Health and safety assessment of the working environment in oil and gas terminals in Iran

Abstract

Background: Oil and gas terminals are considered key facilities in every country. The present study aimed to provide a combined model to assess the health and safety of the oil and gas working environment and other similar industries and services. Methods: In this qualitative study, data were collected and produced by the methods of field survey, document review, individual interview, focus group interview and focus group discussion. A combination model of techniques including task analysis, effect, and failure mode analysis, event tree analysis, fault tree analysis, and fishbone diagram, was introduced and used to evaluate the health and safety of the work environment. Results: Oil and gas terminal jobs have both many tasks and hazards. Among the studied jobs, liquid gas loaders (RPN1=158), general mechanics (RPN1=156), and lab technicians (RPN1=158) had the highest levels of risk that were over upper control while oil material masters had the lowest level of risk that was under lower control. Other jobs were under control. Conclusion: Applying the corrective and preventive suggestions presented in the cause-control fishbone diagram and safe work procedures for each job, the risk level of the studied workplace can be reduced below the control limit and the negligible risk range. Other industries and services can use the combined model in workplace risk management.

Keywords

• risk assessment
• health
• safety
• environment
• oil terminal