A Holistic Team Approach (HTA) Model to Curb Machinery Accidents in Power Plants

Abstract

Machinery accidents have been an important aspect that needs proper attention in all work places in recent years especially power plants. A large number of accident cases have been reported from the year 2018 to 2022. Accident report from DOSH (Department of Safety and Health Malaysia) indicates that a significant number of machinery accident cases occur in power plants while PERKESO (Social Security Organisation Malaysia)has investigated and tabulated accidents based on area of workplace and injury. Research shows that most statistical studies do not comprise of a preventive model to curb machinery accidents, which involves employees and management. A model that comprises of Machinery or Area of work (M) and the type of injury (I) is identified and summed in a form of a scientific equation which results in the possible accident type (α) which is the accident occurred. A Holistic Team Approach (HTA) model is designed that involves a team for each element M and I which comprises of engineers, technicians and operators working in the same area of equipment and a management representative. Each team is assigned to specific accidents according to the M and I element and classified as α-combinations. Teams are sent for incident investigation where preventive actions and reporting are discussed. A decision analysis is performed based on the model that emphasizes two Process Safety Management (PSM) elements which are accident investigation and employee participation. The HTA model is able to reduce machinery accidents by involving the elements of machinery and injury types, which is applicable to workplaces worldwide.