Root causes of fluid spills from earthmoving plant and equipment: Implications for reducing environmental and safety impacts

A study was undertaken of plant and equipment spills across an earthworks contractor’s operation on a construction project in Western Australia owned and operated by an oil and gas company. The spilt product was predominately hydrocarbons (specifically hydraulic oil). During the 14-month timeline for the spill study, 86 individual spill events were reported. Loaders and excavators were the most likely items of plant to be involved accounting for approximately 40% of all spills. Only 30% (27 spills) were 20 L in volume and greater. Hydraulic hoses, o-rings (within the hydraulic systems), and hydraulic hose couplings (including failed crimped ends) represented 50% of the specific spill sources on these machines. Of the 14 root cause descriptions, 4 of these could explain 60% of the spill incident causes. These were: “Equipment Parts Defective”, “Incorrect Procedure Followed”, “Impact With an Object” and “Design Did Not Anticipate Conditions”. Based on these conclusions, recommendations for reducing spills are to increase rigour of inspection of hydraulic hose fittings, increase the sharing of lessons learnt from spill events, and enhance the reward and recognition of operators actively preventing and reducing spills.