PISTA BLOG #30 (2024) IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING + MAN-OVERBOARD ACCIDENT-OFFSHORE O&G INDUSTRY

 

HOW AND WHY INADEQUATE TRAINING LEADS TO OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY ACCIDENTS

Unlike office jobs on land, working offshore on board an Oil and Gas Platform/rig or Installation is very dangerous. A slight mistake can lead to severe harm or injuries. Most workers in the oil and gas industry understand this, and various precautionary measures are taken to avoid any offshore accidents.

However, research in recent times suggests that various factors heighten the risk in the maritime & offshore industry, but one of the major contributors to maritime and offshore accidents is improper training of employees. Put briefly, many offshore accidents occur as a result of inadequate training.

WHY IS TRAINING IMPORTANT FOR OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS WORKERS?

Operations in the Offshore O&G and maritime industry are typically dangerous. Offshore workers are often exposed to hazardous conditions, which puts their health and lives at risk. In the same vein, a worker who isn’t adequately trained is likely to make a mistake that may be not only dangerous but also life-threatening.

However, studies suggest that proper training of workers is one of the ways that can help prevent offshore accidents. Such training helps avoid mistakes that may lead to harm.

Numerous regulations may apply to offshore workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, which can apply to offshore activities, mandate that employers must provide adequate training to the employees.

THIS CAN BE DONE IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:

1. Emergency response training
2. Machine operation Training
3. Safety inspection training
4. Safety equipment instruction

TYPES OF ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY A LACK OF TRAINING

Following an Offshore or maritime accident, an investigation is typically carried out to determine the cause. Oftentimes, these investigations point to the fact that the offshore worker injured in the accident wasn’t adequately trained.

SOME OF THE COMMON ACCIDENTS that have frequently been reported as a result of lack of adequate training include:

1. Fires and explosions
2. High-Pressure release
3. Drill Floor Accidents
4. Capsized ships
5. Accidents in Hazardous Atmospheres 
6. Slips and falls
7. Machinery and equipment accidents
8. Falling overboard-which we will discuss in detail in this PISTA BLOG.
9. Conveyor belt accident etc.

THE EMPLOYER’S OBLIGATIONS IN RELATION TO SAFETY TRAINING

The law sets out to protect Offshore employees from any danger that may arise inherently in the workplace. To use an example, the OSHA guidelines and maritime law provide that all maritime & Offshore workers are entitled to proper training to put this into perspective. One such training may be BASIC SAFETY TRAINING and additionally some advanced, detailed, technical training that encompasses the skills and safety procedures necessary to carry out certain high-risk offshore operations.

Employers are typically responsible for the safety of employees, and they are required to provide safety training and, at the same time, keep a record of safety incidents and injuries.

UNDERSTANDING THE WORKER’S RIGHTS

All offshore Oil and Gas Industry workers are entitled to proper and adequate training that will help them carry out their work seamlessly and avoid injuring themselves or others. When an employer doesn’t provide this crucial instruction to the workers, they may directly put the workers at a greater risk of suffering harm and serious injuries.

Mostly it is the inadequate training that leads to injury. In an unfortunate event of this happening to us, we may be entitled to compensation after the accident and the employer must provide the same.

 Let’s understand in detail one such common accident of MAN-OVERBOARD

UNDERSTANDING MAN OVERBOARD ACCIDENTS IN THE OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

Falling overboard is a significant hazard faced by maritime workers, especially those working offshore. Whether due to adverse weather conditions, accidents, or negligence, man-overboard incidents can occur unexpectedly. As a seafarer or offshore worker, understanding how to handle such situations is crucial for safety and survival.

 WHAT IS A MAN OVERBOARD ACCIDENT?

A man-overboard accident occurs when an individual falls off a ship or vessel into the sea or river. The urgency of rescue cannot be overstated—the crew member’s chances of survival depend on swift action. Several factors contribute to these accidents:

1. CAUSES:
• Bad Weather: Stormy seas, high winds, and rough conditions increase the risk.
• Deficient Training: Inadequate safety training may lead to accidents.
• Slippery Decks: Wet or icy surfaces pose dangers.
• Human Error: Mistakes during routine tasks can have severe consequences.
2. IMMEDIATE RISKS:
• Hypothermia: Cold water exposure can lead to hypothermia.
• Drowning: Without prompt rescue, drowning becomes a real threat.
• Marine Life: Victims may face attacks by sea creatures.
• Psychological Impact: The trauma of falling overboard can cause lasting emotional distress.
3. RESCUE MEASURES:
• Life Jackets: Wearing a life jacket is critical for buoyancy and survival.
• Swift Response: Crew members must act immediately.
• Alert Others: Notify Emg.response team, fellow crew members and the bridge.
• Throwing Lifelines or Floatation Devices: Extend ropes or flotation devices to the victim.
• Man Overboard Drills: Regular drills prepare the crew for emergencies.

PREVENTING MAN-OVERBOARD INCIDENTS

Prevention is key to avoiding these accidents altogether:

1. SAFETY BARRIERS:
• Install guardrails, safety nets, and non-slip surfaces.
• Secure tools and equipment to prevent accidental falls.
2. TRAINING AND AWARENESS:
• Regular safety training ensures crew members know the proper procedures.
• Heighten awareness during adverse weather conditions.
3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS:
• Development of clear protocols for man-overboard situations.
• Conduct of regular drills to reinforce response skills.
4. TECHNOLOGY AND MONITORING:
• Use of radar, cameras, and alarms to detect falls.
• GPS-based systems can track crew members’ locations.

Remember, preventing man-overboard incidents requires vigilance, preparedness, and a commitment to safety. By prioritizing these measures, we can protect offshore workers and ensure their well-being at sea.

PISTA is the premier Safety Training institute in Southern India region and is the only OPITO Approved Training center in the region since 2018. With an unwavering commitment to training excellence PISTA has completed 6500+ certifications and is rated the best in quality O&G Safety training. Many such insightful blogs will continue to be featured in this space. Stay tuned to this BLOGSPOT: "opitoinindia" for more.