Nimrod XV230—reflections on leadership, culture and priorities
Martin AndersonA Woodside Energy Ltd, 240 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, Australia.
B Email: martin.anderson@woodside.com.au
The APPEA Journal 57(2) 374-376 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ16243
Accepted: 24 March 2017 Published: 29 May 2017
Abstract
On 2 September 2006 a reconnaissance aircraft Royal Air Force Nimrod XV230 suffered a catastrophic mid-air fire on a mission over Afghanistan, leading to the total loss of the aircraft and the death of all 14 service personnel. This paper summarises key issues from an independent inquiry and challenges the oil and gas industry to reflect on these. The author, a Chartered specialist in human and organisational factors, contributed to The Nimrod Review as a Specialist Inspector with the UK Health and Safety Executive.
Keywords: assumptions, complacency, complexity, Haddon-Cave, organisational change, organisational failures, safety case, safety culture, The Nimrod Review, warning signs.
Martin Anderson is a graduate in psychology with over 25 years of experience in human factors and safety management, in relation to major hazards and complex systems. He has two Master of Engineering degrees; in human factors, and in process safety. Prior to joining Woodside in 2013, Martin played a key role in developing human factors within the UK Health and Safety Executive. He was a Specialist Inspector for 12 years, regulating human, management and organisational aspects on over 150 major hazard sites. Martin is a Fellow and Chartered Member of the UK Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors; and was a non-Executive Director of the Institute for 10 years. In 2012 he was presented with the William Floyd Award by the Institute, for outstanding and innovative contributions to ergonomics and human factors. Martin is currently Manager Human Factors at Woodside. |
References
The Nimrod Review (2009). ‘An independent review into the broader issues surrounding the loss of the RAF Nimrod MR2 aircraft XV230 in Afghanistan in 2006.’ (The Stationery Office: London.)Any views or opinions expressed in this paper are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Woodside Energy Ltd.
