What is TRACEr-OGI, and how does it provide a new approach to understanding human error in the oil and gas industry?

TRACEr-OGI is a detailed, systematic method specifically designed for the oil and gas sector to analyze human error. It examines the cognitive processes of individuals involved, the impact of external influences, and the effectiveness of human-machine interfaces, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to accidents.

How does TRACEr-OGI differ from traditional accident investigations in identifying the causes of incidents?

Traditional accident investigations often stop at identifying surface-level causes, such as a missed step or equipment malfunction. TRACEr-OGI, however, goes further by identifying the underlying cognitive errors by focusing on Context of the Incident, Operator's Context, and Error Recovery. The taxonomy is further divided into subdivisions for a more effective coding process.

What key factors does TRACEr-OGI take into account when analyzing an incident?

TRACEr-OGI considers multiple dimensions of an incident. These include: Context of the Incident, which looks at error information and casualty levels; Operator's Context, which involves External Error Mode (EEM) and Cognitive Domain (including Internal Error Mode (IEM) and Potential Error Mode (PEM)); and Error Recovery, which assesses Performance Shaping Factors (PSF).

How can companies use insights from TRACEr-OGI to prevent future accidents and improve safety?

By identifying recurring issues such as poor communication through TRACEr-OGI, companies can implement targeted interventions like enhanced communication protocols and training programs. This proactive approach helps prevent similar accidents, promoting continuous improvement in offshore safety by addressing the root causes of human error.

What are the implications of using TRACEr-OGI for the future of safety in the oil and gas industry?

TRACEr-OGI represents a shift towards a more proactive and insightful approach to safety. By understanding the cognitive elements and conditions leading to errors, the oil and gas industry can move beyond merely reacting to incidents and instead actively create safer working environments. The focus is on enhancing human performance, improving system design, and fostering a safety culture that prioritizes continuous learning and adaptation.

Offshore oil rig at sunset with integrated brain-like structures, symbolizing cognitive analysis and safety.

Decoding Disaster: How Cognitive Error Analysis Can Make Oil & Gas Safer

Beau Callahan in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into a technique that's revolutionizing accident investigation and prevention in the high-stakes world of offshore drilling."

The oil and gas (O&G) industry, while vital to our energy needs, carries inherent risks. History is riddled with catastrophic accidents like the Alexander L. Kielland disaster in 1980 and the Piper Alpha explosion in 1988, tragedies often rooted in human error. Understanding and preventing these errors is not just about compliance; it's about protecting lives and the environment.

For years, the industry has relied on various methods to analyze accidents. Now, a cutting-edge approach is changing the game: the Technique for Retrospective and Predictive Analysis of Cognitive Errors for the Oil and Gas Industry, or TRACEr-OGI. This method offers a detailed, systematic way to analyze human error, tailored specifically for the unique challenges of the O&G sector.

We'll break down how TRACEr-OGI works, why it's more effective than previous methods, and how it's helping to build a safer future for offshore operations. Whether you're an industry professional, a safety advocate, or simply curious about the science of accident prevention, this is your guide to understanding a critical evolution in O&G safety.

TRACEr-OGI: A New Lens on Human Error

Offshore oil rig at sunset with integrated brain-like structures, symbolizing cognitive analysis and safety.

TRACEr-OGI isn't just another checklist; it's a comprehensive framework that considers the complex interplay of factors leading to accidents. Unlike earlier methods, TRACEr-OGI delves into the cognitive processes of individuals, the influence of external factors, and the design of human-machine interfaces. The analysis contains Context of the Incident, Operator's Context and Error Recovery.

Traditional accident investigations often focus on surface-level causes, such as a missed step or a faulty piece of equipment. TRACEr-OGI digs deeper, aiming to identify the underlying cognitive errors. The taxonomy is further divided into subdivisions for a more effective coding process. This is achieved by:

Context of the Incident: Looks into the error information and casualty levels.
Operator's Context: EEM (External Error Mode), Cognitive Domain (IEM and PEM).
Error Recovery: An assesment of Performance Shaping Factors (PSF).

By understanding these underlying issues, companies can develop targeted interventions to prevent similar accidents from happening again. For example, if TRACEr-OGI reveals that poor communication is a recurring factor, companies can implement more robust communication protocols and training programs.

A Safer Future Through Cognitive Insight

TRACEr-OGI offers a powerful tool for driving continuous improvement in offshore safety. By providing a detailed understanding of how human error contributes to accidents, it enables companies to move beyond reactive measures and proactively address underlying issues.

As the O&G industry continues to evolve, embracing advanced analytical techniques like TRACEr-OGI will be crucial for minimizing risk and ensuring the well-being of workers and the environment. The future of offshore operations depends on a commitment to learning from the past and using cognitive insight to build a safer, more resilient industry.

While the study acknowledges limitations like reports missing key accident information, it still shows how TRACEr-OGI enhanced agreement and made coding facility failures possible. The modification results could inform potential decisions that will aid offshore process safety development.