Nwankwo, Chizaram D., Arewa, Andrew O., Theophilus, Stephen C., Esenowo, Victor N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: accidents; HFACS-OGI; human factors; oil and gas industry
• ISSN: 1080-3548; 2376-9130
• DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1916238

Objectives. Human factors have been identified as the most common causes of catastrophic accidents in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, this study aims to analyze human causal factors of accidents in the oil and gas industry using the human factors analysis and classification system for the oil and gas industry (HFACS-OGI) framework. Methods. This study involved quantitative data collection for 184 accident cases in the oil and gas industry that occurred from 2013 to 2017 from the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) database. The causal factors of these accidents were coded using the HFACS-OGI framework. Accident data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the χ 2 test. Results. Study findings reveal that 23% of all accidents were recorded in 2013. Thirty-two percent of accidents occurred in Asia, while 69% of accidents were recorded in onshore locations. Contractors were involved in 86% of accidents, while 28% of accidents occurred during drilling, workover and well services. The contractor's work environment was the main human factor in 90% of accident cases. Conclusion. The HFACS-OGI framework proves to be a vital tool for robust accident analysis of human factors in the oil and gas industry.