accident investigation unit VII assessment 3 questions

Accident Investigation

Part II

From the fishbone chart a number of security lapses emerge. These include improper installation of the propane tank against the store wall contrary to OSHA rules and regulations that provides for such installation with possible bodily harm to human to be done away from the residential premises. The fact that propane is highly flammable and the exposure to Southern sun led the actual explosion of the gas. Exposure of propane to heat was the most likely factor that sparked off the accident and the widespread of the fire. The management bearing this heat factor could have situated the location of the tank away from such heat and in a much safer location. The employees also needed to be trained on safety measures to be taken in such circumstances (Faith, Jackson, & Willis, 2011).

Moreover, the training and supervision of employees with no veteran qualifications. The management did not foresee the significance of offering training and supervision to its employees something that would have curb the accident if the same was offered. The junior worker did not have the technical know-how to handle the valve leakage and over corrective measures. Similarly, the emergency team who responded to distress call were ill-trained and lack the necessary expertise to handle accidents of such magnitude (Faith, Jackson, & Willis, 2011) (Rundmo, 1994). The emergency response team consequently worsened the already worse situation by being functionally illiterate. Nevertheless, manufacturers also failed to provide aftersales services such as offering training on safety installation. In order to avert such losses and damages. One the company had a responsibility of providing sound training, effective and efficient management by way of regular supervision on employees by their senior counterparts (Rundmo, 1994). The manufacturers on the other hand, had a responsibility of providing the right propane tank installation procedures to their business partners to ensure safety of both workers and surrounding community and follow up to ensure that such guidelines are adhered to by recipient companies. Fostering discipline among employees is key in mitigating such accidents. For instance, the senior employees had neglected the junior technician to the detrimental of the possible leakage of propane gas.

Finally, proper communication channel is key in mitigation of eminent danger as a result of such leakages. The senior technician could not be contacted even in such demanding situation this could be perhaps due to improper communication channel or communication breakdown in the company. This hampered the rescue process as he could not be reached. Similarly, the emergency respondent team responded much later after the distress call has been made. This lack of professionalism led to occurrence of the accident. Proper communication infrastructure is a key recommendation in averting danger arising out spontaneous accidents.

Reference

Faith, S. K., Jackson, A. B., & Willis, H. (2011). Text Analysis of after taction reports to support improved emergency response planning. Journal of homeland security and emergency Management, 8(1), 1-16.

Rundmo, T. (1994). Association between safety and contingency measures and occupational accidents on offshore petroleum platform. Scandinavinavian journal of work, enviroment and health, 23(4), 128-131.