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The right people, using the right equipment, in the right way, working safely.

Every time!

By: Jason J. Adams

Prior to the mid 1700’s and

the industrialization period of

the world, both agriculture

and trade were the main

sources of economical and

social development.

Even then, the lack of proper

work control practices lead to

fatal and devastating

consequences.

With the global industrial

revolution, the demand for

safer work control systems

and practices increased.

Due to a lack of robust work control systems during

hazardous work activities which are now considered

routine within the oil and gas industry, a series of

catastrophic outcomes were derived.

These activities often involved: elevated work, work

in confined spaces, work on energized equipment,

heat generating work, storage, handling or

transporting hydrocarbons and hazardous material,

etc…

There was and remains urgent need for formal

processes to manage hazardous work activities

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Piper Alpha 1988, 167 Killed many more injured…

• Permit to Work

• Risk Assessment

• Training and competency

• Isolation Management

• Job/Site handover

Bhopal India Texas City Refinery

These and many others like

them reiterate the need to

effectively control work!

WHAT IS CONTROL OF WORK?

Control of work (CoW) is an accident prevention barrier that comprises of a series of risk controls, working as a single tool.

The CoW barrier is applied from the planning phase of an activity all the way to task execution and completion.

The CoW barrier dictates how the following phases of all work is undertaken:

Planning and scheduling

SIMOPS Management

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Task Monitoring and Supervision

Capturing Learning

Unsafe work stoppage

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CONTROL OF WORK IMPLEMENTATION

Organizations globally have come to the realization

that safety is good business. Unwanted accidents and

incidents negatively impacts human resources,

endangers the environment, affects productivity,

jeopardize reputation and decreases profitability

The Implementation of a CoW barrier is of paramount

importance for the prevention of catastrophic events

inclusive of the loss of lives, loss of revenue and

ultimately loss of business.

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Elements of a good Control of Work implementation:

Activity Planning

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Appointment of CoW roles and Responsibilities

Training and Competence

Permit to Work

Energy Isolation management

Audit and Assessments

Continuous Improvement through organizational learning

Stop unsafe work culture

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CONTROL OF WORK IMPLEMENTATION