Document Repository and Sectoral Scope Summary

Abstract

The petroleum refining industry operates in hazardous environments where effective occupational health and safety management is critical. Although comprehensive safety systems exist for employees and contractors, unescorted visitors remain vulnerable because of limited familiarity with site-specific hazards and emergency procedures. This study developed an evidence-based safety training framework for unescorted visitors at the Cenovus Lima Refinery, United States, using a framework-development research design. The framework integrated occupational safety management, adult learning principles, situational awareness, microlearning, and digital visitor management technologies through five sequential development phases. Findings identified key visitor hazards, including vehicular traffic, maintenance activities, electrical risks, emergency situations, and security threats. The framework incorporated risk-based visitor classification, targeted hazard-awareness training, behavioral safety controls, emergency preparedness, and a Visitor Management System linking training completion to badge authorization. The proposed framework provides a practical, scalable approach for improving visitor safety, strengthening regulatory compliance, and supporting organizational safety culture and zero-harm objectives in high-hazard industries.

Keywords: Occupational health, Visitor safety, Petroleum refinery, Microlearning, Situational awareness, Process safety, Digital access control