CASE STUDY-AN ELECTRONIC INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

In March 1999 a Lotus Notes®-based electronic Incident Management System was introduced into the Santos Queensland and Northern Territory Business Unit. The system initially captured injuries, near-misses and hazards, and introduced significant benefits over the previous paper based system, including:

single point data entry;

electronic signature capture;

automatic notifications throughout the organisation;

a comprehensive action assignment and follow-up system;

simplified data entry forms;

easy access to data across the organisation; and

incorporation of risk management strategy into incident assessment.

Since March 1999, the system has expanded both in scope and functionality. In June 1999, the system was introduced into the South Australia Business Unit, and is now being introduced into the Offshore Australia Business Unit. The functionality of the system now includes the capture of all types of incidents, including environmental, property damage and non-conformance incidents.

The system resulted in an increase in reporting of near misses and hazards, and this has no doubt contributed to Santos' improved safety performance.