Abstract
BP Trinidad and Tobago (BPTT) is the largest Gas Producer in Trinidad and Tobago with an approximate gas output of 450 000 Barrels of oil per day equivalent. At BPTT, Safety takes top priority. One important aspect of safety is the process of learning from past incidents. The scope of this paper is limited to the process of incident notification, investigation and distribution of lessons learned within BPTT.
For years, BPTT did not have a rigorous process in place for incident notification. The previous process was complex and not easily understood, roles and responsibilities were unclear and there was no accountability and guidance for distribution of lessons learned. In addition, various procedures were in existence therefore creating conflicting processes. The result being ineffective communication of lessons derived from incident investigations. Hence, this paper would explain how these problems were solved.
To correct these problems, a comprehensive and user-friendly procedure was developed which included the relevant aspects of all existing procedures at the business unit. Therefore, one standard procedure was created. This procedure included clear roles and responsibilities, definitions for all incident categories to be reported in the incident notification form and in "Traction", (our web based system database for recording incidents and tracking corrective actions that result from investigations). Many flowcharts were used to enhance understanding of the notification, investigation and lessons learned process.
There is also greater accountability for incident investigations and distribution of lessons learned since all incidents in operations are tracked using our incident log and reviewed on a weekly basis with those which are overdue, being flagged for immediate action. In addition, BPTT's "Traction (Online action tracking system)" is a valuable computerized software tool used effectively for reporting of incidents, input of action items from investigations and monitoring of these actions for closure. Communication of lessons learned are thus monitored to the point were they are communicated to the affected teams as well as the general workforce.
This paper would effectively describe how we deal with accident and incident notification and investigations to ensure that lessons learned are communicated effectively, thus preventing reoccurrence of similar incidents.
