Problem:
Your group has been tasked with preparing and delivering a training workshop for working professionals on cognition and the role of human error in workplace accidents. To illustrate and teach this topic, your team decides to use a past accident as a case study.
(a) You are required to research and choose an accident where human error played a role. You will be required to analyse this accident and propose solutions to mitigate the probability of the accident occurring again. You can use any example that you may have experienced at your workplace or researched on the internet.
On 24 February 2021, an explosion occurred at Stars Engrg's Tuas facility.The chain of events began when the oil jacket of a starch mixer overheated and became over-pressurised after vents were sealed. The jacket ruptured, releasing hot thermic oil mist that ignited in a primary blast. The force of the explosion dispersed potato starch dust, which caught fire and produced secondary flash fires.
Casualties and Damage
- Three workers lost their lives. Mr. Subbaiyan Marimuthu (38), Mr. Anisuzzaman Md (29), and Mr. Shohel Md (23), all suffering about 90% full-thickness burns.
- Five others from Stars Engrg and two from a neighbouring firm were seriously injured.
- The fire was extinguished within 30 minutes by the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
- Extensive structural and equipment damage followed.
(b) Evaluate additional human factors using (Human Information Processing and Crew Resource Management) that may have influenced human performance and behaviour, potentially leading to the accident. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Channel News Asia. (2022, February 24). Tuas explosion inquiry: Mixer machine fire and safety lapses led to fatal blast. Channel News Asia.
The Straits Times. (2021, February 25). Explosion in Tuas industrial building on Wednesday claims three lives. The Straits Times.