Washington — Operators of offshore oil and gas rigs and their contractors should establish and clearly communicate enhanced safety measures in anticipation of adverse weather conditions, a recently released safety alert states.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement oversees safety for the offshore energy industry. The agency says it issued the alert in response to a recent investigation of an incident in which “rough sea conditions posed sudden and unpredictable risks,” as well as multiple incidents reported in November and December.
The incident BSEE investigated involved a worker on a deepwater drilling rig being knocked 20 feet back from the stern by a wave, resulting in a fractured femur.
In another instance, a vessel transferring workers onto a production platform was hit by a rogue sea swell, causing the boat to collide with the landing area and damaging the production facility.
Other recommendations from BSEE:
- Determine if some areas should be restricted during adverse weather conditions and communicate those locations to all workers during pre-tour and other relevant meetings.
- Put additional restricted access signage and/or hard barriers around the site based on weather-related restrictions set by offshore facility leadership.
- Ensure workers are aware of hazards from unlikely sources that could be present during extreme weather events with unpredictable conditions.
- Determine when noncritical work should be suspended because of unfavorable conditions.
- Assess medical evaluation capabilities and challenges for and during severe weather conditions.
- Review previous BSEE safety alerts regarding injury when personnel enter a weather-restricted area, personnel transfer injuries and caution during swing rope transfers.
