Major oil and gas firms and contractors will remobilise their fleets in an effort to “self-regulate” on dropped objects at sea, according to an industry safety regulator.
Dropsafe, a fallen objects prevention firm who work on solutions for the oil and gas and renewables sector, say firms will focus on the installation of protective nets and barriers to combat the problem.
The company claim that oil and gas firms are “leading the way”, adding that the firm has seen a surge in demand for protective drop prevention equipment.
Mike Rice, commercial director at Dropsafe, said: “As the industry starts to re-invest in upstream activity, we’re commensurately seeing a strong growth in demand for solutions that prevent injury or risk to rig personnel.
“Significantly, this investment is being undertaken in the absence of a direct global regulatory mandate into dropped object protections, meaning that as the industry returns to growth, firms are on the front-foot when it comes to prioritising safety and worker protection.”
According to industry body Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme (DROPS), falling objects remain one of the top ten causes of injury and fatality in oil and gas operations.
Dropsafe claim the desire shown by oil and gas firms to retrain staff and invest in health and safety equipment has shown their “capacity to self-regulate”.
Mr Rice: “Cleary, this is good news for the industry on the whole, and we would encourage firms to continue to invest in and outside of the oil price cycle. We know that instances of Dropped Objects are on the increase worldwide.
“Acting now, before platforms are brought back in to use, is not only significantly more cost effective in the short term, but also delivers long-term commercial value.”
“As the industry starts to re-invest in upstream activity, we’re commensurately seeing a strong growth in demand for solutions that prevent injury or risk to rig personnel.”
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