July 2019 Joint SPE - EA Technical Luncheon

Abstract:
The presentation describes the immediate and underlying failures that led to one of Australia’s most costly and most publicised safety failures. The presentation describes the work of the Royal Commission, its role and methodology and how this combined risk management, loss control and investigative techniques. The presentation examines the chain of events and causes with reference to the principles described within the framework of Reason’s Organisational failure model. The presentation progressively describes how the factors associated with Murphy’s Law, which states that accidents happen at the worst possible time, at the worst possible place, with the worst possible consequences, in fact typifies organisational failure. Specific reference will be made to the failure by Esso to properly consider and manage the risks associated with catastrophic process failures due, at least in part, to a safety system skewed towards the prevention of minor and lost time incidents. Finally, the presentation concludes with the findings of the Royal Commission and how these relate to all organisations particularly those looking to implement or improve the management of safety in high-risk industries and environments.

Biography:
Michael’s experience ranges from being a drafting apprentice to General Manager of ETRS one of Australia’s longest established quality, environmental and safety training and consulting organisations. Major recent roles include three-year tenure as Assurance Manager on the $1 Billion ARTC SSFL Project, including acting as Project Director upon his absence, and as head of safety assurance for Tactix Pty Ltd primarily involved in assisting major rail contractors achieve the status of Authorised Engineering Organisation (AEO). Originally qualifying as a design engineer, other significant roles have included 5 years as the maintenance superintendent in an explosives factory, 6 years as Director of Training and Certification for one of the world’s largest certification bodies, Det Norske Veritas, including significant onshore and offshore engineering assurance experience gained with secondments to roles in Scotland and Norway. This represents over 30 years experience in design assurance, operational readiness, risk, quality, safety and project management. Michael was a member of the Crown Royal Commission Expert Witness Team in 1998 that investigated the Esso Longford accident. Specialist areas investigated were safety management, assurance and maintenance.