The Role of Human Factors Considerations and Safety Culture in the Safety of Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

Abstract Hydraulic fracturing is a well stimulation method frequently used in oil and gas operations in order to facilitate the flow movement and increase production in tight and low permeability formations. Along with horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing has helped the United States in meeting its enormous need for energy. Despite of the advantages such as boosting economy and energy-independency, there are potential environmental and safety issues associated which rise many questions on the future of this technology. More specifically, recent accidents and incidents have heightened public and industry concerns. This paper addresses major contributing factors to the safety of fracturing by analyzing different steps of the operation and providing associated human factors and safety culture considerations. Primary human factor root-causes of three recent fracking accidents have been analyzed, and recommendations as how to proactively address these considerations in the entire hydraulic fracturing life-cycle process are proposed.

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