A standard OSHA audit checks for physical hazards and makes sure rules are followed.
—A safety culture assessment looks at the behaviors and attitudes of people in the organization that can lead to future risks.
—We use the DCBA Safety Culture Model to measure how developed a company’s safety culture is. We also look at other models like the Hudson Safety Culture Ladder and Westrum’s Organizational Culture Model.
—These models help us understand why even companies that seem safe may still have accidents. They also help experts identify root causes and improve safety over time.
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Foreseeability is often described as whether a reasonable person could identify a hazard as a likely risk for harm or injury. In workplace disputes and injury cases, we assess whether an organization could have or should have recognized a potential danger, whether on the plaintiff or defendant side.
—We use a combination of industry best practices, safety data, and the organization’s decision-making to evaluate the situation from several angles. We draw from over 90,000 recorded incidents across major industries in our analysis. We help clients clarify “preventable” versus “foreseeability.”
—Under the general OSHA clause, employers are required to ensure a safe work environment and anticipate hazards.
—At the same time, employees have the responsibility to follow safety protocols and report potential risks. We help determine whether the incident was preventable and whether it was foreseeable within the context of these responsibilities.
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Often, yes.—An expert witness can still evaluate training adequacy based on several factors, including training materials, the experience of instructors, delivery methods, traceability, and similar elements.
—At times though, when no training artifacts are accessible, the expert’s judgment is limited to a baseline of what should be expected, such as the standards outlined by OSHA. We draw from adult learning theory and open-source materials like OSHA’s free training guidance, as well as our own experiences from over two decades of adult learning practices, described in our book, Building Safety Training that Lasts.
—Ideally, organizations evaluate their training approach long before an incident occurs by focusing on several key areas. For example, they can assess baseline awareness training to ensure employees understand basic safety protocols.
—Additionally, organizations must evaluate competency-based training, ensuring that employees are not only familiar with safety procedures but also competent in operating equipment safely and effectively. Regular refresher safety training is also essential to reinforce knowledge and keep safety practices up to date.
—Even the best training programs may not address other critical factors, such as engineering controls, which are also necessary to ensure a safe working environment.
—Safety training should not be a silo. Rather, it should be woven together with operations, support teams, safety teams, and an organization’s professional development expertise.
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A testifying expert provides an opinion in court that can be used as evidence. These experts testify within Daubert and Frye guidelines, offering neutral responses based on their experience, statistical evidence, or other expertise allowed by the court. Their role is not to advocate for either the plaintiff or defendant, but to provide objective, professional insight.
—In contrast, a litigation consultant helps shape an attorney’s strategy and case preparation but does not serve as a candidate for depositions or trial.
—Honeycutt Science can serve as either type of expert, focusing on safety culture analysis and litigation support.
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When multiple service providers work together on an oil and gas site, safety coordination is essential to reduce risks and address hazards. Each provider must follow similar safety practices, communicate hazards clearly, and have emergency plans in place.
—Regular safety meetings and site-specific orientations are important to help everyone understand their risks and responsibilities. Communication between providers and site management is key to reducing conflicts, making sure each team follows safety measures, and managing shared risks.
—Common injuries on oil and gas sites include slips, trips, and falls, injuries from equipment or falling objects, and caught-between incidents with machinery or moving vehicles.
—Beyond wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE), workers need to isolate energy sources during maintenance activities and watch out for pinch points. Hazards such as swinging pipe, which can cause serious injuries, are also significant risks. Workers must also be aware of dangers from chemicals, high pressure, and extreme temperatures on these sites. Proper coordination between service providers helps identify and manage hazards.
—John A. Honeycutt, PhD, founder of Honeycutt Science, has extensive experience in oil and gas operations as a former petrophysicist and leader of a large multi-state services region. As an authorized OSHA General Industry Instructor and expert in industrial and organizational psychology, he focuses on continuous safety strategy, especially when multiple organizations work on the same site.
—Honeycutt Science works with legal teams and service providers to align safety protocols and reduce the risk of incidents in complex environments, including high-activity regions like the Texas Permian Basin and the Barnett Shale..
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