“A Simple Method of Risk/Hazard Assessment in Dredging” Thomas M. Verna and Dr. Luis. A. Prieto-Portar October 23, 2012

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) PHAs: Risk Assessment Tool Defines the Activity or Work to be Performed Identifies Hazards Establishes Controls to Reduce the Hazard to an Acceptable Risk Level Living Document Changes with Site Conditions or Operations Changes of competent/qualified personnel

for USACE, EM 385-1-1, 01.A.13.a states: Activity Hazard Analysis shall define the activities being performed and identify the work sequences, the specific anticipated hazards, site conditions, equipment, materials, and the control measures to be implemented to eliminate or reduce each hazard to an acceptable level. 15 Sep 2008 3

Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) Development 1. Define features of work 2. Identify hazards for each feature 3. Establish controls 4. Identify the competent/qualified personnel 5. Risk assessment (probability/severity) 6. Equipment, Training & Inspection

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The Dredging Risk Matrix

Risk Factors Probability: How many times that risk event can occur, or likelihood of the hazard to cause a incident, near miss, or accident Severity: The impact upon the project, or outcome/degree of the incident, near miss, or accident 7

Risk Assessment Code (RAC) Probability: Occasional Risk Assessment Code (RAC) Moderate Risk (M) Identify (M) as RAC for the hazard on AHA Repeat RAC process for each hazard Severity: Marginal M

Risk Mitigation 9 Unacceptable; must be reduced. Red Yellow Reduce if feasible; proceed with caution. Green Proceed and keep monitoring. Risk Mitigation 9

Conclusion Dredging and marine construction work is inherently dangerous PHAs are a risk management tool to help identify hazards or risks and formulate controls to reduce the hazard to an acceptable risk level Communicate at all levels PHAs shall be reviewed and modified as work progresses The Risk Matrix is a simple, visual method used by all to reduce risk Safety requires a TEAM EFFORT!

Questions ? Comments ! Contacts: Thomas M. Verna, USACE Institute for Water Resources, Alexandria, VA p:703-428-8562, email: thomas.m.verna@usace.army.mil Dr. Luis. A. Prieto-Portar, Piedroba Marine Construction, Miami, FL p: 305-972-2779, email: dr.prieto@piedroba.com