Analyzing non-technical skills in the sharp end of facilities/utilities operations in onshore and offshore O&G process plants

Abstract

It is on the sharp end of the O&G operations where the real work happens, but also where the highest risks and system demands are placed. Understanding the skills—technical and non-technical—necessary to perform efficiently and safely is not only needed to maintain the business and assets, but also to ensure the safety of lives and the environment. Accidents such as Piper Alpha (1988), P-36 (2001) and Deepwater Horizon (2010) highlight the importance of understanding the real role of the human element in these events, from the highest hierarchical levels to the sharp end, where the work as done takes place. This article presents a non-technical skills analysis focused on the sharp end of O&G operations, specifically in the facilities/utilities operations, onshore (refineries) and offshore (production platforms). The findings show the importance and presence of certain non-technical skills, as well as the need for improvement of others in the daily routine and in emergencies.