Assignment:
In brief summarize the 12 case studies attached. From the perspective of project risk assessment, present and discuss your opinion on why they occurred.
|
Disaster
|
Year
|
Root Cause(s)
|
Avoidance Strategy
|
|
USS Princeton Explosion
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1844
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Failure to adhere to design standards
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Strict adherence to design reviews
|
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Sinking of the Titanic
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1912
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Carelessness due to sense of invulnerability ("unsinkable")
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Strictly enforced safety precautions and monitoring of danger signs
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Airgill Train Wreck
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1913
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Failure to have adequate staffing due to cost-cutting measures
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Regulations requiring adequate staffing
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Johnstown Flood
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1889
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Social arrogance, lack of concern for safety of those considered of an inferior class
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External regulation, strictly and evenly-enforced
|
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DC-10 Crash
|
1974
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Lax safety standards and failure to ground defective aircraft
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Enforcement of standards, avoidance of risky deployment of equipment
|
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Tenerife Runway Collision
|
1977
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Stress and fatigue resulting in fatal miscommunication
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Formalized programs to counteract stress, fatigue, and burnout. Limitation of overtime for all workers
|
|
Santa Barbara Oil Spill
|
1967
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Indifference to public safety in the interest of higher profits
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Externally-initiated inspections
|
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Love Canal Toxic Waste Contamination
|
1953
|
Lack in understanding dangers and attempts to cover up hazards to limit corporate liability
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Public awareness programs and environmental regulation
|
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Apollo 1 Fire
|
1967
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Faulty wiring and failure to observe proper spacecraft pressurization requirements
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Frequent inspections
|
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Three Mile Island
|
1979
|
Human error and complexity of the plant
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Comprehensive training programs and simulations
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Challenger Disaster
|
1986
|
Poor risk management and precautionary measures
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Solid risk management initiatives
|
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Bhopal Poison Gas Release
|
1984
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Intentional cost-cutting of safety measures justified by sense that endangered population was inferior
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International standards for safety and uniformly enforced inspections
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