Back to Basics

While completing a facility modification in a gas Plant and attempting to remove an inflatable

plug from a pipe, a worker was hit by the ejecting plug, suffering fatal injuries. The incident

investigation showed opportunities to improve the local safety culture, the application of the

work permit system and the competency in energy isolation practices.

Just fourteen months after the accident, the result of an independent safety culture evaluation was

rated “Proactive to Generative” as per the OGP scale, and work permit audits showed high level

of job planning, risk analysis, and execution.

This paper details the approach of the company to recover from the situation and reach such

significant Safety improvements in a relatively short time. Additionally, a vision of future work

is presented.