Annotated bibliography - Research Paper Example

This implies that TORAP can be used to put together suitable counteractive steps to avoid or regulate accidents. The authors added that “TORAP enables accident simulation and damage potential estimation of petroleum and petrochemical industries” (262). Thus, the most important feature of TORAP that can help reduce the risks of petrochemical companies is its ability to forecast possible accidents. Being able to determine the probability of accidents is a huge leap for risk analysis at petrochemical companies.

The authors further promoted TORAP by declaring that it “incorporates a larger number of models to handle a larger variety of situations specific to petroleum refineries and petrochemical industries” (260). The complexity of the entire structure of the petrochemical industry will hence be captured and clearly explained by TORAP, reducing the difficulty of developing appropriate safety regulations and risk management strategies. The unique contribution of this book to the present study is its thorough discussion of risk analysis through the application of computer-automated tools.

The authors of Accident precursor analysis and management: reducing technological risk through diligence agree that predicting probable accidents is the best way to prevent or minimize the impacts of accidents in petrochemical companies. On the contrary, the author of Inherently Safer Technology: The Cure for Chemical Plants Which Are Dangerous by Design argues that predicting probable accidents is just one of the many steps to avoid them, and that the real solution rests in the adoption of safer technology.

Alson, Gregory. How safe is safe enough?: leadership, safety, and risk management. London: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd., 2003. The author mainly argues that even though many people think that all accidents are preventable, accidents will still happen. The imperfect human attribute and the intricacies of industrial operations attest to the fact that attaining ‘zero’ accidents is not likely. Hence, the author argues that leaders should make every effort to develop the most beneficial and efficient safety measures.

As stated by the author, “such unthinkable accidents can indeed happen, sounding a siren for safety to reduce loss of resources and enhance social responsibility” (19). The value of competent leaders in any organization, especially those which are prone to accidents, is largely manifested in the management of physical resources and human capital. Thus the author suggests, “an organization can incorporate system safety into a system’s life cycle, bringing with it management’s commitment toward safety” (20).

This solution is sound for it has the capacity to create a permanent safe environment for petrochemical companies. This method can significantly lessen the risks associated with petrochemical operations. The author believes that “while many organizations worry about lost workdays due to unnecessary injuries, in some cases an accident can cause indescribable disaster and grief” (17). It is very crucial that petrochemical accidents are prevented because of the widespread and severe effects of these accidents on the local population, the