Enhancing the implementation of safety engineering systems in oil and gas construction projects in the UAE

Abstract

Risk assessment is one of the most critical methodologies used in the safety engineering system in oil and gas construction projects that require high levels of precaution in construction activities such as pilling, materials fabrication, and structure installation. The main purpose of risk assessment is to provide full protection to the four main elements that are crucial to the oil industry: People, Environment, Assets and Reputation (PEAR). Any failure or defect in the risk assessment implementation can potentially lead to catastrophes not only during the construction stage but also in the advanced stages such as operation and productions. Historically, in oil and gas construction projects many oil spills and blow outs occurred due to lack of efficient risk assessment in the construction phase, resulting in financial loss and human capitals. The aim of this research is to enhance the implementation of safety engineering systems in the oil and gas industry construction projects through risk assessment application in the UAE. Firstly, the aim is achieved via conducting a questionnaire to determine the current defects in the risk assessment applied methodology in the safety engineering system. Secondly, interviews are conducted with safety construction professionals to examine top risk factors in UAE oil and gas construction projects. After that, a framework to enhance the application of risk assessment and optimize safety engineering system is proposed based on the results found during the questionnaire and interviews phases. Finally, qualitative and quantitative validation of the proposed framework is applied to strengthen its feasibility and mechanism. This research study contributes to construction safety knowledge by studying behavioral safety performance and its critical role in risk assessment implementation. The main outcomes of this research study expose a gap in the understanding and the practices of risk assessment methods between management and workers, especially with regard to human factors effects on safety performance. In addition, this study recommends using proactive KPIs to measure the safety culture in the construction site in which it gives the chance to conduct early correction actions before the occurrence of the incidents.