Investigation Services
Our Investigation Process
We have experience in conducting a number of pipeline-related or equipment related failure/accident investigations ranging from minor to major incidents. These include network-related house explosions, pipeline failures and lastly offshore platform incidents.
We have a solid investigation process with the aim of establishing both immediate and underlying causes.
We can then provide recommendations on improvements, outline where you are in relation to industry best practices and lastly provide advice on legal compliance.
APPLICATION OF VIRTUAL REALITY
The ability to re-visit an incident scene after recording using specialist 360-degree recording equipment and post-processing for Virtual Reality (VR) analysis provides many benefits. In particular, the ability to analyse and review items of evidence, understanding potential causes and importantly identifying any potential lessons learned. Being able to revisit the scene can enable operators to learn from past incidents, bring about improvements in health and safety awareness, hazard awareness and also provide training to staff.
Pipeline CC are able to offer Virtual Reality incident recording as part of our investigation services. Please contact us for support.
Legal Considerations
Summary or Indictable offences are dependant on the seriousness of the offence. Sentencing Council allocation guidelines take account of the facts of the case and any legal complexities that might arise. Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) came into force which has the effect of increasing the maximum level of fines within Magistrates' Courts (previously £20,000 for most health and safety offences) to an unlimited amount. The new sentencing guidelines issued applies to offences committed that breach HSW Section 2/3 and any breaches to Health and Safety Regulation made under Section 33(1)(c) of HSW.
Key to these sentencing guidelines are establishing culpability and harm. It is therefore essential operators undertake a thorough and complete investigation which establishes underlying factors, learning lessons, benchmark standard, where the operator was in relation to the benchmark, recommended actions to bring about improvements, and finally culpability. Ultimately any legal enforcement by the regulator will be a thorough process, it is therefore essential that operators are prepared. Pipeline CC are able to provide a thorough independent investigation and ensure the above aspects are captured during the investigation process.
