WEBINAR
February 12, 2025 at 10:00 am CT
Normalization of Deviance
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It has been said that pipeline safety regulations are “written in blood,” meaning that many can be traced back to a specific incident or multiple incidents where people were hurt or killed. This perception is undoubtedly accurate and is a sobering reminder that workers in the pipeline industry must remain continuously vigilant to avoid complacent thinking and shortcuts that can lead to disaster.
We’ll dissect examples of pipeline and non-pipeline events caused by this phenomenon and discuss ways pipeline operators can recognize and prevent deadly shortcuts.
Takeaways:
- First, we’ve all done it, even if you don’t think you have! To set the stage, we’ll discuss an example of where you and I have normalized not following a critical safety procedure.
- Long-tenured employees are not immune to normalizing deviance and, in many cases, may be more susceptible than junior team members.
- Workers must understand the “why” behind procedures to follow them. Educating your employees on the reasons behind procedures can make a difference.
- Performing the same daily tasks for years can lead to boredom, which may initiate the cycle of complacency and shortcuts, which can ultimately lead to disaster. Leaders must find ways to keep employees interested and engaged in their duties.
More About This Webinar
In the context of Operator Qualification (OQ), the terms “suspension” and “disqualification” are used almost interchangeably.
However, these terms have very different meanings.
In this webinar, we will explain how suspension and disqualification are used by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and how operators and contractors should understand these terms and incorporate them into their written OQ Programs.
In this video, get a glimpse of the real-world examples that Brian will demonstrate in the webinar.
Meet the speaker
Brian’s passion for pipeline safety began at the age of 12 when his stepdad was burned in a natural gas incident. Simply put, Brian believes that “What’s the right thing to do?” should be a part of every decision made regarding safety and procedures. Brian enters the room with over 30 years of experience in the industry from field employee to technical training and operator qualification manager for two major gas distribution operators. Brian's recent experience includes service with PHMSA, as a Central Region inspector and TQ instructor. With experience in both writing procedures and inspection, Brian is the perfect person to put in front of our industry’s Operators and Contractors to bring awareness to pipeline safety and procedures.
Crystal lives and breathes education for the industry. She has a B.A. in integrative Studies with concentrations in Spanish, technical writing, and professional communication. She has spent years in the API 1161 Working Group and the ASME B31Q Standards Committee, as well as other association committees. For Crystal, it isn’t just about using the right there, their, and they’re. She is passionate about making sure workers in the industry are properly trained, and she makes sure that content is relevant, accurate, and attainable by the learner.
Steve came to EWN with a wealth of knowledge that he readily shares with the industry. Steve has a background that includes a degree from Indiana University, an MBA from Butler University, his CPA, and over 30 years in the industry. His experience includes time as the Pipeline Safety Director of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, National NAPSR Chair, PHMSA GPAC member, and time as a state regulator and inspector. Steve is a true pipeline safety evangelist and PSMS ambassador. As one of our most recognized speakers, Steve presents regularly on laws and regulations, PSMS, and Safety Culture. Steve is a member of multiple boards and committees, including currently serving on the APGA Board of Directors.
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ENERGY Worldnet, Inc. (EWN) is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET Continuing Education Unit (CEU).