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Task Risk Management

A Process for Managing Risks with Task Analysis at its Heart

Andy Brazier

1. Identify tasksPossible approaches

Skip the step – people often want to dive straight into task analysisExisting procedures – assume they cover all tasksStructured brainstorming – process drawing

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FiltersDuty/standby

PumpsDuty/standby

DP

Alarms

LoLoLo

Hi

Trip

Storage tank

Deliverytanker

Group exercise

1. Identify tasksThis step is very simple – but encourages a systematic approachUses for task lists

‘Gap analysis’ of procedures, training/competence systems;‘On the job’ training programmes;Workload estimates;Managing organisational changes.

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2. Prioritise tasks for analysisPossible approaches

‘Gut feel,’ experience or ‘normal’ risk assessmentHAZOP, Process Hazard Review (PHR) etc.Scoring system (see OTO 092 1999 – HSE)

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Hazardousness of systemIgnition/energy sourcesChanging configurationError vulnerabilityImpact on safety devicesOverall criticality

Low Medium High

1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 30-3 4-8 9-15

2. Prioritise tasks for analysisBenefits of scoring tasks at stage 2

ObjectiveDemonstration of why tasks were selected for analysis – safety reports/casesHighlight ‘anomalies’ without carrying out a detailed task analysis

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Microsoft Excel Worksheet

3. Analyse the most critical tasksTask analysis is tried and tested – but negative perceptions

Time and effortOnly doing it to keep the regulator happy

Discoveries from every analysis - if done ‘properly’

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3. Analyse the most critical tasksGroup exercise – use a data projector

People share experiences and concernsAccept procedure may not reflect realityBuy in to new methodsAn excellent training exercise for people involved

Human error analysisLook at the task with ‘new eyes’Identify where issues have been ‘glossed over’

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4. Use the findings‘Engineer out’ error potential

New projects – human factors integration planDesign reviews and system modifications

ProceduresHigh criticality – print, follow and sign every timeMedium criticality – reference proceduresLow criticality – generic procedures and guidance

How do you manage the risks the risks of critical tasks that are performed frequently?Competence system

How to perform tasksUnderstanding the risks

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4. Use the findings

Continuous review – proactive and reactiveConsider all stages when examining failures

1. Why is a task missing from the list?2. Why was criticality not assessed correctly?3. Was the task analysis correct?4. Were the findings used?

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Close

Task risk management = a four stage process1. Develop a task list2. Prioritise task analysis according to criticality3. Analyse the most critical tasks4. Use the findings

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