Improving Incident Investigation through Inclusion of Human Factors

Studies of offshore and maritime incidents (accidents and near-misses) show that 80% or more involve human error. By investigating incidents, we can identify safety problems and take corrective actions to prevent future such events. While many offshore and maritime companies have incident investigation programs in place, most fall short in identifying and dealing with human errors. This paper discusses how to incorporate human factors into an incident investigation program. Topics include data collection and analysis and how to determine the types of safety interventions appropriate to safeguard against the identified risks. Examples are provided from three organizations that have established their own human factors investigation programs

Navier-Stokes Simulation of Local Winds Over the Earth’s Topography

A numerical approach is described that simplifies and automates the CFD solution process so that Earth scientists can utilize high-resolution Navier-Stokes flow solvers as a research tool to investigate wind events on the Earth’s surface. The current approach utilizes the OVERFLOW-2 structured overset RANS code. A genetic algorithm is used to obtain an optimal multi-zone overset grid system that reduces the grid size and simulation time by maintaining high resolution over high-gradient land regions and lower resolution over low-gradient water regions. Flow simulations are presented that include flow separation and reattachment over mountainous terrain for coastal islands in Alaska (USA) and British Columbia (Canada).