Most industries and employment types involve various risks. However, working offshore can present unique challenges. For instance, platforms may be surrounded by water and exposed to the elements.
Fires, spills and explosions are just some of the potential hazards that offshore workers face. Furthermore, offshore platforms are often a considerable distance from medical facilities. As a result, it is important to consider ways that offshore workers can keep themselves safe. Outlined below are four useful methods that can help to ensure the safety of offshore workers:
Using protective equipment
Protective gear is essential when working offshore. Examples include gloves, masks, eye protection and hard hats. Occasionally, workers might complain that safety gear is uncomfortable or impractical. It is easy to become complacent, but safety equipment could save your life if in the unfortunate event of an offshore accident.
Treating all hazards seriously
In an offshore environment, hazards that may be considered minor in other places can have catastrophic consequences. Developing the mindset that there is no such thing as a minor hazard is good practice and could help to prevent tragic accidents.
Identify where issues are coming from
If a problem keeps arising, try and find out why it is happening. Often, workers will just clean up trip hazards and debris without asking why it was there in the first place. It is possible that a colleague may require further safety training or that an area of the platform lacks supervision. Identifying the source of problems is key to maintaining a safe working environment offshore.
Inspect tools and apparatuses before use
Offshore work is highly dependent on tools and machinery. However, such tools or equipment are of little use if they are not regularly maintained. Moreover, broken tools and equipment can be hazardous and significantly increase a worker’s injury risk.
Familiarizing yourself with offshore safety measures is in your best interest. Also, it is important to know both your legal rights and obligations if you ever happen to be involved in an accident.