Examining Risk Reduction Strategies in Alberta Oil and Gas Producers

AbstractThis paper examines risk reduction strategies within Alberta's oil and gas-producing industry through interviews with 15 senior health and safety professionals. The intent of this research was to understand the underlying attributes of failure in the protective structures industry has established to ensure organizational resiliency. Thematic analysis revealed three areas of concern: risk management, health and safety management systems (HSMS), and the lack of thorough investigation into the causes of loss events. Benchmarking against publicly available occupational health and safety data revealed performance differences among producers. Leading organizations distinguished themselves by verification and confirmation of critical safety controls, executive coaching to drive outcomes, and the integration of formalized HSMS. Risk reduction strategies were homogenous and may not address the probability of repeated failures in the petroleum-producing industry. Losses continue despite existing programs, with stronger performance linked to organizations where executives and senior managers are directly engaged in verifying the effectiveness of safety controls.

Author dc:creator

• Smith, Robert, Steele

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hendy, Philip

• School of humanitarian studies

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.25316/IR-20474

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10613/28910