Jumpstart your
problem solving
with QED Templates

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, one of the biggest environmental disasters in history, occurred on April 20, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico. The spill was triggered by the explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig, resulting in the release of millions of barrels of crude oil into the ocean over several months. The environmental impact was devastating, causing extensive damage to marine ecosystems, coastal habitats, and wildlife populations. The spill also had severe economic consequences, affecting fishing and tourism industries in the Gulf region.

The incident highlighted the risks associated with offshore drilling and raised concerns about corporate responsibility, regulatory oversight, and environmental stewardship in the oil and gas industry. Efforts to mitigate the damage and restore affected areas continue to this day, underscoring the importance of preventative measures and sustainable practices in safeguarding our oceans and natural resources.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Human Error

•    Safety neglect
•    Inexperience response
•    Misinterpreted warnings
•    Training gaps

Equipment Failure

•    Maintenance issues
•    BOP malfunction
•    Backup failure

Operational Procedure

•    Protocol insufficiency
•    Risk assessment flaws
•    Drilling errors

Regulatory Oversight

•   Capture & influence
•   Enforcement failure
•   Limited regulations

Corporate Culture

•    Safety lapses
•    Cost over safety
•    Environmental neglect

Environmental Conditions

•    Limited resources
•    Deepwater challenges
•    Harsh weather

Supply Chain Issues

•    Transparency lapses
•    Function outsourcing
•    Substandard materials

Communication Breakdown

•   Coordination lapses
•   Risk communication failure
•   Stakeholder disconnect

This RCA Fishbone diagram highlights the multifaceted nature of the disaster, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, including enhanced safety protocols, regulatory reforms, and corporate accountability.

Who should use the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill template?

• Advocacy groups and environmental organizations, government agencies, oil companies,  residents and businesses in the Gulf region, researchers and scientists can use the RCA Fishbone diagram to identify research priorities, inform mitigation strategies, and contribute to future prevention efforts.

Why use this template?

• By engaging these stakeholders in the RCA process, organizations can collaborate to identify root causes, implement corrective actions, and prevent future oil spills, thereby enhancing safety, environmental protection, and corporate responsibility in the oil and gas industry.

Curated from community experience and public sources:

• https://darrp.noaa.gov/oil-spills/deepwater-horizon
• https://64parishes.org/entry/deepwater-horizon-oil-spill