bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention and control of Pulmonary Tuberculosis: The role of IGRA (interferon-y release assay) tests in Occupational Surveillance Programs for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in an oilfield operation in a highly endemic area.
Authors: Awotula Patrick Oluwole , Pelat Francois 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Pulmonary TB disease remains a major public health concern despite global efforts deployed by various stake holders. A number of strategies have emerged in the effort to control the scourge of TB, ranging from BCG vaccination, screening and treatment of active forms and, more recently "diagnosing" and treating the latent form of the disease.
The traditional Tuberculin skin test (TST) has limitations in its use as a screening tool for TB (Latent and active).The emergence of IGRA (interferon-γ release assay) tests as an alternative to the TST opened a new chapter in latent TB diagnosis and, by extension, introduced potential strategies for TB control in certain population groups.
One of such IGRA tests introduced across several populations (expatriated and national workforce of an oil service company in West Africa) is the Quantiferon TB Gold test. The implementation has rapidly raised a number of questions such as the rationale of its use in low versus high disease burden populations, but also concerning its benefits in helping to identify active TB and trace contacts.
This paper intends to provide an overview of findings from field utilization in both TB control and screening processes and also examines the rationale for treating latent TB, particularly in the unique multinational offshore/remote locations which promotes close and often prolonged contact and interaction among personnel. While it is not the intent of this presentation to provide answers, it will help in formulating the right questions, the considerations of which it is hoped will contribute to the practical and rational use of these new screening tools in the field.
Combining Passive and Active Monitoring of Sediment Spill from Subsea Ploughing of a Major Subsea Pipeline
Authors: Rahbek Malene Louise , Valeur Jens Rosendal 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The Nord Stream Pipeline (a two-pipeline system) from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea was constructed during 2010–2012. In Swedish waters, subsea post-lay trenching by ploughing was carried out at minimum 4 km distance to two Natura 2000 areas1, which was considered by the environmental authorities to be relatively close. The Swedish construction permit required that the excess Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC; often the indirect measure turbidity is used) caused by sediment spill as a result of the construction works (particularly post-lay trenching by ploughing) never exceeded 15 mg/l above natural background at the borders of the Natura 2000 areas. Because natural turbidity levels were not well-described in this area, a monitoring programme combining passive, real-time turbidity monitoring and active, vessel-based spill monitoring combined with a feedback mechanism was established. The method proved successful in documenting compliance with permit requirements with regard to threshold limits for excess SSC caused by construction activities during construction of Line 1. This ensured that trenching activities could be completed as planned, and it also enabled a significant reduction in the scope of the monitoring programme for Line 2. The monitoring was also successful in verifying that numerical modelling of sediment spreading carried out as part of the pre-construction impact assessment was correct. Finally, the new knowledge on spill rates acquired from the vessel-based monitoring will enable a more accurate assessment of the environmental impact of future subsea ploughing operations.
Developing the Local Supply Chain for the Contract of the Century and Achieving US$ 1 billion in Local Content
Authors: Ismayilov Ibrahim , Taghiyev Samir , Shikhlinsky Kenan 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Today, offshore Caspian has become one of the world's leading hydrocarbon provinces. The development of the region's offshore oil and gas fields and onshore pipelines has made Azerbaijan a focal point of the global energy market and a gateway through which international investments reach the Caspian region and beyond.1 Azerbaijan has a long oil and gas history, which was reinvigorated in 1994 when a consortium of major oil companies signed a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with the Government of Azerbaijan to explore and develop offshore Azerbaijan, which has been referred to as the "Contract of the Century". This has also triggered construction of the 1768 km long Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline and other major projects now operated by BP.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Azerbaijan endured the collapse of the Soviet Union, economic disintegration, and a devastating war with neighboring Armenia. 1995 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 42 percent of pre-independence levels and unemployment was endemic. Of a total population of 8 million, about 1 million Azerbaijanis were refugees or internally displaced persons who had fled areas occupied by Armenian forces. Another 2 million Azerbaijanis had left the country, mainly to find work.2
The Contract of the Century also provided the opportunity for the Azerbaijani private sector to rebuild itself by working with BP and associated service companies. However, to be successful Azerbaijani companies would have to compete with international firms for contracts, which demanded international quality levels. For most local companies this seemed an insurmountable obstacle.
Adapting to Climate Change: A Regional Climate Model Study of the Caucasus
Authors: Nissan Hannah , Clarke Jim , Oliviera Shirley , Toumi Ralf 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Adapting to climate change requires new tools and processes within the oil and gas sector. In this paper we present a potential adaptation process. We also discuss the results of an investigation using the Regional Environmental Modelling System (ReEMS). ReEMS is being used to revise design criteria of infrastructure. Using the Caucasus as a case study we examine the hypothesis that air temperature change can be a proxy for extreme rainfall change. Climate simulations have been performed over a two decade-long period to emulate a recent past and future climate scenario. Mean and extreme precipitation changes are shown to be decoupled. Clausius-Clapeyron scaling is considered to be a good estimator for changes in modelled extreme precipitation with temperature. The similarity between the theoretical and modelled climate results is closer for more extreme rainfall and is also found to depend on the region over which the comparison is made.
Identifying Trends in HSE Data Requests—Are the Right Questions Being Asked?
Authors: Dvorak Stephanie , Hollas David 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This study analyzes the content of health, safety and environment (HSE) questionnaires and data requests from service contracts, master service agreements, and data management services agreements. Exploration and production (E&P) operators request such information in order to identify and avoid undue HSE risk.
Because of the widely diverging utility of specific HSE metrics, the information provided in the response often fails to meet this overall objective due to the misapplication of the data to the risk, i.e. obtaining an answer to the wrong question. In order to improve this process, a study was conducted to assess whether the right questions are being asked in operator questionnaires.
The study considered a set of data requests that were compiled and sorted by type. Requests for specific questions and data were broken down by subject area, and grouped into like categories. Trends were quantified and then ranked based upon occurrence. Grouped requests were analyzed against a standard risk rank model to compare frequency of request versus perceived risk.
This paper reports on the results of the study as well as presents a review of the process by which the study was conducted. The results are designed to help operators compare the relevance of their HSE data requests with those of their peers by identifying trends and assess whether the requested data meets the objective of properly identifying risk.
This paper is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered professional advice or opinions. This paper contains the personal observations of the authors and does not represent the opinions of their employers.
Baseline Health Survey in a Sparsely Populated Part of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Viliani Francesca , Curtis Peter , Stone Michael , Kotapu Sylvester , Hooper Dick , Martin Michael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The description of baseline information about the environmental, social, economic and health conditions existing in the project area is one of the key objectives of an impact assessment. It is also one of the key information pieces needed by project proponents and decision makers, in order to assess and monitor project interaction with the local context. The health baseline always relies on qualitative and quantitative data and is ideally compiled using primary and secondary data.
The InterOil Baseline Health Survey (BLHS) generated several primary health indicators and provided a point-in-time assessment of the health status of people living in villages within the InterOil project area in Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG). It attempted to describe and quantify the type and magnitude of health-related problems affecting the catchment population, as well as identify the relevant determinants of health and potential health risks faced by the current and future population.
The choice of the health indicators to include in a health baseline was project and context specific. This was an issue addressed at the beginning of the impact assessment process and it was developed taking in consideration the future use of those indicators for monitoring purposes. The health baseline information not only assisted the identification of the potential impacts, but most importantly defined recommendations and community health outreach programs as part of the project management plan. This plan can then be monitored using health indicators comparable with the ones included in the health baseline.
Finally, the paper shows thatspecial attention should be given to the use of secondary data to infer any meaningful conclusion about the health status of a specific community. In the case of InterOil if no BLHS would have been conducted, then the existing secondary data for malaria and filariasis would not have been indicative of the communities and much higher than what isfound in reality with risky consequences for the project.
Assessment and Strategic Approach for Ergonomic Issues in Critical Jobs in the Oil and Gas Workforce
Authors: Hernan Ulloa J. , Paola Rodriguez M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a global leading cause of occupational disability. In the oil and gas industry, the incidence of MSDs has grown by 67% over a five-year period and studies reveal that MSDs prevalence is relatively high for the neck, shoulder, wrist/hand, and knee body areas among employees. Numerous studies have found that the cost of MSDs is high compared with other health issues such as headache, heart disease, depression, or diabetes.
An oilfield services company with operations in Colombia (South America) is addressing MSDs by developing and implementing a strategy to identify ergonomic risks through a five-step model. The steps include a data collection and morbidity survey of symptoms related to musculoskeletal complaints in 682 workers and the analysis of critical jobs, separated by specific tasks and elements to identify frequency and job cycles. Risk factors identification was conducted from critical tasks for such elements as the number of motions per cycle and per shift, forces, weights, posture, and contact stress using two specific job assessment tools: the Manual Handling Assessment Chart (MAC) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Final steps involve identifying whole-job risk factors and finding controls including engineering, administrative, and behavioral. Upon completion of the five-step ergonomic evaluation, a workplace intervention is introduced including mechanical aid design, reorganization of tasks, and other workplace changes.
Long-term results can be achieved by continuing and systematic workplace evaluation. The control of ergonomic risks will prevent new MSDs as well as avoid the further aggravation of existing cases. With appropiate ergonomic risk identification and control companies can experience decreases in associated costs such as absenteeism, medical management, and employee turnaround related to MSDs with all of their effects, such as operational errors, production delays, and employee retraining.
Streamlining the Environmental Impact Assessment Process of Underwater Noise from Petroleum Exploration & Production Operations
Authors: Erbe Christine 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Underwater noise is increasingly being considered a water quality indicator by governments around the world and plays an increasing role in environmental mipact assessments of marine industrial developments. To-date, however, there are no standards for the measurement of underwater noise from petroleum operations, nor for data analysis, nor for reporting. As a result, the quality of many environmental impact assessments is poor, the results are not reliable, data are not comparable, errors (which are hardly ever assessed or reported) are huge, outcomes (e.g. impact zones, imposed mitigation requirements) are arbitrary and costs are as unpredictable as the lottery.
The Centre for Marine Science & Technology at Curtin University is currently developing guidelines for underwater noise assessments with support from Chevron Australia. As a first step, we have reviewed international regulation of underwater noise from petroleum operations finding large disagreement in methodology and approaches, criteria and threshold levels, acoustic quantities assessed, and imposed mitigation paradigms. Commonalities include requirements for baseline sound measurements, anthropogenic noise source characterization and monitoring of marine life.
Fatigue Risk Management: A Case Study
Authors: McCulloch Kirsty , Kontou Thomas , Ferguson Sally 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Shiftwork is a common activity across oil and gas operations. One of the biggest threats associated with shiftwork is fatigue-related impairment. While the relationship between fatigue and safety risk are widely acknowledged, the practical implications and management practices within the oil and gas industry are not well understood, practiced or monitored.
This paper will explore the prevalence and nature of fatigue-related impairment in a small population of oil and gas workers. Data will be presented on actual work hours, sleep quality and quantity, and the relationship with performance impairment. Data was collected using questionnaires, work, sleep and symptom diaries, wrist activity monitors and psychomotor vigilance tasks using a hand held palm pilot.
The results portray the difference in risk profile across a two week period of 12-hour night shifts, contrasted against a two-week period of 12-hour day shifts. The results draw attention to high-risk periods across a shift work roster, and propose targeted management strategies using the hierarchy of control. The paper concludes with areas for further research and industry collaboration.
Achieving Measured Improvements in Employee Health and Well-Being as a Result of Implementing a Proactive Programme of Health and Human Resource Initiatives in the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Collins Michael 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The Santos Health & Well Being program has been running since 2006. Integrated with a range of proactive human resource initiatives implemented over a number of years and guided by Santos values, significant improvements in health related indicators as well as improvements in human resource outcomes have been achieved. These results are built on a foundation of leadership development, employee engagement, targeted interventions and a range of Santos policies that support and focus on people development and encouraging healthy environments across the business.
New Tools to Assess Water Risk and Enhance Environmental and Operational Performance in Oil and Gas
Authors: Fennessey K. D. , Romer R. F. , Dell J. J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Water is essential in the upstream and downstream operations of oil and gas companies. Yet water, particularly fresh water, is a scarce resource in many parts of world now and availability is predicted to become more constrained in the future. Understanding where areas of water risk and impacts are and responding with effective water management strategies is integral to responsible and efficient operations in the oil and gas sector.
IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, has recently made significant strides to raise members, stakeholders and the industry's awareness of water management issues for the oil and gas sector. This paper showcases the suite of free and publically accessable IPIECA tools and guidance available to help the sector more effectively understand and manage their areas of water risks and impacts: The IPIECA Global Water Tool for Oil and Gas, launched in 2011, has been customised in collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). The tool helps companies map their water use and assess risks for their overall global portfolio of sites considering each part of the oil and gas value chain.The Global Environmental Management Initiative (GEMI) Local Water Tool for Oil and Gas, launched in March 2012, provides a local-level understanding of water risk and development of management plans. IPIECA collaborated with GEMI to ensure compatibility between the global and local water tools.An IPIECA document, Petroleum Refining Water / Wastewater Use and Management, launched in 2010 provides downstream good practice and strategies used in petroleum refineries to manage water including ways to reduce water usage.
Use of these tools and guidance by companies enables implementation of good management practices and can enhance environmental and operational performance.
Leadership Accountability Drives Towards Incident Free Operations - A Case of an Acquired Company
Authors: Yunan Arief 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The single largest factor for success in incident free operations is leadership. Leaders are responsible and accountable not only for getting results but getting results in the right way and behaving in accordance with company values. Leaders at every level are expected to foster and reinforce an incident free culture, cascade the message that incident free is a priority throughout their organizations, instill operational discipline and work to ensure that their entire workforce comply with safety requirements.
In a newly acquired company it was a challenge for leaders to manage the risks of organization change and at the same time shift the workforce paradigm to a new culture and drive them towards incident free operations. Leaders had to determine which safety requirements and behaviors applied to their specific organizational roles and took action to integrate them into routine duties. This paper discusses the experience and approaches that the company used to manage the risks of organizational change, the key steps and building blocks used to move towards incident free operations, and the leadership accountability established to drive and sustain a safety culture to achieve high levels of performance. Key activities included building leadership accountability, establishing a Safety Leadership Team, directing a safety management system process, setting priorities, monitoring progress on plans that focus on the highest-impact items, and demonstrating visible leadership engagement and commitment. Examples of the key activities and how the leadership accountability metrics were developed and tracked will also be discussed.
An improvement in safety is reflected by achieving zero number of Days Away From Work cases and excellent completion of leadership accountability metrics. A Leadership Behavior Survey conducted in 2010 as well as the 2011 Corporate OE (Operational Excellence) Audit indicated satisfactory results. The paper concludes leadership accountability is an important factor to ensure success to drive towards incident free operations.
In 2011, the business unit experienced zero Days Away from Work cases and a 75% decrease in Total Recordable incidents. Visible leadership and engagement have been very instrumental in fostering and reinforcing a workforce incident free culture, and directly contributed to an improved safety performance.
Indigenous Peoples and the oil and gas industry: Context issues and emerging good practice.
Authors: Pasch Craig , Mohan Anupama , Cleland Roper 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Indigenous Peoples globally have a recognised connection to land and waters that warrants special consideration for oil and gas companies. Throughout 2011 and 2012, the IPIECA Indigenous Peoples Task Force developed an issues review that provides a summary of the policy and legal context, along with an overview of the key challenges and emerging good practice for industry's interface with Indigenous Peoples.
The oil and gas Industry is required to facilitate an approach to engaging communities that satisfies the requirements of the existing and emerging International conventions, policies and regulatory frameworks. The new UN Human Rights Council endorsed "Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations ‘Protect, Respect and Remedy’ Framework, the soon to be launched revised IFC Performance Standard 7, and a rapidly evolving understanding of the now widely ratified United Nations Declaration of Rights for Indigenous Peoples are all considerations for oil and gas companies and their interactions with Indigenous Peoples. Developing a pan industry understanding of the significant international policy and framework additions of recent years is required to enable industry to respond to the new requirements and to turn the initiatives developed into meaningful outcomes for the Indigenous Peoples that we interact with.
It is now more understood that doing business in a manner that respects Indigenous Peoples can enhance relationships with host communities. Such an approach will also contribute towards accessing International finance, maintaining a social licence to operate and can even provide a source of competitive advantage. At the start of this year, IPIECA launched an issues review that outlines several examples of good practice to share key learnings for the meaningful engagement with Indigenous Peoples. IPIECA's Indigenous Peoples Task Force would like to share the approach being undertaken by the oil and gas industry to address the past year's significant additions, changes, and challenges in the context of best practices and case studies from our industry.