Topic
Occupational Health
Work-related disease, exposure and health protection.
Documents
- 202622 Jan
Fall from a pilot ladder while attempting to board the cargo vessel Finnhawk from the pilot vessel Humber Saturn with loss of 1 life
Investigation of a fatal pilot boarding accident involving Finnhawk and Humber Saturn. A probable cardiac event preceded the fall, while recovery-platform failure left the injured pilot partially immersed for over 40 minutes. The report examines medical fitness assessment, hydraulic defects, maintenance, cold-water protection and rescue training.
- 2025Dec
Health Safety Insight 2025
Annual review of UK offshore energy health and safety, centred on 2024 performance with historical comparisons. It examines hydrocarbon releases, maintenance backlogs, injury trends, medical assessment outcomes and evacuations, including mental health. Offshore aviation analysis covers fleet utilisation, helicopter safety indicators and the inclusion of wind operations.
- 2025Dec
The Offshore Health Risk Management Inspection Guide
An umbrella inspection guide for assessing offshore dutyholders’ occupational health and industrial hygiene management. It uses a Plan, Do, Check, Act framework to examine strategies, health risk assessments, competence, control effectiveness and review arrangements. Performance descriptors link compliance findings to enforcement expectations and inform future regulatory inspection priorities.
- 2025Nov
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholders’ COSHH arrangements and legal compliance. It uses a Plan, Do, Check, Act framework to examine risk assessments, engineering controls, respirator fit testing, exposure monitoring and health surveillance. Performance descriptors link inspection findings to enforcement expectations and help prioritise future regulatory interventions.
- 2025Nov
Food Hygiene Inspection Guide
An offshore food hygiene inspection guide for regulatory inspectors, linking legal requirements with dutyholder performance ratings and enforcement expectations. Its Plan, Do, Check, Act checklist examines HACCP arrangements, catering facilities, temperature monitoring, cross-contamination, cleaning, maintenance, staff competence and verification of food safety management.
- 2025Nov
Water Management
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ potable-water arrangements and legionella controls. It covers system-wide risk assessment, written control schemes, hose disinfection, biocide dosing and chemical and microbiological monitoring. Success criteria, performance scoring and enforcement expectations support inspectors’ judgements on legal compliance and occupational health protection.
- 202514 Aug
Brazil: diver permanently disabled after decompression illness
A Brazilian diver suffered permanent disability following decompression illness after underwater inspection and maintenance at 26 m. The flash describes a malfunctioning hyperbaric chamber, delayed treatment elsewhere, and deficiencies in emergency planning, transport and communication. It highlights related IMCA guidance on therapeutic deck decompression chamber operations.
- 202514 Aug
Diver reports unwell post-dive: non-decompression illness
A diver developed severe nausea and dizziness about an hour after surfacing. Recompression and medical examination identified dangerously high blood sugar; decompression illness was ruled out and hyperglycaemia suspected. The flash describes revised chamber treatment, evacuation ashore and recommendations on declaring medical conditions, recognising symptoms and maintaining fitness.
- 202512 Jun
Diving Guidelines - Diving Safety Management Systems and Diving Project Plans
Guidance for preparing diving safety management systems and project-specific diving plans under OPGGS and OEI regulations. It addresses hazard assessment, operational procedures, competence, maintenance, workforce consultation and change management. Emergency provisions include diving bell rescue and evacuation of saturation divers while maintaining pressure, alongside monitoring, investigation and audit requirements.
- 2024Nov
Risk of exposure of laboratory staff to biological agents due to missing clinical information
This safety notice addresses infection risks in clinical and veterinary diagnostic laboratories when specimen requests lack relevant clinical information. It describes exposures involving Hazard Group 3 agents and calls for better request forms, staff training, sample-processing procedures, linked patient specimens and IT systems that make updated clinical details accessible to laboratory staff.
- 2024Jun
Asbestos Management
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ asbestos management arrangements. It addresses legal duties, management plans, licensed and non-licensed work, training, exposure controls and medical surveillance. Checklists and enforcement benchmarks support compliance assessment and performance scoring, while distinguishing administrative shortcomings from evidence of health risk.
- 202416 Apr
Lone worker collapsed at onshore site
A lone worker at an onshore workshop collapsed because of a pre-existing, non-work-related medical condition and was discovered the following day. The flash examines delayed alarm raising and absent personnel tracking, highlighting lone-working risk assessment, medical screening, health surveillance and consideration of automatic fall alarms.
- 202314 Nov
Carbon Monoxide Exposure Risk in Offshore Environments
BSEE inspections identified elevated carbon monoxide exposure risks from gas-powered machinery on offshore facilities during calm weather. The alert examines accumulation in occupied spaces, delayed stationary detector alarms and occupational exposure limits. It recommends that operators and contractors consider portable detection, ventilation, exhaust integrity checks, machinery placement and personnel awareness measures.
- 202320 Sep
Ionising Radiation
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholders’ management of ionising radiation under IRR17. It covers nucleonic gauges, naturally occurring radioactive material, industrial radiography and well logging, with checks on risk assessment, local rules, training and monitoring. Appendices link compliance criteria to performance ratings and enforcement expectations.
- 20238 Sep
Welding Hazard Alert
This alert addresses welding fume exposure in the oil and gas industry, including respiratory and neurological harm from toxic metals. It presents open-air manganese exposure findings and outlines employer and worker responsibilities for air sampling, local exhaust ventilation, training, respiratory protection and chromium-related medical examinations.
- 2023Apr
Noise and Vibration
Inspection guidance for assessing offshore dutyholders’ management of occupational noise and hand-arm vibration. It combines inspection questions, performance scoring and enforcement expectations with discussion of engineering controls, tool selection, exposure-time management, hearing protection and health surveillance. It distinguishes hearing protection from noise control and addresses sustained regulatory compliance.
- 2023Jan
Exposure to diacetyl vapour in food and drink manufacture
This safety alert addresses harmful diacetyl vapour exposure in food and drink manufacture, particularly coffee roasting and grinding and heated flavour mixtures. It sets out workplace exposure limits, risk assessment, sampling, substitution, temperature reduction, enclosure and extraction, with conditional respiratory protection and health surveillance. It also flags carbon monoxide in coffee processing.
- 2023
CHIRP Superyacht FEEDBACK 4 (Autumn 2023)
This superyacht digest analyses an allergic reaction, faulty gangway installation, a dive-vessel capsize, berth-departure contact, mooring injuries and grounding followed by dismissal of a reporting watchkeeper. Commentary examines equipment certification, stability testing, medical preparedness, line-handling teamwork, passage planning and constructive challenges to unsafe decisions.
- 202220 Jun
Infection: a scratched elbow turns into an LTI
A technician scratched an elbow while climbing out from beneath a wind turbine generator slipring. The wound became infected and required surgery after antibiotics failed, resulting in lost time. The flash identifies difficult ergonomics, inadequate first aid and poor follow-up, and calls for reinforced wound-care training and supervisor–employee communication.
- 202228 Feb
Offshore Workers Exposed to Biological Hazards
This alert describes two offshore facilities where inspections found water leaks and mould in living quarters, leading to both facilities being unmanned. It outlines biological health hazards and recommends that operators consider leak inspection and repair, moisture control, ventilation, contaminated-material removal, protective equipment and conditional evacuation.
- 202220 Jan
Hose management and chemicals: crew person felt ill
An engineer coughed and felt unwell while flushing a hose before filling a cooling-water system, with no long-term ill-effects. The member attributed the incident to poor hose management: residual cooling agent remained after previous use. Actions included separate hoses for cooling agent and non-potable water, plus flushing and drying before storage.
- 202122 Jul
HSE: Allergic reaction at work
An employee developed permanent allergic contact dermatitis after being splashed with metalworking fluid while cleaning a grinding machine. The flash reports inadequate exposure risk assessment and skin-contact controls despite a known history of dermatitis, highlighting the HSE inspector’s emphasis on suitable protective equipment, particularly gloves.
- 202127 Apr
Malaria hasn’t gone away
A worker returning from a malaria-risk country was admitted to intensive care with confirmed malaria after initially suspecting COVID-19. The flash outlines symptoms, mosquito-bite prevention and chemoprophylaxis, noting its incomplete effectiveness. It emphasises urgent medical assessment for flu-like symptoms following travel to malaria-risk countries.
- 202123 Feb
Issues relating to coronavirus management
This safety flash describes a vessel COVID-19 case followed by three further positive cases despite quarantine arrangements. All affected personnel recovered. It also addresses single-use mask disposal and risks to marine wildlife, recommending removal of straps before disposal and consideration of reusable masks where possible.
- 20212 Feb
COVID-19 Improper Risk Management
A vessel sailed while a repeat COVID-19 PCR result was pending, contrary to approved crew-change mitigations. The subsequent positive result required 14 days of onboard isolation, with no further infections reported. The flash addresses formal change approval, obtaining test results before sailing, medical fitness and access to adequate care.
- 2021
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2021
Official statistics review HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and dutyholder performance in 2021, with historical comparisons. The report covers inspections, investigations, safety-case assessments, enforcement, hydrocarbon releases, injuries and occupational disease. It explains provisional data, reporting changes and population-based rates, including why offshore injury rates cannot be compared directly with other sectors.
- 202021 Oct
Findings from Pandemic Management Risk Based Inspections
BSEE summarises inspections of selected offshore operators’ COVID-19 management plans, examining screening, quarantine, protective equipment and response arrangements. Findings highlight gaps in minimum staffing, protection of critical roles and realistic drills. Operators are advised to consider broader infectious-disease planning, effective screening, safe staffing and the psychological effects of extended offshore rotations.
- 202020 May
Man overboard from dredger Cherry Sand with loss of 1 life
These annexes bring together maritime medical fitness standards, UK Dredging transfer risk assessments, Cherry Sand’s mooring instructions and a new-joiner induction form. They address eyesight testing, physical capability, boarding unmoored vessels, mooring-line handling and winch operation, with requirements for bridge permission, briefings and protective equipment.
- 20205 May
COVID-19: Positive observation – maintaining social distancing during toolbox talks and meetings
This safety flash describes a positive COVID-19 distancing initiative by a contractor member’s local mooring team. Outdoor toolbox talks and operational meetings used ground circles to indicate where individuals should stand. The local team proposed and fully implemented the arrangement.
- 20205 May
Positive observation: Installation of disinfection tunnels
This safety flash describes a member’s installation of a motion-activated disinfecting tunnel for employees, contractors and visitors accessing a vessel alongside. Arranged with a local port provider, the tunnel is presented as an additional disease-control measure, not a replacement for handwashing, hygiene or social distancing.
- 20205 May
Positive observation: Plexiglass shields installed in company shared vehicles
This safety flash describes a company initiative to install plexiglass shields in shared vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplementing cleaning and disinfection. Two vehicles had been modified to separate drivers from rear-seat passengers. It encourages further preventive ideas and reminds everyone to clean frequently touched surfaces.
- 202020 Mar
COVID-19 update
This safety flash outlines COVID-19 transmission and shipboard prevention and mitigation measures, including hygiene, distancing, patient isolation, protective equipment and medical consultation. It presents an illustrative fleet access policy based on travel, symptoms and exposure criteria, alongside links to international and maritime guidance available in March 2020.
- 20203 Mar
Statement on COVID-19 from UAE ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation
This safety flash reports UAE restrictions on travel to Iran and Thailand amid COVID-19 outbreaks and changes to Dubai’s case definition. It describes precautionary personnel movement restrictions at Dubai Petroleum Establishment and Dubai Supply Authority, including pre-entry questionnaires, temperature checks and referral for further evaluation.
- 202031 Jan
Coronavirus Outbreak
This safety flash collates member suggestions for responding to the emerging coronavirus outbreak. It addresses business travel restrictions, precautions for personnel returning from China, and workplace planning. Measures for consideration include pandemic coordination, hygiene communication, remote working, staff tracking and review of business continuity arrangements.
- 202010 Jan
There’s something in my eye!
A welder experienced eye irritation after lunch following welding of ballast tank manhole covers. The flash attributes the particle entering his eye to wind blowing dust from his face or hair. It describes first aid removal and emphasises awareness of surroundings and properly worn PPE providing full eye protection.
- 2020
Workplace exposure limits
EH40 sets out approved British workplace exposure limits and explains their application under COSHH. It covers time-weighted averages, short-term limits, personal and biological monitoring, dust and fibre measurement, and assessment of mixed exposures. Legally binding lists and calculation methods are distinguished from supporting guidance.
- 2019Mar
Hand-arm vibration
Guidance explains employers’ hand-arm vibration duties, exposure assessment and practical ways to reduce risk through process redesign, suitable tool selection and maintenance. It covers daily exposure calculations, vibration measurement, the limitations of anti-vibration gloves, and tiered health surveillance, including clinical assessment of HAVS and vibration-related carpal tunnel syndrome.
- 2019Feb
Change in Enforcement Expectations for Mild Steel Welding Fume
HSE strengthens enforcement expectations following evidence that mild steel welding fume can cause lung cancer and possibly kidney cancer. The alert requires suitable exposure controls regardless of welding duration, addressing local exhaust ventilation indoors, respiratory protection for residual fume and outdoor welding, training, maintenance and revised risk assessments.
- 201818 Dec
Suspected case of Legionella onboard vessel
Two severe pneumonia cases on a survey vessel prompted suspected Legionella investigations, medical evacuation and testing of all personnel. Cabin and ventilation cleaning, water-tank treatment and quarterly shower-head chlorination were arranged. Subsequent medical results identified acute respiratory infection rather than Legionella, with no confirmed Legionella disease onboard.
- 201811 May
Safety Alert 334 - Benzene Level Exceeds Exposure Limits
Two offshore production-platform inspections identified potential benzene exposure, inadequate emissions monitoring and shortcomings in worker information and safe work practices. The alert recommends considering improved procedures, exposure testing, communication and respiratory protection. It also presents exposure limits and acute and chronic health effects.
- 20183 May
Managing offshore shift work and fatigue risk
This information sheet addresses fatigue risks from offshore shift patterns, tour lengths and overtime. It outlines risk-based scheduling, working-hours policies, supervisory decisions and monitoring within safety management systems. It discusses uncertainty about regular 21-day tours, relevant legal duties, and questions for assessing rest arrangements and fatigue indicators.
- 2018
Manganese Exposures During Welding and Hot Work Tasks Presentation
Presentation examining manganese exposure during welding and hot work, neurological health effects and the basis for occupational exposure limits. It compares inhalable and respirable sampling results across working conditions, discusses local exhaust ventilation and worker positioning, and presents respiratory protection choices alongside welder engagement and implementation strategies.
- 2018
Working with ionising radiation. Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
Approved Code of Practice and accompanying guidance explain employers’ duties for work with ionising radiation under IRR17. The second edition addresses regulatory authorisation, radiation risk assessment, exposure restriction, designated areas and local rules, dosimetry, medical surveillance, contingency planning and radioactive-source management, incorporating amendments made by the medical-exposure regulations.
- 201715 Dec
Two cases of contaminated drinking water
Two incidents concern bacterial contamination in vessel fresh-water systems and office drinking water. Testing identified increased bacterial counts, while inspections and enquiries found neglected cleaning of tanks, dispensers and pumps. Actions included changing the drinking-water supplier, cleaning equipment, recommending scheduled cleaning and tank inspections, and avoiding reuse of drinking-water bottles.
- 201720 Oct
Loss of sight in right eye: Misdiagnosis of illness
A cargo-vessel crew member lost sight in his right eye after a liver infection spread. He had self-medicated for a presumed cold before seeking the Master’s help, and the Master also misdiagnosed the illness. The flash highlights prompt medical reporting and registration of private medication with shipboard management.
- 201713 Jul
Crewman found collapsed – Seasickness
A trainee crewman collapsed following a combination of seasickness and medication, sustaining partial left-hand immobility after falling. The flash describes onboard medical attention and assessment ashore. It recommends accounting for seasickness in risk assessment and induction, suggesting a buddy system may benefit new personnel.
- 20163 Mar
Malaria fatality
A non-immune contractor working offshore Ghana died from malaria complications after two negative rapid diagnostic tests and referral ashore. The flash identifies absent bite prevention and prophylaxis, alongside delayed diagnosis and treatment. It reiterates refresher training, early treatment and timely diagnostic kit use.
- 201519 Nov
Lost time injury (LTI) following stored energy release and subsequent serious infection of wound
A diver disconnecting a damaged flexible pipe subsea was struck in the leg by an unexpectedly released flange. The wound subsequently developed gangrene despite initial treatment. The flash discusses shortcomings in engineering and stress analysis, possible stored-energy precautions, body positioning and wound aftercare, including antibiotic treatment and awareness of waterborne microbial agents.
- 201519 Nov
Three incidents of decompression illness (DCI)
Three divers experienced decompression illness during one project involving dives to 40 m in cold temperate waters. Investigation identified tight gloves and inadequate dry-suit undergarments. The flash recommends properly fitted, sufficiently insulating clothing and consideration of dive-profile restrictions or adjustments when appropriate clothing is unavailable.
- 201522 Oct
Cargo contamination causing LTIs during clean-up
Calcium chloride brine reacted with residual Sildrill in an offshore support vessel’s cargo pipework, forming blockages. Dismantling and cleaning took over a week, and four personnel required sick leave. The flash examines valve indication failure, inadequate washing procedures and missing work controls, alongside subsequent improvements to cargo awareness, washing facilities and communication.
- 2015Oct
Managing risks from skin exposure at work
HSE guidance explains how workplace substances and wet work can damage skin or cause systemic illness. It covers hazard recognition, task-based exposure assessment, avoidance and substitution, engineering measures, protective glove selection and skincare. Industry case studies illustrate prevention, while regular skin checks support early detection of occupational disease.
- 201510 Aug
Uncontrolled exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAVS)
This safety flash summarises an HSE prosecution concerning uncontrolled hand-arm vibration exposure in motor vehicle repair workshops. Up to 25 staff faced unrestricted handheld power-tool use. The account identifies absent tool replacement arrangements, inadequate maintenance, missing vibration-risk instruction and no health surveillance for early signs of HAVS.
- 201520 Mar
Diver fainted
A tired diver fainted after receiving permission to enter the bell wearing his chemical oversuit. He regained consciousness and the bell was recovered normally. The flash discusses procedural failures, contributory factors identified by the member, and reviews of diving checklists, contamination drills and guidance on precautionary decompression following health issues.
- 201410 Apr
Decompression illness (DCI) incident during routine decompression of divers from saturation
A saturation diver developed mild decompression illness during planned decompression. Recompression, therapeutic breathing gas and observation resolved the symptoms, with no recurrence during subsequent decompression. Investigators attributed the incident to individual physiology but could not confirm hydration. Recommendations address daily health and hydration checks, bag searches and declaration of personal supplements.
- 2013Nov
Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and guidance
This Approved Code of Practice reproduces the Workplace Regulations and explains workplace health, safety and welfare requirements. It covers maintenance, ventilation, temperature, lighting, cleanliness, workstation suitability, floors, vehicle routes and welfare facilities. Guidance distinguishes legal duties from recommendations and addresses accessibility, fall prevention and safe window cleaning.
- 201317 Oct
Irukandji jellyfish awareness (Australia)
This safety flash alerts divers and support personnel to Irukandji jellyfish in Australian tropical waters. It describes delayed sting symptoms and initial treatment, including vinegar and medical assistance. Preventive measures address exposed skin, submerged equipment handling, equipment washing and water-intake filtration where hot water suits are used.
- 201315 Feb
Outbreak of salmonella and gastroenteritis on an offshore facility
This flash summarises a NOPSEMA report on salmonella and gastroenteritis at an offshore facility, directly affecting about 40 workers and severely disrupting operations. The identified strain was reportedly associated with eggs; incorrectly stored raw eggs were suspected as the source of the food-borne illnesses.
- 2013
Control of substances hazardous to health (Sixth edition)
This sixth-edition Approved Code of Practice explains COSHH duties for preventing and controlling occupational exposure to hazardous substances, including biological agents. It addresses assessment of exposure routes, selection and maintenance of controls, respiratory protection, exposure monitoring, health surveillance, training and emergency arrangements, distinguishing statutory requirements from supporting guidance.
- 201220 Aug
Deep Vein Thrombosis
An employee developed deep vein thrombosis after an international trip and spent approximately one week in hospital, with preventative medication prescribed for several months. An internal alert about DVT risks prompted other employees to report experiences involving themselves or colleagues during the preceding year.
- 201220 Mar
Bee Stings Result in Anaphylactic Reaction
Two contractors suffered allergic reactions after bee stings at separate remote well sites. One drove himself to hospital with impaired vision while a colleague maintained telephone contact. The other received Benadryl before a supervisor drove him for medical attention; the alert highlights the potential seriousness of both events.
- 20119 Dec
Provision of key clinical information on laboratory specimen request forms
This HSE alert addresses incomplete clinical information on specimen request forms and the resulting risk of laboratory infection through inappropriate biological containment. It calls for relevant patient and travel details, prompt communication of new information, linked specimen records, documented completion guidelines, staff training and monitoring of compliance.
- 2011Jul
OFE1 - Food safety and hygiene
Guidance for offshore installation catering managers on food hygiene and workers’ health. It addresses galley layout, segregated storage, refrigeration and blast chilling, temperature monitoring, site-specific HACCP arrangements, cleaning and personal hygiene. Protective equipment, maintenance checks, food-handler medical examinations, dermatitis surveillance and training requirements are also covered.
- 2011Jul
ORE1 - Breaking containment: naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on removing naturally occurring radioactive materials from vessels and pipework when breaking containment. It addresses radiation hazards, area designation, local rules, monitoring, decontamination and protective equipment. It also covers waste disposal, worker fitness, training and supervision, including assessment after leaving opened equipment idle for at least four hours.
- 201113 Jun
Technical Report - Offshore petroleum facility accomodation
This informational technical report synthesises good practice for offshore petroleum living quarters. It addresses cabin layouts, privacy, communal spaces, acoustic insulation, vibration isolation, artificial lighting and indoor air quality. Recommendations cover design modelling, vendor specifications and commissioning checks, with application to new facilities and practicable improvements to existing accommodation.
- 2011Mar
OCE13 - Breaking containment – process cleaning operations
Guidance for internal cleaning of offshore process plant addresses exposure to hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulphide, mercury and naturally occurring radioactive material. It describes isolation verification, draining, purging, gas testing, respiratory protection and exposure monitoring, alongside decontamination, waste handling, health surveillance and worker training.
- 2011Mar
OCE19 - Pressure cleaning – external structures
Guidance for pressure washing external areas on offshore installations addresses harmful mists and associated skin and respiratory effects. It covers particle RPE with an assigned protection factor of at least 20, protective clothing, equipment testing, decontamination, dermatitis surveillance and supervision. Ultra high-pressure water jetting is excluded.
- 2011Mar
OCE20 - Sewage system maintenance
Guidance for emergency maintenance and repair of offshore foul water systems addresses infection, skin disease and respiratory risks from sewage. It covers general ventilation, protective clothing, conditional respiratory protection, equipment and personal decontamination, health surveillance, training and supervision, with an employee checklist supporting safe working practices.
- 2011Mar
OCE21 - Laundry
Guidance for laundering contaminated work clothing on offshore installations addresses hazardous residues, cleaning chemicals and dermatitis from wet work. It covers segregated washing, detergent substitution and dispensing, general ventilation, protective gloves, machine maintenance, housekeeping and skin care, alongside dermatitis surveillance, worker training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE22 - Cleaning accommodation and facilities
Guidance for offshore accommodation and facilities cleaning addresses chemical exposure, dermatitis and breathing problems. It describes ventilated storage, safer product selection, automated dispensing, cleaning schedules and protective gloves. Low-level asthma and dermatitis surveillance, personal hygiene, training and supervision support the recommended control approach.
- 2011Mar
OCE23 - Cleaning up body fluids
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on clearing body fluids and reducing infection risks and exposure to cleaning chemicals. It addresses residue removal, detergent washing before disinfection, clinical-waste handling, protective clothing and buddy-assisted decontamination. Personal hygiene, wound protection, skin checks, training and supervision support the recommended working practices.
- 2011Mar
OCE3 - Painting by spraying
Guidance for offshore solvent-based paint mixing and spraying, excluding water-based paints. It addresses extracted habitats, clearance times, enclosed gun cleaning and air-fed respiratory protection. Measures include protective clothing and gloves, equipment examination, personal and biological exposure monitoring, and asthma and dermatitis surveillance, supported by training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE7 - Pigging operations
This offshore guidance addresses exposure control during pigging, including benzene, hydrogen sulphide and radioactive residues. It describes receiver depressurisation and venting, gas monitoring, conditional respiratory protection, protective clothing and cleaning arrangements. Maintenance, personal exposure monitoring, dermatitis surveillance and worker training support the recommended controls.
- 2011Mar
OCE8 - Mixing of drilling muds (sack room)
Guidance for controlling chemical exposure during offshore drilling-mud mixing in sack rooms. It addresses substitution, enclosed hoppers, extracted sack opening, bulk transfer and conditional respiratory protection. Further measures cover extraction testing, personal air monitoring, cleaning, skin care, dermatitis surveillance, training and supervision.
- 2011Mar
OCE9 - Use of drilling muds (shale shaker and mud pit areas)
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on reducing exposure to drilling mud liquids, mists and vapours during handling, sampling and cleaning. It covers shaker enclosures, mud pit extraction, filtered protective cabins, respiratory and skin protection, ventilation testing, exposure monitoring and dermatitis surveillance. Mud making is excluded.
- 2011Mar
OCM7 - Health surveillance
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on health surveillance associated with hazardous substances. It covers programme planning, baseline assessments, testing frequencies, questionnaire screening and professional interpretation of results. Responsibilities for employers, contractors, health professionals and trained persons are outlined, alongside health record requirements, medical confidentiality and the distinction from offshore fitness medicals.
- 201024 Dec
Deep Vein Thrombosis
An employee developed severe swelling in his left leg on arrival in Dubai after flying from a conference in the United States via London. Hospital assessment diagnosed deep vein thrombosis. The alert also mentions oil and gas industry cases involving prolonged driving without breaks.
- 201010 Nov
Precautions against jellyfish sting during diving operations
This safety flash addresses jellyfish stings and airborne irritants from contaminated diving suits. It describes tentacle particles remaining after inadequate cleaning and becoming airborne within diving systems. Precautions include task risk assessment, freshwater pressure washing, residue checks, umbilical cleaning, gloves, consideration of over-suits and medical personnel’s awareness of first aid procedures.
- 201024 Aug
Welder’s Flash (Photokeratitis)
A welder’s assistant held centrifuge pump lines and collectors during modifications for an additional mud tank. Instead of a welding shield, he used dark safety glasses and glass from a broken welding mask. The inadequate improvised protection resulted in welder’s flash in both eyes, with pain, photophobia and difficulty opening them.
- 2009Nov
Health risk management - A practical guide for managers in small and medium-sized enterprises
Practical guidance for managers of small and medium-sized enterprises on identifying occupational health hazards, assessing risks, implementing controls and checking results. Case studies illustrate chemical exposure, noise, vibration and musculoskeletal problems. It discusses workforce involvement, health surveillance, exposure measurement, engineering controls and continuing improvement.
- 2009Sep
Management of occupational health risks in the offshore oil and gas industry
Guidance on preventing occupational ill health in offshore oil and gas work through systematic hazard identification, exposure assessment and control selection. It integrates health into installation safety management, addresses psychosocial pressures, and explains control hierarchies, exposure monitoring, health surveillance and continuing assessment review.
- 200916 Jan
Dangers of medicine abuse
Two offshore vessel incidents involved personnel taking medication prescribed for others. One was considered potentially life-threatening and required helicopter medical evacuation; the other received onboard care. The flash stresses reporting medication use to the site medic, following dosage instructions, heeding interaction warnings and never sharing prescribed medicines.
- 2006
Managing shift work - Health and safety guidance
Guidance for employers on assessing and managing shift-work risks, particularly fatigue and disrupted sleep. It addresses working-time duties, consultation, schedule rotation, shift length, breaks and night-worker health assessments. Practical advice for workers accompanies methods for monitoring arrangements and evaluating changes using HSE’s Fatigue and Risk Index Tool.
- 20052 Oct
Health Issue – Soft Tissue Infections (MRSA)
This health alert reports MRSA skin infections on some rigs in a fleet. Drawing on information from company medical advisers, it highlights the need for awareness of identification, treatment, prevention and spread control. The supplied extract does not describe individual cases or specific control measures.
- 200529 Jul
Jellyfish incident
A surface-diving incident offshore of Western Australia involved an apparent Carukia barnesi sting and subsequent Irukandji syndrome. The flash describes delayed symptoms and jellyfish entry through loose overalls during surface swimming. Recommendations for the geographical area concern appropriate PPE, stinger suits beneath coveralls unless wearing a wetsuit, and diving hoods during surface swimming.
- 20051 Mar
MRSA and appropriate use of antibiotics
This safety flash explains MRSA transmission, wound sampling and antibiotic resistance, highlighting possible future implications for members. It describes appropriate antibiotic use and workplace hygiene measures, including hand washing, routine cleaning and reporting skin lesions. Precautions for diagnosed infections address wound covering, contaminated laundry and avoiding shared personal items.
- 20041 Jun
Staphylococcal infection in deep water saturation dive to 200 metres
This flash describes staphylococcal infection affecting seven saturation divers, including one during decompression, while the team worked at approximately 200 metres. The member identified limited isolation capacity, shared chin pads, helmet rotation, high humidity, hygiene shortcomings and insufficiently stringent pre-saturation medicals as factors in its spread.
- 20041 May
Late onset of decompression illness (DCI)
A diver experienced arm pain more than seven hours after decompression from an air dive. Initially treated with painkillers, he underwent recompression after worsening two hours later, without marked improvement. The notice reiterates the company’s requirement for immediate recompression when symptoms consistent with decompression illness occur, even up to 48 hours after air or nitrox diving.
- 20041 Mar
Use of prescription medicines/drugs
This safety reminder addresses prescription medicines that may reduce employees’ work performance or reflexes, particularly during emergencies. It places responsibility on affected employees to inform the vessel master or diving supervisor, and on masters or supervisors to ask new or transferred employees about medical treatment during familiarisation.
- 20031 Jul
SARS
This brief safety flash points members seeking information about Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome to international and governmental health agencies. It names the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as example sources, without describing an incident or specifying preventive measures.
- 20031 Jan
Fatality during helicopter escape training
A trainee became distressed after escaping a submerged helicopter trainer and later died despite CPR. An unknown pre-existing heart condition was identified; participation was considered likely to have exceeded his cardiovascular capability. The flash discusses fitness assessment, water orientation for non-swimmers, emergency response and planned improvements before training resumed.
- 20005 Jan
Spider Bite
An offshore rig employee’s leg sore enlarged and began discharging fluid by the following day. Medical consultation identified a spider bite as the probable cause. Treatment included antibiotics and hospital assessment, followed by removal of damaged tissue and skin grafting because of extensive underlying tissue damage.
- 199727 Aug
Safety Alert 172 - Personnel Overexposed to Carbon Monoxide
Platform personnel suffered carbon monoxide overexposure while sleeping after changed wind conditions directed engine exhaust into accommodation ventilation; one employee required hospital treatment. The alert recommends testing high-risk areas and, where danger is identified, appropriate exhaust rerouting, intake relocation, monitoring alarms and improvements to building integrity.
- Undated
Hydraulic Fracturing and Onshore Oil and Natural Gas Development - Industry Standards for Safe and Responsible Development
Erik Milito’s presentation outlines API standards and regulatory frameworks for onshore oil and gas development, including hydraulic fracturing. It discusses groundwater protection through well construction, environmental management, chemical disclosure and community engagement, alongside occupational safety standards and hydrocarbon vapour hazards when opening storage-tank hatches.
- Undated
Isocyanates: Do You Have Work-Related Asthma? A Guide for You and Your Doctor
This fact sheet helps workers recognise possible work-related asthma and outlines clinical diagnosis, with particular attention to isocyanates. It discusses symptom timing, occupational exposure histories, safety data sheets, spirometry, peak expiratory flow measurements and specialist referral. It also explains that symptoms can persist after exposure stops.
- Undated
NIOSH Field Studies, Exposure Assessment, Silica Controls and Gauging and Thiefing
Presentation describing NIOSH field assessments of worker exposure in oil and gas extraction. It examines respirable silica during hydraulic fracturing, dust-source controls and mini-baghouse retrofits, alongside rapid hydrocarbon releases during tank gauging and sampling. Personal sampling, short-task exposure assessment, basin comparisons and closed or remote gauging controls are discussed.
- Undated
Occupational Allergies and Asthma in the Cannabis Cultivation and Production Industry: Fatal Facts
This alert describes a fatal asthma exacerbation in a cannabis flower technician making pre-rolls indoors. It examines worsening work-related symptoms, voluntary N95 use and allergies among colleagues. Prevention recommendations address medical surveillance, hazard assessment, exposure controls, worker education and prompt reporting and medical evaluation of symptoms.
- Undated
Online Showcase Sustainable Weight Management
Showcase slides present weight-management programmes for offshore personnel alongside OEUK weight-limit certification requirements. Providers describe football competitions, inclusive activity platforms, voluntary crew challenges, digital habit support, individual coaching and clinical services. Presentations address offshore working conditions, psychological wellbeing, sustainable habits and weight maintenance, with selected programme results.
- Undated
OSHA-NIOSH-National STEPS Network Alliance
Rick Ingram’s presentation outlines the National STEPS Network alliance with OSHA and NIOSH. It describes a tiered training programme, emerging-issue groups addressing silica and tank gauging, and collaboration between industry and regulators. Worker protection priorities include chronic disease prevention, sharing incident learning and responding to industry trends.
- Undated
Silica Exposure during Hydraulic Fracturing
This information sheet explains respirable silica exposure during hydraulic fracturing, including dust released during sand handling and associated lung disease risks. It describes breathing-zone sampling, dust-reduction practices, equipment modifications, local exhaust ventilation and respiratory protection requirements, alongside hazard training and workers’ rights.
- Undated
Silica: OSHA/NIOSH Hazard Alert - Worker Exposure to Silica during Countertop Manufacturing, Finishing and Installation
Joint OSHA and NIOSH hazard alert examines respirable crystalline silica exposure during natural and engineered stone countertop manufacture, finishing and installation. It compares exposure findings by stone type and task, and explains wet methods, local exhaust ventilation, exposure assessment, respiratory protection and medical surveillance alongside applicable OSHA requirements.