ISEC 08


REDUCING ERRORS IN THE PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

STEPHEN H. BROWN, SYED M. AHMED, KATELYN C. BRIGGS


Abstract

In underground construction, such as pipeline work, avoidable mistakes in the field can negatively affect the success of a project. Typical errors include installing the pipe incorrectly – the wrong grade, wrong elevation, wrong locations, etc. The only way to correct these mistakes is to excavate and remove the work and re-do it. This process usually eliminates any profit on the project or causes the project to result in a loss. The study identifies measures that contractors employ to bring awareness to human errors and mistakes before they happen and to help eliminate or reduce costly do-overs. The research reviews human behavior in the workplace, work teams, and workplace errors and mistakes in other industries such as healthcare, aviation, and manufacturing. The study methodology employed an online survey of North Carolina contractors used to measure the frequency and impact of workplace errors in the industry. The data identified led to a publish set of procedures or process changes that can potentially result in a reduction in workplace errors in pipeline construction. The study produces a better understanding of human factors in the workplace that result in errors and mistakes.

Full Text (PDF)