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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

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Brian Dresel

Executive Director, Safety & Compliance

About Brian

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