Big data analytics is emerging as strong trend in the oil and gas industry. The need for improving the oil and gas exploration and production efficiency is indicated as the main reason behind this tendency. While massive amount of data is already being extracted from exploration, drilling, and production operations with the help of sensors and shading light on sophisticated engineering problems, a similar approach should be applied when it comes to worker health and safety- as it is already being done in many other industries.
Although the fatality and injury rates in oil and gas have decreased in in 2019, there is still room dfor improvement. Accordingly to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers, the oil and gas industry has a fatality rate of seven times higher than all other industries in the USA, accordingly to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Safety in the energy sector in of paramount importance, though, it is challenging. Safety professionals seek to address safety issues effectively. However, while trying to be efficient, many focus only on the first layer of information available and center their attention on solving the immediate problem. Overlooking a situation and rushing into a solution not only brings the risk of making wrong decisions but also prevents organizations from attaining sustainable results and from improving their safety programs.
Having a clear view on your safety context is key to improved safety outcomes
To avoid falling into this trap, safety managers need a clear view of the organization’s safety context- or what is called a great “quality of perception” (QoP) This is important because the more realistic understanding safety teams have of the reality of their safety programs, the more likely they are to make accurate decisions. But how to get there?
Quality data in a format that helps make sense of things is the key to success. This information provides relevant insights, allowing safety managers to be confident that they are making the correct decisions and taking the correct steps to accomplish their safety goals.
Smart, simple solutions support improved quality of perception (QoP)
When it comes to improving QoP, complexity is the enemy. Opting for a simpler, focused approach can simplify the decision-making process. When data is so clear that it brings actionable insights, safety managers need less time and effort to be fully aware of what is happening. Decision-making is easy because it is evident what needs to be done. Let´s take as an example a smart –or connected — gas detection solution. Each component of the solution contributes to and influences the quality of the data:
- Smart sensors:
Influence data accuracy at three levels: type, quantity (concentration levels) and time (for how long the exposure occurred). - Smart devices:
Make connectivity with other devices and the cloud easy. They also report on device condition and provide status information. - Smart software:
More than having gas readings available in one place for compliance, the smart software brings information at a glance and actionable insights to support accurate and swift decision-making.
Smart solutions not only help safety professionals to automate compliance management and reduce risks, but also help them learn from data and improve the “QoP”.
A closer look in gas safety in the oil and gas sector
Workers in the oil and gas extraction and support industries are engaged in many processed in which they are exposed to toxic gases and atmospheres. This is a common risk across the globe. A study conducted by the European Commission (6) show that fire, after ignition of released hydrocarbons and explosion, after gas release are two of main hazards related to offshore oil and gas explorations. In the UK, hydrocarbon release (HCR´s) was alone responsible for 37% of the reported incidents i in 2019. (5) In the USA, exposure to harmful substances and fires/explosions are together responsible for 23% of the fatalities (4).
Gas detection plays an important role in worker health and safety in the oil and gas industry and it should be a priority. No doubt, safety managers in this industry can and should profit from the benefits that smart technologies can bring to gas safety and improved safety outcomes in general.
Evaluating your QoP and using data for improved gas safety
When it comes to gas safety, there are four mains areas where a smart system can support safety managers:
1. Automated compliance management:
The process of inspecting gas detection devices, calibrating them and bump testing is time-consuming and complex. By adding smart technologies, you can automate the compliance process and free up time to focus on higher-level objectives. Put all information about your gas detectors in one spot in the cloud. Doing so helps you get a broad look at gas detector compliance data.
2. Incident prevention and management response:
The goal is to prevent every incident but to get there, you want access to data analytics. Connecting to gas detectors for real-time incident reporting and increased worksite visibility helps you follow up and thoroughly document any problem. Use a comprehensive field device manager for current detector readings and alarm notifications to take action quickly.
3.Worker health and productivity:
Connected worker safety means figuring out how technologies, like connected gas detectors, can protect teams and safely boost productivity rates. Develop insights into worker safety by reviewing how and when devices are used. Use this information to identify training opportunities.
4. Active safety monitoring:
By giving safety managers access to data from anywhere with an internet connection, they can stay on top of safety activities without walking through the facility daily. From afar, safety managers can see employees’ locations using street and satellite views while getting real-time notifications of gas exposures and instrument readings.
There are easily accessible online resources that can help companies evaluate their “quality of perception” and to guide them on understanding how to use gas detector data intelligently. Teams in charge of safety should always keep in mind that when it comes to gas safety, choosing a trustworthy gas detection solution is more than a compliance subject- it is about having piece of mind that workers and worksites are safe.
