Oil and Gas is one of the most hazardous industries to work in. Exposure to toxic gases, working at dangerous temperatures, lone worker management, and fall detection are just a few of a host of safety issues that are common to the industry. It is also an industry undergoing a revolutionary digital transformation. With changes come challenges and new opportunities. This paper looks at the top digital safety trends that are taking place within the industry.
1. Real Time Safety Solutions
Real-time location services have redefined personnel monitoring. Real-time access control, personnel monitoring, geo-fencing, and vehicle collision avoidance are all part of the wide range of applications that can use real-time location tracking to make the industry safer.
2. Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring technologies are one of the most adopted digital technologies used by oil and gas companies around the world. From a safety perspective, remote monitoring has changed the game for confined space monitoring. Gas monitors and breathing air apparatus can now be monitored remotely, reducing the number of onsite personnel required and contributing to a safer and more efficient worksite.
3. Connected Worker Solutions
Networked devices are transforming lone workers to connected workers. Through a comprehensive solution of apps, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) infrastructure, and connected devices, workers now can directly communicate and connect with the command center, ensuring enhanced safety for lone workers.
4. Smarter Equipment
Equipment, devices, and tools are also getting smarter. All traditional equipment can be smarter by using data, artificial intelligence (AI), and IIoT technology to work together to revolutionize their role in safety.
5. AI Solutions
AI is being increasingly used in oil and gas for a range of safety solutions. Computer vision, for example, has a versatile range of applications that ensure safer workers. Computer vision and other AI technologies can be used to ensure safer oil and gas operations through aspects such as personal protective equipment compliance to fall detection.
6. Automation of Hazardous and High-Risk Jobs
Robots and drones have been taking over high-risk jobs to keep workers safe.
7. Training in the Digital Era
Better trained workers are safer workers. With the rapid rise in digital technologies comes a growing number of digital and hybrid training and coaching sessions that are becoming more popular. AI is also being increasingly used in training to ensure a highly trained workforce.
8. Digital Twins
More organizations are investing in digital twins to detect, predict, and even help prevent incidents from happening in the real world by better understanding their effects in the digital world by gaining a clearer comprehension of their consequences in the digital sphere.