Normalization of Deviance occurs when behaviors or practices that were once deemed unacceptable gradually become part of the norm. There can be a significant time lag between the start of deviant behavior and the inevitable consequences. For example, someone might choose not to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle and get away with it […]
The supply chain for alloy materials is complex and appropriate safeguards and inspections must be performed from the source of raw material through the entire fabrication, shipping, warehousing and installation process. Intentional forgery of documentation and materials has occurred in the refining and petrochemical industry and can impact other industries relying on alloy materials. A […]
I recently wrote about the similarities between a 12,734 mile motorcycle ride and a Reliability Program including passion, preparation and perseverance. In this blog we highlight key elements that are critical for both a ride and a Reliability Program. These elements included: 1. Setting challenging, realistic goals 2. Selecting the right team 3. Making progress […]
Recently I rode with a group of friends completing the 4 Corners Motorcycle Ride from San Ysidro, California; to Key West, Florida; to Madawaska, Maine; to Blaine, Washington; and back to San Ysidro. This was a 12,734 mile ride over 7 weeks. While I won’t be climbing any more mountains in Nepal, I experienced the […]
Do you feel lucky, well do ya? Famous words uttered by Inspector Harry Callahan in one of my favorite Clint Eastwood movies is certainly no way to run a refinery, chemical plant or other hazardous operation. However, in real life we find operations relying on luck, tribal knowledge, personnel memory vs. standards and procedures and […]
Serving as an expert witness carries a heavy burden of responsibility. The expert plays a key role in any case and can be the pivot point between winning and losing the case. This blog explores the range of duties, attributes and responsibilities expected of an expert. These include: Credibility Excellent verbal and written communication skills […]
In any legal case it is very important to establish a true partnership between the law firm and the expert witness. This partnership facilitates an effective, balanced team with both technical and legal knowledge. This will provide the client with the most cost-effective solution and best chance for a favorable outcome during trial or arbitration. […]
with Abby King Moving from a reactive to proactive culture is not an easy thing to do, partially because there isn’t that immediate need to jump in to diagnose a problem or an emergency fix to equipment to get the plant back on-line. We have all been there, we get the call in the middle […]
I personally went through Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Ike during my career living in the Gulf Coast. Restarting our plants after these storms was challenging, home life was miserable without power for three weeks and traveling over 100 miles north to find gasoline, food and water for family and neighbors was time consuming and hazardous. […]
Recently published in the Inspectioneering Journal. Two heads are better than one, as the old saying goes. However, this adage only works if the two heads trust each other and are interested in working together to solve a problem. Elimination of chronic bad actors in hydrocarbon processing facilities is much more important than egos, silos, […]
