I have written extensively about James Reason’s Human Failure model and how it applies to almost all workplaces.  Today I want to discuss specifics on how to use his model in our causal analysis.  For those already using some form of a Fault-Tree Analysis, such as TapRoot, you already have this capability built into your software.  But many are not using commercial software to...

Inside storage rooms (Liquid Storage Rooms) are normally used: when the containers are opened for mixing, pouring, dispensing, or transfer of flammable liquids; if the quantity is too large to fit into an approved cabinet; if the quantity is excessive for any one fire area; and/or if the opened containers cannot be separated from potential sources of ignition. As defined by NFPA 30 paragraph 3.3.34...

Recently we worked with an organization that was struggling to control its risks around the use of ATVs and UTVs.  After several serious accidents involving these machines, we were asked to review their “Barriers,” “Controls,” and “Safeguards” in place to control the risks associated with these machines.  We found a program and training on the said program...

The Department of Industrial Relations Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (OSHAB) has issued a precedential decision regarding the provision of water at outdoor worksites, affirming that it must be as close as practicable to the areas where employees are working to encourage frequent consumption. The case clarified the definition of what “as close as practicable” means with water placement...

During well operations, a fatality occurred on a drillship in the Gulf of Mexico.  While unlatching the lower Marine Riser Package from the Blowout Preventer in preparation for ship relocation, a crew member was lifted into the air after being struck by a hydraulic torque wrench (HTW), hitting a riser clamp approximately six feet above the elevated work deck before falling to the rig floor. The...

Think about the kids who came from abusive homes vs. those who came from supportive homes where they knew they were loved. It isn’t all peaches and cream, but they KNOW when they are loved and supported, and it shows in how they live their lives and in how they make decisions. We hold our kids responsible when they fail but look at the number of posts on social media of parents celebrating their...

Over my career, the most profound advancement in safety management was the recognition and shift away from lagging indicators (i.e., injury rates) to leading indicators within our safety management system (SMS).  But as this approach to safety metrics became more widespread, we have seen even leading indicators become a “number game” that gets manipulated as much as the old “OSHA...

If you think safety metrics is old fashion and leads to “manipulating behaviors”, go out to your car and disconnect your dashboard/pull fuses so that you get no analytical feedback data on how well you are staying within your safe operating envelope of yours and the car’s performance. Then tell me metrics are not needed in safety management. If you’re not a believer in leading indicators let’s...

If the phrase “safety culture” has become so toxic in today’s world, is it wrong to use the phrase “culture of safety”? I mean, it is nonsense to claim an organization has no culture. Some can say it over and over, but that does not mean it is right. ALL groups have a culture that shapes their decision-making. So having a “culture of safety” simply implies...

This information is preliminary and subject to change. On February 4, 2023, at about 0640 central standard time (CST), Federal Express (FedEx) flight 1432 (FDX1432), a Boeing 767-32LF, and Southwest Airlines flight 708 (SWA708), a Boeing 737-79P were involved in a runway incursion with overflight that resulted in a loss of separation at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), Austin, Texas....

Every time I see the Lifelock commercial with the “security monitor” in the bank being held up I can not help but think about our profession. Replace the security guard with a safety pro and go through the commercial. Too often we are relegated to “accident monitors”., Oh I’m not a safety professional – I’m only an accident monitor and notify people if there’s...

There is a new source for RMP Data.  This new source is provided by the Data Liberation Project.  Below is a breakdown of the new site – data was last updated in 2022. … HomeRead More »