Drilling Rig Safety: The Importance of Proactive Measures

Working on a drilling rig is a complex and inherently hazardous occupation, requiring a meticulous approach to safety. With numerous risks present at every stage of the operation, it is imperative to prioritize safety as the foundation of all activities on the rig. Whether on land or at sea, the potential for accidents and injuries is ever-present, and a commitment to a "safety first" mindset is essential to protect the well-being of all personnel involved.

1. Understanding the Risk
2. Promoting a Safety-First Culture
3. Emergency Preparedness
4. The Keystone Energy Approach to Rig Safety

Understanding the Risks

The oil and gas industry operates in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. Offshore drilling rigs are exposed to the unpredictable forces of nature, including storms, high winds, tides, and extended periods of sun exposure. The relative isolation of these rigs, combined with long shifts and arduous labor, only adds to the complexity of maintaining a safe working environment.

On land, the risks are no less significant. Workers face extremes of temperature, ranging from scorching heat to bitter cold, along with strong winds that can make tasks more dangerous. The combination of wet, slippery surfaces, uneven terrain, and the constant need to operate heavy machinery under these conditions creates a perfect storm for potential accidents.

In both settings, fatigue is a constant threat. The relentless noise of the rig, coupled with the physical demands of the job, can lead to lapses in concentration. Such lapses, when handling powerful equipment or navigating treacherous surfaces, can result in life-threatening injuries. It is for these reasons that safety protocols must be strictly enforced and adhered to at all times.

OSHA Safety Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified numerous safety violations that are all too common on drilling rigs. These violations not only highlight the dangers inherent in the industry but also underscore the importance of rigorous safety training and compliance. Some of the most frequently cited violations include:

• Employee riding the traveling blocks – 5(a)(1): A dangerous practice that can lead to severe injury or death if the block system fails or is improperly operated.

• No Geronimo Line from Monkey Board – 5(a)(1): Without a proper escape route, workers on the Monkey Board are at significant risk in the event of an emergency.

• Floor Holes in the rig floor/crown walk around – 1910.23(a): Unsecured or poorly maintained flooring poses a significant trip and fall hazard, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Safety Goggles not clean and in good repair – 1910.133: Eye protection is critical, and compromised equipment can lead to preventable injuries.

• Breakout Tongs – Wire clips had u-bolt on the live end of the line – 5(a)(1): Incorrect installation of wire clips can result in mechanical failure, leading to catastrophic accidents.

• Kelly hose not secured with chains – 5(a)(1): A loose Kelly hose can whip dangerously, posing a severe threat to anyone in its path.

• V-Door opening not guarded – 1910.23: The V-Door opening must be secured to prevent falls and other accidents during rig operations.

Adhering to these OSHA guidelines, as well as industry standards set by organizations like ABS and DNV, is not just a regulatory requirement—it's a critical component of maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. These standards provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety, health, and environmental performance of equipment and offshore structures.

Promoting a Safety-First Culture

Safety on a drilling rig is a shared responsibility. While rig operators are ultimately accountable for ensuring that their teams are well-trained and that the workplace is free from hazards, every individual on the rig must take personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of those around them. Developing a keen sense of awareness and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks are essential components of a safety-first culture.

Here are some valuable guidelines to help create safer worksites:

• Assess Risk Factors Before Problems Occur: Build a safer worksite by eliminating hazards wherever possible. Routine safety audits are crucial for identifying and addressing potential risks before they lead to accidents. Both OSHA and OGP provide resources to help perform on-site safety audits effectively.

• Machine Protection: Proper training, electrical surge protection, regular equipment checks, and maintenance are essential for preventing accidents related to mechanical or energized equipment. Implementing lockout/tagout procedures can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

• Lighting Safety and Signage: Reliable lighting and highly visible safety signage help workers perform their tasks safely and warn them of potential hazards.

• Fall Protection: Falls are a major concern on drilling rigs, especially in wet, slippery, or elevated areas. Ensuring stable work surfaces and utilizing appropriate materials can help prevent these dangerous incidents.

• Worker Identification Products: Wearable ID tags and routine shift check-in/check-out procedures enable supervisors and emergency responders to track the location of every worker on the rig at all times.

• Adequate Productivity and Safety Tool Boxes: Rig workers should have ready access to toolboxes equipped with the necessary equipment for repairs and routine maintenance. Depending on the worksite, these may include electrical parts, material handling aids, plumbing components, hand tools, power tools, and welding gear.

Emergency Preparedness

OSHA requires that every drilling site have a comprehensive emergency response plan in place. This plan should be tailored to the specific rig's location, layout, and operational conditions, ensuring that all potential emergencies are accounted for. An effective emergency response plan includes the availability of appropriate emergency and rescue equipment, as well as a rigorous training and drilling program for all supervisors and workers.

Emergency preparedness is not a one-time effort; it requires continuous evaluation and improvement. Regular drills and training sessions help ensure that all personnel are familiar with emergency procedures and can respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency. This includes everything from evacuation procedures to the use of specialized rescue equipment.

In addition to training, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain all emergency equipment to ensure that it is in good working order. This includes fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, first aid kits, and communication systems. By staying vigilant and prepared, operators can minimize the impact of emergencies and protect the lives of their workers.

The Keystone Energy Approach to Rig Safety

At Keystone Energy, we recognize the critical importance of a "safety first" mindset in the oil and gas industry. Our commitment to safety is reflected in our range of oilfield safety products designed to protect workers and prevent accidents. From Safety Flex Handles that eliminate cuts from frayed cables to Elevator Safety Latch Lock Pins that keep elevator latches securely in place, we provide the tools necessary to maintain a safe and efficient rig operation.

Remember, no job is too important to overlook safety. At Keystone Energy, we are dedicated to supporting the safety and well-being of every worker on the rig. Explore our full range of safety products and learn how we can help you build a safer worksite.

Keystone Energy supports the safety-first mindset with a series of oilfield safety products that include:

• Safety Make-up Stands – keep subs, stabilizers and other bottom hole components in a stable and upright position while being rotated;
• Tong Safety Handles and Bumpers – provide hand protection;
• Tong Die Drivers – prevent injury to hands while removing tong dies.
• Slip Lifting Device – reduces fatigue and back injury from having to manually lift the slips out of the rotary table for each make-up or break-out connection.

About Keystone Energy Tools

Keystone Energy Tools is a manufacturer with over fifty years of combined experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering high-quality oilfield tools, including elevators, slips, dies and inserts, tongs dies, safety clamps, stabbing guides, drill pipe float valves, baffle plates, float valve pullers, rotating mouseholes, and tong blocks. 

By using the latest in 3D modeling for product design and by staying current with the rapid advances in manufacturing technology and quality-assurance standards, Keystone is able to manufacture and produce the most reliable products on the market today. All Keystone Handling Tools are manufactured according to API 8C and API 7K Standards.