Exploring the Contributory Factors of Confined Space Accidents Using Accident Investigation Reports and Semistructured Interviews

BACKGROUND: The oil and gas industry is one of the riskiest industries for confined space injuries. This study aimed to understand an overall picture of the causal factors of confined space accidents through analyzing accident reports and the use of a qualitative approach. METHODS: Twenty-one fatal occupational accidents were analyzed according to the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System approach. Furthermore, thirty-three semistructured interviews were conducted with employees in different roles to capture their experiences regarding the contributory factors. The content analyses of the interview transcripts were conducted using MAXQDA software. RESULTS: Based on accident reports, the largest proportions of causal factors (77%) were attributed to the organizational and supervisory levels, with the predominant influence of the organizational process. We identified 25 contributory factors in confined space accidents that were causal factors outside of the original Human Factors Analysis and Classification System framework. Therefore, modifications were made to deal with factors outside the organization and newly explored causal factors at the organizational level. External Influences as the fifth level considered contributory factors beyond the organization including Laws, Regulations and Standards, Government Policies, Political Influences, and Economic Status categories. Moreover, Contracting/Contract Management and Emergency Management were two extra categories identified at the organizational level. CONCLUSIONS: Preventing confined space accidents requires addressing issues from the organizational to operator level and external influences beyond the organization. The recommended modifications provide a basis for accident investigation and risk analysis, which may be applicable across a broad range of industries and accident types.

Avaliação psicossocial no contexto das normas regulamentadoras do trabalho: desafios e práticas profissionais / Psychosocial assessment in the context of regulatory norms of work: challenges and professional practices / Evaluación psicosocial en el contexto de normas reguladoras del trabajo: desafíos y prácticas profesionales

A obrigatoriedade da avaliação psicossocial para trabalhadores submetidos a situações de trabalho com combustíveis, de trabalho em altura e de trabalho em espaços confinados configura-se um campo recente na prática profissional da psicologia no Brasil. Poucos são os estudos na área e a compreensão sobre os procedimentos que ora são utilizados no Brasil. Neste sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar como esta avaliação tem sido realizada no Brasil. Para tanto, foram entrevistados 40 profissionais que atuam nesta prática, sendo 95% mulheres e de todas as regiões brasileiras. Os resultados apontam a utilização majoritária de entrevistas e testes psicológicos para avaliação de aspectos cognitivos, personalidade e das condições de saúde mental. Foram relatadas dificuldades quanto ao número de testes disponíveis ou específicos para este contexto, e a pouca integração da avaliação junto a outras profissões da área de saúde ocupacional. Identificou-se a necessidade de estudos relativos a adequação dos instrumentos utilizados para este fim, e a identificação das características a serem avaliadas para cada cargo.

The compulsory psychosocial evaluation for workers submitted to work conditions in which fuels, heights and confined spaces are givens, is a new field in the professional practice of psychology in Brazil. Due to this fact and the few studies in the area, this study sought to identify how this evaluation has been performed. To do so, interviews were done with 40 professionals, 95% women and from all Brazilian regions. The results point to the primary use of interviews and psychological tests to assess cognitive aspects, personality and mental health conditions. Difficulties have been reported regarding the number of tests available or specific to this context, and the lack of integration with other occupational health professions. The study also identified the need for studies on the adequacy of the research tools used for this purpose, and the assessment of the characteristics for each work position.

La obligatoriedad de la evaluación psicosocial para trabajadores sometidos a situaciones de trabajo que lidian con combustibles, altura y espacios confinados, se configura un campo reciente en la práctica profesional de la psicología en Brasil. Pocos son los estudios realizados en esta área, por lo tanto, este estudio buscó identificar cómo esta evaluación ha sido realizada en Brasil. Para ello, fueron entrevistados 40 profesionales, 95% mujeres y de todas las regiones brasileñas. Los resultados indican que en su mayoría las entrevistas y pruebas psicológicas son utilizadas para la evaluación de aspectos cognitivos, personalidad y condiciones de salud mental. Se encontraron dificultades en cuanto al número de pruebas disponibles o específicas para este contexto, y la falta de integración de la evaluación con las demás profesiones del área de salud ocupacional. Se identificó la necesidad de estudios relativos a la adecuación de los instrumentos utilizados para este fin, e identificación de las características a ser evaluadas para cada cargo.

Low-Oxygen Atmosphere and its Predictors among Agricultural Shallow Wells in Northern Thailand

BACKGROUND: In 2006, three farmers died at the bottom of an agricultural shallow well where the atmosphere contained only 6% oxygen. This study aimed to document the variability of levels of oxygen and selected hazardous gases in the atmosphere of wells, and to identify ambient conditions associated with the low-oxygen situation. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey, conducted in June 2007 and July 2007, measured the levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and explosive gas (percentage of lower explosive limit) at different depths of the atmosphere inside 253 wells in Kamphaengphet and Phitsanulok provinces. Ambient conditions and well use by farmers were recorded. Carbon dioxide was measured in a subset of wells. Variables independently associated with low-oxygen condition (2 days vs. 25,000 ppm) in seven wells with a low oxygen level. CONCLUSION: Oxygen concentrations in the wells vary widely even within a small area and decrease with increasing depth.