An integrated model for determining the level of HSE culture in the gas industry

Due to the quality and quantity of raw and intermediate materials, by-products and final products as well as three characteristics of high complexity, low flexibility and high vulnerability from the viewpoint of health, safety and environment (HSE), the oil and gas are considered as critical industries. This study aimed to provide some criteria for determining the level of HSE culture in Ilam Gas Refinery in order to detect weaknesses and strengths and to present appropriate managerial practices to improve HSE culture.

Data collection tools included HSE culture questionnaires, interviews with HSE senior management and documentation review. SPSS software was used for data analysis.

After identifying HSE culture criteria in the form of a checklist and scoring criteria approved by HSE experts, an integrated model and executive procedure was developed to assess the HSE culture. The prioritization of HSE culture criteria (16 criteria) was done through F.TOPSIS and frequency analysis. Scalogram analysis method was used for the validation of results. Then, with the model and executive procedure provided in Ilam Gas Refinery, the level of HSE culture was determined, which was evaluated optimally.

In this study, among the sixteen criteria, "management commitment to HSE issues" was in the first priority and "an appropriate reward systems for the implementation of HSE requirements" was in the final priority.