Safety Critical Task Analysis SOP
Safety Critical Task Analysis SOP
Department: CONSTRUCTION
APPROVAL
BRUBA Construction:
Name Title Signature Date
Author: Melkamu Dereje HSE Officer
Deputy Project
Reviewer: Elias Ketsela Manager
Client:
Name Title Signature Date
Revision History
Revision No. Effective Date Description of Changes
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Abbreviation Definition
ALARP As Low as Reasonably Practicable
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Contents
1. Abbreviations and definitions.........................................................................................................2
2. Site Identification & Establishment................................................................................................4
3. Project Mobilization of Plant and Equipment.................................................................................7
4. Setting up Camp & Storage Facilities............................................................................................10
5. Clearing and Grubbing..................................................................................................................11
6. Excavation Work...........................................................................................................................12
7. Working Near Services.................................................................................................................12
8. Lifting & Lowering Operation.......................................................................................................13
9. Scaffold Work...............................................................................................................................14
10. Working at Heights...................................................................................................................14
11. Hazardous Chemical Agents Handling......................................................................................15
12. Stacking & Storage....................................................................................................................15
13. Hot Works.................................................................................................................................16
14. Electrical Works........................................................................................................................17
15. Concrete Works........................................................................................................................17
16. Civil Works................................................................................................................................18
17. Plumbing Works.......................................................................................................................19
18. Roof Works...............................................................................................................................19
19. Interior & Finishing Work.........................................................................................................20
20. SCTA Planning...........................................................................................................................21
21. Roles & Responsibilities............................................................................................................21
22. Management of Actions...........................................................................................................22
23. Operating and Maintenance Procedures..................................................................................22
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For constructing a camp using prefabricated flatpacks, the task inventory includes key activities that
ensure safe, organized, and efficient site establishment:
Site Survey and Assessment: Evaluate the terrain, environmental considerations, and
potential hazards.
Site Clearance: Remove vegetation, debris, and obstacles to prepare the ground.
Ground Preparation: Level the ground and lay foundations where necessary for flatpack
structures.
Delivery and Offloading of Flatpacks: Coordinate the delivery of flatpack units, ensuring
access and safety during unloading.
Utility Setup: Install water, electricity, and sewage connections to each flatpack unit.
Safety Perimeter Setup: Establish barriers around the site to prevent unauthorized access
and ensure security.
Health and Safety Briefing: Conduct regular safety briefings for all personnel involved in the
establishment tasks.
Each task within the camp construction process is prioritized based on criticality and potential risk:
High Priority Tasks: Include assembly of flatpacks, utility setup, and safety perimeter
establishment due to the high risk of injury from equipment handling, utility connections,
and site security requirements.
Medium Priority Tasks: Ground preparation and site clearance are medium priority as they
involve machinery and potential hazards from uneven terrain.
Low Priority Tasks: Site survey and environmental assessment have a lower immediate risk
but are crucial for preventing long-term issues and ensuring the overall safety of the site.
Breaking down the main activities within camp construction for a systematic approach:
Objective: Safely establish a prefabricated flatpack camp that provides secure, habitable units for site
personnel.
Sub-tasks:
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o Prepare Ground and Clear Area: Remove any obstructions and ensure a stable
foundation.
o Connect Utilities: Provide each unit with water, power, and sewage connections.
o Finalize Safety Measures: Set up perimeter, install fire extinguishers, and post
emergency contact information.
o Prepare Ground and Clear Area: Includes steps such as marking layout areas,
levelling, and compacting the ground.
o Assemble Flatpacks: This task includes laying out tools, connecting flatpack panels,
securing joints, and inspecting structure stability.
Potential errors during camp construction could lead to safety incidents or compromised structure
quality:
Errors in Ground Preparation: Failing to properly level ground could lead to instability.
Methods to control include detailed ground checks and level measurements.
Errors in Assembly: Omitting bolts or misaligning panels could result in structural failure.
Controls include thorough training and assembly checklists.
Utility Connection Errors: Errors like incorrect wiring or loose fittings pose hazards. Controls
include certified electricians and multi-point inspection processes.
Error in Safety Perimeter Setup: Failing to mark hazardous zones increases accident risks.
Control measures include regular safety audits and clearly marked hazard zones.
Job Factors:
Person Factors:
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o Fatigue and Stress: Working in remote locations with limited resources can increase
stress and fatigue, impacting decision-making.
o Competency: Workers require specific skills, especially for assembly and utility
connections.
Organization Factors:
The risk evaluation assesses current controls and determines additional safeguards:
Existing Controls:
o Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all personnel during assembly and utility
connections.
Additional Controls:
Analysis Validation
Validation steps include observations and walkthroughs to ensure the HTA, HEA, and PIF findings
match real-world conditions:
Task Observation: Observe assembly and utility setup steps to confirm safe practices are
followed.
Walkthroughs with Experienced Personnel: Conduct discussions on best practices for remote
camp construction, allowing experts to share insights on overcoming common challenges.
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Documented Findings: Record findings and adjust training and operational procedures as
needed for future remote camp projects.
Task Inventory
For mobilizing plant and equipment specifically for a prefabricated flatpack camp, the task inventory
includes several key activities essential to ensure that all necessary tools, machinery, and
prefabricated materials are safely delivered, offloaded, and set up.
Equipment Transport and Logistics: Arranging transport for prefabricated flatpack units,
construction equipment, cranes, and essential camp setup materials.
Inspection and Setup of Equipment: Conducting initial inspections to confirm all equipment is
functional and safe for use. This includes verifying that cranes, forklifts, and other lifting tools
are in proper working order.
Storage Setup for Materials: Establishing secure storage areas for materials and equipment
not immediately needed to prevent weather exposure and maintain organization.
Prioritization of each task is essential for ensuring that high-risk elements of mobilization are
managed effectively:
High Priority:
o Offloading and Positioning of Flatpacks: Given the high risk involved in handling large
and heavy prefabricated components, offloading is prioritized. This stage involves
cranes and forklifts, which require skilled operation and strict adherence to safety
protocols.
o Inspection and Setup of Equipment: Ensuring that lifting and transport equipment is
in optimal condition is critical to prevent accidents during the offloading and
assembly stages.
Medium Priority:
Low Priority:
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To facilitate a structured approach, the key tasks in mobilizing plant and equipment are broken down
as follows:
Sub-tasks:
o Prepare Offloading Zones: Designate and secure zones for safe unloading of
flatpacks, ensuring stability and accessibility.
o Offload and Position Flatpacks and Equipment: Use cranes and forklifts to safely
offload, position, and secure each flatpack according to the camp layout.
o Inspect and Set Up Equipment: Perform initial inspections of all mobilized equipment
to confirm it is functional and safe for use.
o Offloading: Utilize cranes and designated lifting points on the flatpacks to position
each unit safely.
o Positioning: Position the flatpacks according to the layout, ensuring each component
is stable before detaching lifting equipment.
o Inspection: Inspect cranes, forklifts, and tools to ensure readiness and safety before
offloading.
Potential human errors during mobilization can lead to safety risks, damage to materials, or delays:
o Omission: Failing to follow lifting protocols (e.g., not using designated lifting points)
can result in structural damage.
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o Timing Errors: Premature release of flatpack units before stability checks are
complete can lead to accidents.
o Misuse of Equipment: Using equipment not suited for certain materials (e.g., using
forklifts for oversized loads) can lead to damage or tipping.
Controls:
Training and Certification: Operators should be trained on specific machinery used in flatpack
handling.
Checklists: Step-by-step checklists ensure all necessary inspections and positioning checks
are completed.
Several factors impact performance during the mobilization of plant and equipment, including:
Job Factors:
o Equipment Suitability: Availability of the right cranes, forklifts, and other equipment
affects task efficiency and safety.
Environmental Factors:
Person Factors:
o Fatigue and Stress: Working under tight schedules, especially in remote locations,
can lead to increased fatigue and potential errors.
Organization Factors:
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o Safety Culture: A strong emphasis on safety and risk management reduces the
likelihood of accidents during mobilization.
Risk evaluation ensures that all hazards associated with plant and equipment mobilization are
mitigated to ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable):
Current Controls:
o Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandatory PPE, such as helmets, gloves, and
high-visibility vests, for all personnel.
o Site Demarcation: Secure fencing around offloading zones to restrict access to only
authorized personnel.
Additional Controls:
o Load Stability Checks: Ensure all flatpack components are stable before detaching
lifting equipment.
Analysis Validation
Validation is conducted through observations, walkthroughs, and feedback collection to ensure that
all procedures reflect actual site conditions and operational requirements:
Feedback Collection: Gather insights from operators and supervisors on any challenges
encountered during mobilization, such as environmental difficulties or equipment limitations.
Documentation: Record findings and improvements to refine future mobilization tasks. All
adjustments made during validation are added to the standard operating procedures (SOPs)
to provide clarity for future tasks.
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Task Inventory
Site Layout Planning: Define layout for living, dining, and storage areas.
Utility Connection: Connect power, water, and sewage for camp operations.
Analysis Validation
Task Inventory
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Analysis Validation
6. Excavation Work
Task Inventory
Analysis Validation
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Task Inventory
Analysis Validation
Task Inventory
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Analysis Validation
9. Scaffold Work
Task Inventory
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Analysis Validation
Task Inventory
Analysis Validation
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Analysis Validation
Storage Layout: Plan storage layout to allow safe access and handling.
High Priority: Large or heavy materials that could cause injury if stacks collapse.
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Task Inventory
High Priority: Tasks generating sparks or open flames in areas with flammable materials.
Sub-tasks: Obtain permit, clear work area, perform task with fire suppression nearby.
Errors: Not obtaining permits, failing to clear area of flammables, improper tool use.
Analysis Validation
Task Inventory
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Analysis Validation
Walkthroughs: Ensure de-energized state, verify connections, and inspect for compliance.
Task Inventory
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Analysis Validation
Checks: Quality checks for mix consistency, level inspection, curing review.
Analysis Validation
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Task Inventory
Analysis Validation
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Analysis Validation
Task Inventory
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Analysis Validation
1. Identify Safety-Critical Tasks: For flatpack construction, critical tasks include site
identification, plant and equipment mobilization, lifting and lowering operations, scaffold
work, electrical and plumbing installations, and stacking and storage. Each task is assessed to
determine its risk level and complexity.
2. Allocate Resources: Assign SCTA facilitators, safety officers, and qualified personnel to
manage high-risk activities such as offloading flatpacks, lifting operations, and utility
connections. Key resources include certified crane operators, electricians, plumbers, and
skilled labourers experienced in prefabricated flatpack assembly.
3. Schedule Analysis: Prioritize high-risk tasks, scheduling them first for SCTA analysis to ensure
thorough planning and resource readiness. Sequential planning is essential in flatpack camp
construction, where each task (e.g., ground levelling, flatpack offloading, utility setup) is
dependent on the completion of previous stages.
4. Documentation and Monitoring: Maintain a log of all SCTA findings, action items, and task
statuses. Consistent monitoring and recording of updates ensure that safety protocols
remain aligned with real-time changes and that corrective actions are immediately
implemented if any risks or challenges arise.
Project Manager: Holds overall responsibility for SCTA implementation on-site, ensuring
resource availability, adherence to safety protocols, and overseeing high-risk activities like
crane operation, stacking, and utility installations.
Safety Advisor: Assigns qualified personnel and oversees SCTA processes, focusing on tasks
with complex machinery, hazardous materials, or elevated risk levels, ensuring all safety
measures are planned and supervised.
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Supervisors: Ensure that personnel are SCTA-ready, briefed on safety protocols, and adhering
to SCTA findings for each phase, particularly during high-risk tasks such as offloading and
erecting flatpacks, scaffold work, and handling hazardous materials.
Assign Responsibility: Each action should be assigned to a specific person, with accountability
measures in place for on-time completion and adherence to safety protocols.
Regular Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of the action tracker to ensure that progress
aligns with SCTA recommendations. Adjust action plans as needed based on any changes in
task requirements, site conditions, or SCTA updates.
Documentation: Ensure that all procedures are documented and accessible to on-site
personnel. Clearly outline each phase, such as flatpack assembly, material storage, and
plumbing, so all team members have reference points for safe task execution.
Training: Use documented procedures in training programs, offering refresher sessions for
personnel involved in high-risk activities. Emphasize procedures like equipment inspection,
crane operation, and safe chemical handling to reinforce safety protocols.
Document Deviations: All deviations from SCTA procedures must be recorded with a detailed
explanation of the cause, circumstances, and impacts on task safety. This helps evaluate
whether the deviation could pose additional risks or require new safety measures.
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Review and Revise: After completing tasks with deviations, review the cause of deviation,
identify possible root causes, and revise procedures or protocols as necessary. Document
these updates to improve future task execution.
Incident Reporting: Establish a clear protocol for reporting incidents related to SCTA tasks.
High-risk tasks, such as working at heights, lifting operations, and hazardous material
handling, should have immediate reporting requirements for any incidents.
Root Cause Analysis: Conduct thorough investigations to identify whether the incident was
due to human error, environmental conditions, or equipment failure. Determine corrective
actions to prevent future occurrences.
Update SCTA Findings: Use investigation outcomes to refine SCTA procedures, implementing
necessary changes to prevent similar incidents and address any gaps in safety protocols.
Impact Assessment: Assess how changes impact safety-critical tasks. Determine whether
additional SCTA analysis is needed and if existing procedures require adjustments.
SCTA Review: Revaluate and update SCTA for tasks affected by change, ensuring safety
controls and procedures remain relevant and effective under new conditions.
Fatigue and Stress: Manage schedules to minimize fatigue, particularly for tasks requiring
high concentration, such as crane operation, hazardous chemical handling, and working at
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Communication: Establish clear communication channels for safety issues, task handovers,
and emergencies. Ensure that personnel are comfortable with reporting issues and that there
is a system for immediate escalation of any safety concerns.
Competence Management: Verify that personnel performing safety-critical tasks are trained,
experienced, and competent, especially in handling specific tools, operating heavy machinery
and managing hazardous materials. Regular competency assessments are essential to
maintain high safety standards.
28. References
I. COMAH Competent Authority Inspecting Human Factors at COMAH Establishments
(Operational Delivery Guide) https://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/assets/docs/hf-delivery-
guide.pdf
II. Performance Influencing Factors (PIFs)
https://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/assets/docs/pifs.pdf
III. The Human Factors Inspector’s Toolkit http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/toolkit.htm
IV. Reducing Error and Influencing Behavior, HSG48, Second Edition, 1999
https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/hsg48.pdf
V. The Human Factors Inspector’s Toolkit http://www.hse.gov.uk/humanfactors/toolkit.htm
VI. Human Factors Assessment of. Safety Critical Tasks. OTO 1999/092 https://abrisk.co.uk/wp-
content/uploads/2023/09/OTO-1999-092.pdf (withdrawn from HSE
VII. Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF) How to carry out human
factor’s assessments of critical tasks: Guidance for COMAH establishments
https://ergonomics.org.uk/resource/comah-guidance.html
VIII. Energy Institute: Guidance on Human Factors Safety Critical Task Analysis (Second Edition)
https://publishing.energyinst.org/topics/human-and-organisational-factors/risk-
management/guidance-on-human-factors-safety-critical-task-analysis2
IX. Energy Institute. Human factors briefing note no. 11 – Task analysis
https://publishing.energyinst.org/topics/process-safety/leadership/human-factors-briefing-
note-no.-11-task-analysis
X. FDRE Ministry of Labor and social affairs occupational Health and Safety Directives
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