STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY OF PERMIT-TO-WORK DURING SHUTDOWN: CASE STUDY OF SELECTED MIDSTREAM GAS COMPANIES IN WESTERN GHANA

Abstract

This study investigates strategies to improve the efficiency of traditional paper-based permit-to-work (tPTW) systems. The administrative dimension of the permit-to-work (PTW) system was explored to identify various gaps such as delays and errors by understanding the limitations and the various ways to improve the efficiency of the paper-based PTW of selected midstream gas companies in Western Ghana between the periods of 2023-2024. The study centered on a qualitative exploratory case study design using primary data through (Lim, 2024). Purposive sampling was used for expert opinions from employees and contractors from diverse fields of the midstream gas sector through interviews and survey (Denieffe, 2020). Data was analyzed to identify patterns and practical improvement opportunities. Findings highlight ineffectiveness in the current tPTW including delays, human error, inadequate risk assessments, and administrative gaps. Research findings from 63 key participants highlighted areas for improvement for PTW infrastructure, PTW processing, PTW system integration, human resource, non-compliance and complementary electronic PTW system through capacity building for hybrid work strategies and digital upskilling to improve the efficiency of the PTW system during shutdown maintenance periods. Ultimately, the study discovered that there is always room for improvement for the PTW system fusing Demings Plan-Do-Check-Act Model, Ishikawa fishbone model and Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model for the proposed operational framework to identify the challenges and opportunities using lessons learned for continuous improvement (Ando, 2023; Isniah, 2020). These findings provide actionable insights for oil and gas companies seeking to strengthen occupational safety during critical shutdown operations.