Factors influencing offshore safety of a selected oil rig along the South African coast

Abstract

There has been much research on offshore mining safety and the substantial influence impeding factors have on the successful implementation of safety processes, with a keenness to foster optimal mining operations. However, to date, there has been little to none directed at uncovering these factors and how to tackle them, with a specific bearing on offshore mining in the South African context. This study thus explores the factors that influence offshore safety on a selected oil rig on the South African coast to uncover those common factors which influence offshore safety and, in particular, what the most influential of these is. In addition, an enquiry exploring the degree to which provisions have been made addressing this chief influencing factor and if any such attempts have been made would also shed light on the present state of safety practices on the rig (and region) and whether or not they have been successful. Several Accident Causation theories (Heinrich’s Domino Theory, Behaviour Theory and, Combination Theory) are also considered, at least in the capacity as a lens through which to examine and, interpret the findings or, rather any potential causal relationships in the data, should they exist. Since the study's methodology is qualitative, the data collection method is interviewing (structured questions) with a voice recording device and hand notes as data collection tools. Data were transcribed and analysed utilizing a coding frame, then further interpreted through content analysis. The study population consists solely of safety department personnel and top select management. Herewith, the significance of this study rests with the impending benefits the offshore mining industry (and other offshore establishments) would gain from this new knowledge. Finally, all participants in the study were required to provide informed consent. Also, the study was anonymous, guaranteeing the privacy and anonymity of all participants, particularly that of the organization in question. Nevertheless, participants were free to withdraw at any time if they wished to. To conclude, what was found by the study is that there are an array of factors that influence safety on an offshore rig on the South African coast; however, the factor considered to be the greatest among them is behavioural/ personal safety or rather the lack thereof.