Integrating ergonomics into the petroleum business
Integrating Health Safety and Environmental issues of the workplace into the design of new installations has always been a continuous challenge facing design engineers. Ergonomics is a proven link for achieving this connection between HSE and design due to its multi-disciplined approach. Often engineers try to incorporate ergonomic issues into the design of an installation only after the detailed design has been completed. The consequence of using ergonomics as an afterthought in design can result in an installation with the high potential of human/machine mismatches which may result in poor system performance and hazardous working conditions, including emergency response. The message is clear: Ergonomics needs to be incorporated in the front end design of all new projects. However in practice, this is not occurring. Two questions emerge: (1) What kind of company strategy needs to exist to ensure its success? and (2) How will this strategy be implemented within the operating companies? This paper presents an ergonomics strategy and implementation plan used within a global oil company. In the past, ergonomics has been undertaken on a project by project basis, if the resources permitted. If ergonomics was utilized in the detailed design, it ranged from citing international standards about population anthropometric to lighting and noise levels in the workplace. While these standards are important, they are only a small part of using ergonomics in the detailed design. The most relevant component of ergonomics involves analyzing the task and then designing the installation that best accommodates the operator. The only way that designers are able to build well-designed installations is by understanding the task environment and the strengths and limitations of human operators. This principle of designing installations around the human operator`s task is the primary drive behind an ergonomics strategy and implementation plan.
- OSTI ID:
- 391111
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960623-; TRN: 96:004554-0031
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International conference on health, safety and environment in oil and gas exploration products, New Orleans, LA (United States), 9 Jun - 12 Sep 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of The third international conference on health, safety & environment in oil and gas exploration and production. Proceedings - Volume 1; PB: 941 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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