We publish our investigation reports (see right-hand column)
Investigation
The most serious incidents will be investigated by the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA).
6-9 incidents are investigated each year.
Investigation forms an important part of our audit activities
What we investigate
Depending on the seriousness, the PSA follows up hazard and accident situations within our area of authority. Our audit may be carried out in the form of
- Our own independent investigation. This is often carried out in parallel with the Prosecuting Authority's investigation, where the PSA provides expert assistance.
- Follow-up of the operator's system to follow up incidents
- Case handling of the operating companies' investigation reports, submitted upon request from the PSA
Incidents which typically qualify for an independent investigation by us are:
- major accidents and situations which could have led to a major accident
- deaths in connection with work accidents
- serious personal injury with lethal potential
- serious weakening or discontinuance of safety functions and barriers which put the facility's integrity at risk.
If there is a need for involving other supervisory authorities, the investigation may be conducted in cooperation with other supervisory authorities.
The purpose of the investigation:
The investigation collects facts, uncovers causal relationships and considers measures vis-à-vis the responsible party.
On the basis of what we learn during the investigation, we consider which measures must be employed to bring the activities into compliance with the regulations and to prevent similar incidents.
The PSA prepares its own investigation report which is published in its entirety on the website. Methodology for mapping underlying causes is often used. The analysis is often presented in an MTO diagram (people, technology, organization).
Investigation – a key aspect of our audit
Follow-up of incidents is part of the audit concept, and is included as an important part of our supervision.
Experiences from this part of the audit activities can be used e.g. to:
- prioritize audit activities,
- inform/orient the industry, (lessons learned)
- evaluate need for regulatory development and further development of the audit concept.
- raising internal competence
The PSA also has an important role in informing the HSE authorities of other countries about incidents on the Norwegian shelf which may be relevant to them
