Review on the identification of reputation loss indicators in an onshore pipeline explosion event

Abstract

Pipeline damage consequence assessment is performed to determine the losses due to a failure event, including human, asset, production and environmental loss. Another failure impact – reputation loss – is in contrast commonly excluded due to its qualitative nature, even though pipeline failure events can greatly endanger a pipeline operator's post-accident reputation. Thus, a comprehensive review on the identification of pipeline operator reputation loss indicators due to onshore pipeline explosion was conducted in this article. It aims to identify pipeline owner reputation-threat factors that lead to negative perceptions among stakeholders prior to pipeline damage, as reported in selected onshore pipeline explosion case studies. A total of 30 pipeline accident reports were reviewed, and the factors influencing the stakeholders' perceptions towards the pipeline operator were extracted; 30 factors affecting the pipeline operator's reputation were identified. This review shows the influence of negative perceptions of the stakeholders on the company's reputation loss after an accident. This factor identification process helps the pipeline operator respond appropriately to maintain the company's reputation in the event of pipeline failure. Eventually, a comprehensive consequence assessment for onshore oil and gas pipeline damage can be obtained by incorporating reputation-threat factors.