On behalf of Sayer Regan & Thayer of Sayer Regan & Thayer, LLP posted in Admiralty And Maritime Law on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

When you work offshore, there are dozens of things that could go wrong in an instant. Unlike those who work on land, you have no easy way to escape your surrounding environment. The ocean is vast, and it may not be possible to swim to shore or launch a boat in a crisis.

On any rig or vessel, your safety as a crew member is the top priority. Unfortunately, rigs are particularly dangerous and hazardous environments. Accidents can and do happen.

If an accident does take place, you and others on the rig need to be prepared. What can you do to stay safe? Keep these tips in mind.

1. Use automation or automatic responses

Wouldn’t it be great to have a fire team on its way before you placed a call? That’s a possibility with automation. Companies can set up triggers that will call for help if there is an explosion or fire, for example, calling rescue teams immediately and helping prevent delays.

2. Practice safety drills

Another good thing to do is to practice safety drills on your rig. Understand how to enter or exit the rig in an emergency. Know where safe areas are away from hazardous zones. Make sure the entire crew understands the plan if an explosion, storm or other hazard results in evacuation.

3. Keep up communications

Finally, it’s of the utmost importance for those working offshore to have good communication with the shore. All IT systems need wireless backup systems to prevent losing communication if wires are cut or lines are down.

These are a few things that can help keep people working on rigs safer. Offshore environments have a potential to be hazardous, but these tips can help.

Source: Marine Link, “The Role of Safety in the Offshore Environment,” Rolf Berge, accessed Feb. 16, 2018