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Offshore Installation
Physical location on an offshore production or drilling installation.
Newest 100 Documents
All 1,395 in search- 202619 Aug
Improvements Needed In Production Safety System Training
This alert reports offshore production safety training deficiencies identified through audits, written competency tests and fire drills. Findings include gaps in retained knowledge, certification, contractor training oversight and emergency preparedness. Operators and contractors are asked to consider reviewing training arrangements, verifying competence, improving lifesaving equipment familiarity and checking alarm audibility.
- 202612 Aug
Control Portable Electronic Device Use to Prevent Ignition Hazards Offshore
This alert describes inspection findings involving unauthorised cellphone use during offshore wireline operations and unrated electronic devices in a hazardous area without a hot work permit. It recommends that operators and contractors consider intrinsic-safety certification, conditional permit requirements, policy reviews and reinforcement of device restrictions during orientations.
- 202612 Aug
Improper Use of Hand Tools and Unplanned Deviations from Job Tasks Results in Injuries
Two construction workers sustained facial lacerations during bolt removal: one from an ejected pneumatic rivet-buster piston during troubleshooting, the other from reciprocating-saw kickback after changing tools and removing a face shield. The alert recommends considering pneumatic isolation, manufacturer instructions, job safety analysis updates and stopping work when tasks or protective equipment require reassessment.
- 20261 Jul
Mechanical Failure of LACT Pump Caused Fire
An offshore production facility fire followed LACT charge-pump misalignment after motor replacement. Excessive vibration loosened casing fasteners, allowing oil leakage; coupling failure caused further damage. The alert identifies omitted angular alignment and incorrect bolt torques, and recommends manufacturer-compliant installation, personnel training, review of post-installation surveillance and investigation of abnormal operation.
- 20266 Jun
Poorly Maintained Crane Components Result in Multiple Personnel Injured During Transfers
Two offshore personnel-basket transfer incidents involved uncontrolled crane auxiliary-line descents and injuries. Investigations identified uncorrected component deficiencies in one case and inadequate hoist brake adjustment in the other. The alert recommends considering timely maintenance, loaded brake checks, wire-rope fouling checks, stop-work interventions, clearer transfer communications and verified medical evacuation arrangements.
- 202615 May
Preventing sexual harassment in the offshore energy industry guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on preventing and responding to sexual harassment as a psychosocial hazard. It addresses legal duties, worker consultation, proactive hazard identification, documented risk assessment, work design and leadership. Reporting privacy, investigation arrangements, worker support and review of prevention measures are also discussed.
- 202628 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert 516 - BSEE Identifies Compressed Gas Cylinder Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
Following reported cylinder-failure explosions, BSEE inspected 20 Gulf assets and identified gaps in cylinder marking knowledge, inspection programmes, maintenance and contractor assurance. The alert presents findings on storage, corrosion and recharging, and asks operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved labelling, documented inspections, overpressure protection and training.
- 202615 Apr
BSEE: Exterior Walkway separates from temporary living quarters, putting workers at risk
An offshore accommodation walkway detached while three workers stood outside their room; all remained safe. Temporary quarters had served for 23 years, with inadequate inspections and degraded tab welds. The flash presents BSEE recommendations for operators to consider long-term design needs, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive weld testing.
- 2026Apr
Offshore First Aid and Medical Provision Inspection Guide
Inspection guidance for assessing first aid and medical provision on offshore installations. It addresses site-specific needs assessments, medic and first-aider staffing, qualifications, medical emergency response plans and treatment facilities. Checklists examine medicines, records, equipment assurance and emergency exercises, alongside compliance scoring and enforcement assessment.
- 202631 Mar
Offshore Inspection Guide Electrical Power Systems
An inspection guide for assessing electrical power systems and duty holder compliance. It addresses generation, distribution, protection, portable equipment and safe electrical work, with condition-monitoring methods including partial-discharge analysis, thermography and insulating-oil assessment. Performance scoring supports regulatory intervention planning; ATEX equipment is excluded.
- 202631 Mar
Safety case content and level of detail guidance note
Guidance for preparing and assessing offshore petroleum facility safety cases explains appropriate content and proportionate detail. It covers facility descriptions, formal safety assessment, safety-critical controls, performance standards and integrated safety management systems. Emphasis falls on standalone evidence, workforce participation, assessment uncertainty and substantiated ALARP arguments rather than reproducing supporting documents.
- 20263 Mar
BSEE: Falling corroded crane component results in near miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 16 m during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 6 m from personnel. The flash describes outstanding inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricades, with lessons on inactive equipment, dropped-object controls and workforce involvement in pre-job planning.
- 2026Mar
Personal Safety (USCG)
US Coast Guard inspection questions address personnel safety on manned and unmanned OCS platforms. They link protective equipment, housekeeping, deck guarding, lifesaving provision, escape arrangements and emergency drills to regulatory authorities and enforcement actions. Individual entries carry update labels, including March 2026 changes to escape and survival equipment checks.
- 2026Mar
PON1 Guidance for Reporting Oil and Offshore Chemical Releases
Guidance sets out PON1 notification requirements for oil and offshore chemical releases during offshore oil and gas activities. It distinguishes releases from intentional discharges, specifies reporting responsibilities, timeframes and portal submission, and explains quantity determination and ongoing updates. Appendices address subsea systems, drainage, produced-water caissons, vessels, flaring and excessive powder venting.
- 2026Mar
Wild Birds (Nesting) Advice Note v1 March 2026
Advice for UKCS oil and gas operators protecting nesting birds during installation decommissioning. It explains licensing routes and tests, bird management plans, survey timing and competence, and limitations of deterrent methods. An appended case describes combined deterrents at a Southern North Sea installation without establishing which measure chiefly prevented nesting.
- 202613 Feb
BSEE: Miscommunication and trapped pressure causes injury during valve maintenance
An offshore valve-maintenance incident injured a worker when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange. This flash summarises BSEE findings on incomplete authorisation, inadequate isolation verification, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations emphasise confirming zero stored energy, reviewing task assessments, following manufacturer instructions and considering two-person working.
- 20265 Feb
BSEE Safety Alert 513 - Exterior Walkway Separates from Temporary Living Quarters, Putting Workers at Risk
Three workers escaped harm when an offshore platform’s third-floor walkway detached from temporary living quarters used for 23 years. The alert examines inadequate welded support, corrosion, material fatigue and inspection weaknesses. BSEE recommends considering long-term use in design, revised inspection programmes and non-destructive testing alongside visual checks.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 2026Jan
The Offshore Workforce Engagement Inspection Guide
An inspection guide for assessing offshore dutyholders’ workforce engagement arrangements. It examines elected safety representatives, constituencies, committee meetings, consultation, training and paid time for representative functions. Pre-visit document requests and an inspection question set support compliance assessment, with enforcement expectations and guidance on recording performance scores.
- 2026Jan
Well Operations
An inspection guide presenting compliance questions for well operations under Subpart G, with regulatory authorities and enforcement codes. It covers casing and liner integrity, surface and subsea blowout preventer configuration, pressure and function testing, maintenance and records, alongside specific requirements for coiled tubing and snubbing systems.
- 2026
Fit testing respiratory protective equipment for escape and emergency response on offshore installations
Guidance on face-fit testing respiratory protection for offshore escape and emergency response teams. It distinguishes tight-fitting breathing apparatus from escape equipment that does not require fit testing, and addresses risk assessment, clean-shaven policies, prompt donning and training. Dutyholders are advised to review escape provision and ensure emergency responders receive required fit testing.
- 202510 Dec
Crane operator competence guidance note
Guidance for Australian offshore petroleum facility operators on assuring crane operator competence. It explains operator responsibilities under objective-based legislation and recommends crane-specific competency systems covering training, assessment, reassessment and records. Simulator training and manufacturer input are options; certificates complement rather than replace the operator’s assurance responsibilities.
- 202510 Dec
Psychosocial risk management guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on managing psychosocial hazards and meeting health and safety obligations. It explains individual, job and organisational risks, their effects on human performance, assessment methods, and promotion, prevention, intervention and mitigation measures. Periodic review and a practical workload-management example illustrate reducing risk to ALARP.
- 202510 Dec
Qualifications of medical personnel on offshore facilities guidance note
Guidance on qualifications and competency assurance for medical personnel at offshore petroleum facilities. It sets out legislative duties, recommended remote healthcare experience and a risk-based approach to staffing. It discusses telemedicine, multiple-casualty resources, diving medical support and additional measures where dedicated medical personnel may be impracticable.
- 20255 Dec
Falling Corroded Crane Component Results in Near Miss
A corroded crane boom cable runner fell approximately 50 feet during maintenance on an offshore platform, landing approximately 20 feet from personnel. The alert identifies uncompleted inspection repairs, incomplete hazard identification and absent barricading, and recommends considering improved job safety analysis, supervision and maintenance follow-through.
- 20253 Dec
BSEE Safety Alert - 509 - Miscommunication and Trapped Pressure Causes Injury
An offshore contractor was injured when trapped gas pressure ejected a bonnet flange during control-valve maintenance. The alert identifies unverified isolation, missing authorisation, miscommunication, unsafe scaffold use and omitted retaining nuts. Recommendations address zero-energy verification, collaborative job safety analysis, operational support, fall protection and adherence to manufacturer procedures.
- 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.
- 202526 Nov
Control measures and performance standards guidance note
Guidance for offshore facility operators on selecting and assessing controls for major accident risks and establishing verifiable performance standards. It addresses layered protection, common-mode failures, ALARP demonstration, critical operating parameters and lifecycle suitability, linking safety-case documentation with functional testing, monitoring, audit, review and contingency arrangements when controls underperform.
- 202521 Nov
Emergency planning guidance note
Guidance on emergency planning and safety-case requirements for offshore petroleum facilities. It addresses command arrangements, team competence, medical provision, equipment assurance, communications, evacuation analysis and emergency shutdown. It distinguishes regulatory obligations from suggested approaches and explains performance standards, drills, review and management of planning changes.
- 202513 Nov
Noise exposure standards guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum dutyholders on statutory noise exposure limits and reducing risks to ALARP. It explains ear-position measurement, instrument calibration, source reduction, hearing-protector selection and attenuation calculations, audiometric surveillance and reassessment. It also addresses enforcement and recommended acoustic benchmarks for accommodation and support areas on fixed and mobile facilities.
- 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.
- 202529 Oct
Hazard identification guidance note
Guidance on systematic hazard identification for offshore petroleum facilities and its integration with formal safety assessment. It compares HAZOP, task analysis, FMEA, what-if and tree-based methods, explaining their limitations. Workforce participation, documented assumptions, justified exclusions and ongoing review support assessment of major accident hazards and wider health and safety risks.
- 202521 Oct
ALARP guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum operators on demonstrating ALARP through safety cases. It examines reasonable practicability, design choices, good practice, standards and proportionate risk analysis. It also addresses uncertainty, justification of control selection, performance standards and ongoing assurance, distinguishing major accident assessment from the broader health and safety responsibilities of the safety management system.
- 202521 Oct
Risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum operators on assessing major accident and wider health and safety risks. It explains qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative methods, likelihood and consequence analysis, control reliability and uncertainty. Safety-case documentation, ALARP arguments, workforce participation, assessment review and quality assurance underpin selection of appropriate controls.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202517 Sep
UK HSE: oil company fined after serious failure of elevator
An IMCA safety flash describes three workers encountering water while descending in a lift on the FPF-1 platform for inspection work. They stopped the lift and returned safely without injury. Hardware failures, incorrect operating procedures and absent water alarms were identified; enforcement included a £300,000 fine and an improvement notice.
- 202511 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 507 - Improper Use of Equipment and Tools Increases Risk of Fires and Explosions Offshore
BSEE identifies recurring offshore tool misuse involving live electrical circuits, explosive atmospheres and high-pressure or high-temperature systems. Cases include unsuitable hand tools and a plumber’s plug used during welding. Recommendations address competence evaluation, tool ratings and tracking, maintenance, pre-work audits, qualified inspections and authority to halt unsafe work.
- 2025Sep
1 - Big people in lifeboats and lifesaving appliances
Guidance for offshore dutyholders on accommodating increasing worker weight and size in evacuation and rescue arrangements. It explains statistical passenger design-weight calculations, capacity adjustments, seating and restraint suitability, and considerations for other lifesaving appliances and medical equipment. It also addresses verification, interim arrangements and safety-case changes.
- 202521 Aug
Avoiding fatigue guidance note
Guidance for offshore petroleum duty holders on preventing and managing workforce fatigue within the regulatory framework. It examines sleep debt, circadian rhythms and interacting organisational factors, outlining layered fatigue risk management through staffing, roster design, sleep opportunities, screening and training. It also addresses handovers, interrupted sleep, incident investigation and monitoring of barrier performance.
- 202519 Aug
Operational risk assessment guidance note
Guidance for offshore oil and gas operators on assessing temporary impairment of safety-critical controls and operation outside design limits. It explains hazard identification, qualitative or semi-quantitative risk evaluation, mitigation assurance, cumulative risk, responsibilities and restoration periods. Assessment must not justify predetermined continuation decisions or substitute for managing permanent changes.
- 202511 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert 505 - BSEE Risk-Based Inspections Reveal Increase in Slip-Trip-Fall Hazards on Offshore Facilities Inspections
BSEE reports findings from a Performance-Based Risk Inspection of 19 offshore assets following an increase in slip, trip and fall injuries. Findings address training gaps, obstructed walkways, sharp edges, simultaneous operations, safety boots and faded markings. Recommendations invite operators and contractors, where appropriate, to consider improved hazard checks, housekeeping, training and footwear maintenance.
- 20251 Aug
BSEE Safety Alert - 504 - Malfunction of Rental Generator's Engine Air Shutoff System
A rental generator fire on an offshore platform followed a closed right-bank air flap, allowing unburnt diesel and excess oil to accumulate and ignite with heat from the operating left bank. The alert recommends considering improved maintenance checks, alarm verification, training and procurement assurance, including independent testing of each emergency air flap.
- 20259 Jul
Hose Recoil Strikes Banksman
During scheduled replacement of a potable-water bulk hose on a MODU, a crane lifted one end while the hydraulic reel paid out the hose for deck coiling and backload. The hose separated within a ferrule near the lifting point, recoiled towards the bulk loading station and struck the banksman.
- 2025Jul
Hydrocarbon Active Fire Protection
An inspection guide for offshore hydrocarbon fire protection, setting out regulatory expectations, success criteria and dutyholder scoring. It examines firewater pumps, ring mains, deluge coverage and chemical dosing, with emphasis on corrosion, marine growth, system availability, as-found testing and investigation of recurring blockages.
- 202518 Jun
Powers of Health and Safety Representatives guidance note
Guidance explains health and safety representatives’ statutory powers at offshore petroleum facilities. It covers access to information, consultant assistance, requests to review safety management documents, provisional improvement notices and directions to cease unsafe work. It also describes inspection requests, appeals, protection against discrimination and coercion, and requests for prosecution.
- 202518 Jun
Workplace safety and consultation arrangements guidance note
Guidance on workforce consultation and representation at offshore petroleum facilities distinguishes statutory duties from suggested practice. It explains designated work group formation, representative selection, training and support, committee membership and meetings, information-access restrictions and dispute arrangements. An appendix sets out representative election procedures, including secret ballots and counting.
- 202512 Jun
Environmental Alert 001/2025
This alert reminds offshore chemical permit holders that assessed usage and injection concentrations are binding limits. Inspections identified exceedances during abnormal operations and inadequate monitoring by well section during drilling. Operators must establish compliance-tracking mechanisms; these should be available offshore to chemical users.
- 202510 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 502 -Fatigue Cracking of Three-Quarter-Inch Pipe Nipple Results in Gas Release
An offshore gas release followed fatigue failure of a threaded ¾-inch pipe nipple on a compressor suction scrubber, prompting platform shut-in and personnel muster. The alert discusses possible installation stresses, vibration and unsupported bridle weight, and recommends considering structural support, proper tightening, regular inspection, vibration monitoring and maintained dampers.
- 20259 Jun
BSEE Safety Alert 501-BSEE Identifies Bypassed Safety Device Deficiencies
BSEE inspections of five production platforms identified poorly documented safety-device bypasses, non-operational data historians and overly broad maintenance bypasses. Findings included pressure protection disabled during startup and unreverted ladder-logic changes. Recommendations address bypass logs, electronic records, interface visibility, construction changes and verification of procedural compliance.
- 202522 May
EC175 B Rotor Blade Failures at Offshore Platform During Strong Winds
Investigates rotor blade failures on EC175 B G-MCSH at the Elgin platform during strong winds. A partially seized rotor brake prevented blade securing; local vertical airflow was considered to exacerbate blade sailing. The report examines maintenance, securing equipment, helideck airflow, wind reporting and flight recorder anomalies, and makes six safety recommendations.
- 202516 Apr
BSEE: Crane safety awareness during offshore helideck operations
An offshore helicopter landing nearly ended in collision when a crane operator raised the boom as the aircraft was 10 feet from touchdown. The pilots performed a successful go-around. Drawing on BSEE findings, the flash highlights procedural enforcement, communication and coordination, with recommendations also applicable to vessel approaches and simultaneous operations.
- 20253 Apr
Incidents occurring during decommissioning
This safety flash compiles decommissioning incidents involving offshore structures, lifting and diving work. Cases include falling loads, damaged rigging, structural collapse, chemical exposure and underwater burning. It summarises breaches of selected life-saving rules and records a riser recovery incident in which personnel remained clear of the lifting area and escaped injury.
- 2025Apr
JNCC Advice Note – Seabird Survey Methods for Offshore Installations (Black-legged kittiwakes) updated April 2025
Advice on surveying black-legged kittiwakes nesting or roosting on offshore installations. It explains seasonal survey timing, apparently occupied nest counts, optical observation, photography and repeat recording. Guidance addresses hidden nests, chick ageing and completion of fledging, alongside wild birds licensing and limitations of UAV surveys.
- 20257 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert 497 - Weather Creates Sudden and Unpredictable Risks
BSEE describes a wave-related femur injury on a deepwater drilling rig and further adverse-weather incidents involving personnel transfers, vessel collision and lost dynamic positioning capability. Recommendations address weather-dependent access restrictions, communication of unusual hazards, suspension of non-critical work and assessment of medical evacuation capabilities during adverse conditions.
- 20256 Mar
BSEE Safety Alert - 496 - Misidentification of Corrosion Hazard Results in High Potential Event
A worker installing a pump at a Gulf production facility supported himself on nearby piping when corroded grating gave way beneath scaffold boards. Previously installed barricades had been removed. The alert recommends facility walkthroughs, secure restriction of unsafe areas and review of safe work practices governing barricades.
- 2025Mar
Risk of collision with offshore installations from attendant vessels
HSE safety notice examines five vessel collisions involving offshore installations and wind turbines. Cases highlight distracted watchkeeping, lost situational awareness, environmental conditions and poor bridge communication. Recommended reviews cover watchkeeping instructions, bridge resource management, navigational alarms and vessel monitoring, with consideration of sailing audits to identify operational bad practice.
- 202521 Feb
Lifeboat Unexpectedly Descends
In November 2024, a lifeboat on a North Sea drilling unit descended unexpectedly from its stowed position following winch failure during severe weather. Crew attempts to stop cable deployment were followed by failure of the stern wire, then the bow wire. The craft drifted away and was subsequently recovered.
- 2025Feb
Process safety leadership findings of Energy Division inspection programme
HSE reports findings from inspections of UKCS production operators’ process safety leadership, using a consistent framework based on the COMAH leadership intervention tool. It examines leadership competence, contractor assurance, cumulative risk, performance indicators and incident learning, identifying weaknesses alongside good practice and recommendations for duty holders.
- 202527 Jan
BSEE Safety Alert 495 - Turbine Generator Exhaust Silencer Failure
An offshore turbine generator silencer released perforated steel onto the deck after shutdown, with some pieces weighing up to 44 pounds. The alert describes 18 years of service and limited inspection coverage. BSEE recommends considering comprehensive exhaust-component maintenance, whole-silencer inspections, design assurance and dropped-object prevention measures where appropriate.
- 202515 Jan
Crate Lid Dislodged Overboard
During helicopter operations at a drilling rig on the UK Continental Shelf, a wooden lid measuring 3 m by 3 m and weighing approximately 40 kg became detached from a hose transport crate and blew overboard. Nobody was in the area; the alert highlights storage risks near helidecks.
- 2025
2 - Integrity management of FPSOs/FSUs
OMAR guidance addresses structural and maritime integrity of UKCS FPSOs and FSUs, drawing on regulatory interventions. It discusses inspection regimes, hull loading, watertight integrity, cargo systems and station keeping, alongside competence, independent verification and safety-case review. Ageing assets and formal life-extension assessments receive particular attention.
- 20241 Dec
Ed Offshore Diving Inspection Guide
Guidance for offshore diving inspectors on examining duty holders’ diving arrangements and judging regulatory compliance. It covers pre-visit documentation, offshore inspections and five-yearly diving management reviews, including contractor competence and system assurance. Enforcement expectations and performance scoring support consistent recording of findings and prioritisation of future interventions.
- 20245 Nov
BSEE Safety Alert 491 - Vigilance Required in Offshore Helideck Operations
A helicopter approaching an offshore helideck avoided collision by going around after a crane boom was raised near the landing area. The alert identifies communication and procedural enforcement shortcomings. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider crane-movement suspension, coordinated communications, helideck checks, training and routine audits.
- 202410 Oct
BSEE Safety Alert 490 - Helideck Condition Notifications and Verification
A helicopter pilot diverted after discovering that an offshore helideck’s capacity had been reduced from its published rating of 12,000 lbs to 6,000 lbs. The alert examines delayed notification and recommends considering verified capacity information, verbal checks before flight and landing, updated procedures, marking recognition training and prompt communication of changes.
- 202425 Sep
Man overboard during motion compensated gangway transfer
An offshore worker fell overboard from a height of one metre when a manually station-kept vessel drifted off and its motion-compensated gangway disconnected. His life-jacket failed to inflate, but he was recovered within 22 seconds. The flash addresses gangway emergency procedures, drift-off familiarisation, flotation-device checks and safety induction.
- 20245 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 489 - Situational Awareness Pre-Job Assessment
An offshore worker injured his leg and knee after falling through an opening on a blowout preventer work platform where a damaged hatch cover had been removed. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider pre-job hazard checks, communication, suitable fall protection, barricades and continued reassessment of changing surroundings.
- 20243 Sep
Offshore platform decommissioning near miss
Two workers escaped injury when offshore platform topsides detached and swung above them during decommissioning in Western Australia in 2021. The flash examines inadequately assessed crane auto-tensioning forces and pre-load tension, and outlines technical lift-plan assessment, castellated cuts where rotation is possible, and keeping workers clear of suspended loads.
- 2024Sep
F-Gas Guidance September 2024
Revised guidance for offshore oil and gas operators and service companies explains fluorinated greenhouse gas obligations. It covers technician qualifications, equipment labelling, carbon dioxide equivalence calculations, use restrictions, leak checks and detection systems, recovery and disposal during decommissioning, record retention, emissions reporting, inspection and civil penalties.
- 202429 Aug
Lifeboat air cylinder explosion on an empty installation
A lifeboat air bottle explosion was discovered on an uncrewed, shut-in offshore platform, with no injuries or known incident date. Inspection revealed corrosion beneath bottles seated in saddles. The flash discusses restricted inspection access, possible galvanic effects, depressurisation, improved bottle positioning and insulation between dissimilar materials.
- 202424 Jul
Rubber bumper stopper detached from mounting bracket and falls 20m
An offshore derrick elevator’s rubber bumper stopper detached from its mounting bracket and fell 20 m onto the Hydraracker upper level. The 600 g component was assessed using the DROPS calculator as potentially fatal. No personnel were in the area and no injuries were reported.
- 202419 Jun
Safety Bulletin - Helideck Structural Integrity
This bulletin discusses corrosion-related impairment of offshore helidecks and the risks introduced by alternative personnel transfers. It highlights difficult access for inspection and repair, galvanic corrosion, protective coatings and maintenance regimes, alongside statutory duties to maintain structures throughout facility life, including infrastructure needed for future decommissioning.
- 20247 Jun
Environmental Alert 001/2024
OPRED advises offshore installation operators and owners that a 25% reduction in required fog-signal range is acceptable, allowing 1.5 nautical miles where two are required. Observed reductions should be examined promptly, particularly when repeated, with retesting in optimal conditions and emitter testing to assure compliance with consent conditions and navigational performance standards.
- 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.
- 202430 May
2024-01 64 Investigation of March 25, 2022, Hydraulic Workover Unit Failure Fatality
BSEE investigates a fatal hydraulic workover unit collapse at Main Pass Block 64 Platform #19. Severely corroded structural casing buckled after crane support was removed, and a worker tied to the unit was pulled into the water. Findings examine load assessment, Anchor Spool stabilisation, oversized equipment and unclear operator–contractor responsibilities.
- 2024May
Risk of serious injury from motion compensated gangways
This safety notice addresses serious injury risks during deployment and use of motion compensated gangways, including entrapment, shearing and falls from open walkway ends. It sets out expectations for risk assessment, timely audible and visible auto-retraction warnings, user and operator competence, and inspection and maintenance arrangements.
- 202416 Apr
BSEE Safety Alert - De-pressurizing Piping to Remove Hydrate Results in an Injury
An offshore platform operator suffered bruising and swelling when a ball valve assembly separated during depressurisation of gas lift piping containing a possible hydrate. Approximately 900 psi remained trapped behind the valve. The alert discusses inadequate isolation, missing task hazard analysis, and measures operators should consider for hydrate prevention and safe pressure bleeding.
- 202416 Apr
Improperly Depressurizing Piping to Remove a Hydrate Causes Injury
An offshore platform operator suffered bruising and swelling when a valve assembly detached during depressurisation of gas lift piping containing a possible hydrate. Approximately 900 psi was trapped behind the valve. The alert recommends considering energy isolation, balanced bleeding, task hazard analysis, management of change and gas dehydration.
- 20248 Apr
MODU Unlatched from Well
A moored semi-submersible drilling unit without dynamic positioning assist disconnected from its well and moved towards survival draft as storm conditions increased. Over three days, it lost four of eight mooring lines and drifted approximately 800 metres. Non-essential personnel were removed after the fourth line was lost.
- 20244 Apr
BSEE Risk Based Inspection Identifies Welding and Burning Hazards
BSEE summarises targeted inspections of Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation facilities that identified welding and burning hazards. Findings include damaged or poorly positioned fire barriers, nearby flammables, deficient planning and training, and conflicting fire-watch duties. Operators and contractors are encouraged to consider improvements to protection, competence, procedures and supervision.
- 20244 Apr
Safety Alert - BSEE Risk Based Inspection Identifies Welding and Burning Hazards
BSEE reports targeted inspections of 22 Gulf of Mexico production and well-operation sites, identifying damaged or misplaced fire barriers, hot work near hydrocarbons, deficient planning and inconsistent training. The alert describes a living-quarters fire and recommends considering improved barrier inspection, task-specific planning, competence assurance, supervision and fire-watch arrangements.
- 202419 Mar
Person struck and injured during lifting operations
During spar decommissioning, a partially attached fire water pump skid came free on a second lifting attempt and struck a nitrogen vessel previously cut 95% loose. The vessel struck a worker. The flash identifies unknown welds, inadequate work and change controls, and ignored crew concerns, emphasising preparation, listening and reassessment.
- 202427 Feb
UK HSE: Crane boom collapse
This safety flash describes a crane boom collapse during preparations to recover a faulty submersible pump from an offshore rig. Debris struck a supply vessel and a snagged cement hose ruptured. The investigation identified an unchecked, incorrectly set limit switch, overridden joystick safety mechanisms and defective safety management. Nobody was injured.
- 202412 Feb
US BSEE: Are your emergency procedures and equipment good enough?
This flash summarises BSEE inspection findings at offshore sites in the Gulf of Mexico, highlighting weaknesses in medical evacuation, emergency plans, supplies, drills and rescue equipment. Evacuation reports showed an average 6.8 hours to reach medical facilities. Recommendations address procedure updates, crew awareness and equipment inventory checks.
- 2024
Annual offshore statistics and regulatory activity report 2024
Official statistics summarise HSE’s offshore regulatory activity and dutyholder performance during 2024, covering inspections, investigations, safety-case assessments and enforcement. The report analyses dangerous occurrences, hydrocarbon releases and reported injuries, explains severity classifications and workforce-based rates, and identifies reporting changes and limitations affecting historical comparisons.
- 202321 Nov
EI 158 Fatality Failure to Use Safety
An offshore worker died when surface casing failed during pressure testing supplied by a high-pressure well. The explosion involved pressure release without signs of ignition. BSEE identifies omitted pressure safeguards and deficiencies in planning and change management, and recommends operators consider equipment compatibility checks, gauge training and improved hazard assessment.
- 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.
- 202314 Nov
Safely Approaching a Helicopter on Offshore Helidecks
An offshore crew-change near miss involved personnel approaching a helicopter from the rear while its rotors were moving and before pilot clearance. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider pilot confirmation, aircraft-specific safe entry zones, passenger familiarisation and facility-specific procedures. The alert also describes the air crew’s stop-work intervention.
- 202313 Nov
Positive: Master stopped unsafe fuel transfer whilst vessel alongside rig
A supply vessel halted fuel transfer after its watch officer spotted welding on an adjacent semi-submersible rig. The flash highlights prompt bridge intervention, reporting and positive recognition by rig management. It identifies missing communication about hot work despite mandatory confirmation of simultaneous operations through the Safety Zone checklist.
- 20232 Nov
Rig personnel exposed to unrecognized stored-energy hazard
During preparations to skid a jackup rig’s cantilever, an operating handle became stuck while a worker manually turned a skidding pin. Hydraulic release of some jack tension allowed the pin and handle assembly to rotate suddenly downwards, exposing the worker to a struck-by hazard from unrecognised stored energy.
- 202320 Oct
BSEE Identifies Medical Evacuation and Emergency Hazards During Risk-Based Inspections
BSEE inspections identified deficiencies in offshore medical evacuation arrangements, supplies, emergency plans and drills. Findings included inaccessible defibrillators, unsuitable Stokes litters, obstructed escape routes and helideck concerns. The alert recommends operators and contractors consider procedure reviews, supply checks, realistic drills and assessment of medical response times.
- 202316 Oct
BSEE: Heat-related Illnesses occurring offshore
This safety flash summarises BSEE reports of offshore heat-related illness, including dehydration and severe heat exhaustion. It describes fluids, rest, medical evaluation and evacuation in two cases, and explains how high temperatures and humidity can contribute to heat stress and increase workers’ injury risks.
- 20233 Oct
Emergency Response – Version 3 October 2023
An offshore inspection guide for assessing dutyholder emergency arrangements and rating performance. It examines emergency planning, command, communications, muster, evacuation, escape and recovery, distinguishing escape provision from evacuation capacity. Detailed checks address survival-craft capacity, familiarisation, maintenance, emergency lighting and compatibility of protective equipment.
- 20233 Oct
Unsafe flooring led to man overboard fatality
This flash describes a January 2023 fatality on a jack-up rig in transit, where a missing crew member was understood to have fallen through an opening left by dislodged polymer grating. It calls for checking fastener installation against manufacturer instructions, including loose grating in dropped-object checklists and updating planned maintenance as required.
- 202328 Sep
Safety Alert - Pipeline Loss of Containment
A gas export pipeline tie-in spool flange failed after severe corrosion of carbon steel lacking the specified corrosion-resistant cladding. The alert examines material traceability and quality-control failures, misinterpreted inline inspection data and incorrect defect location reporting. Lessons address preserved identification, consideration of positive material identification and diverse integrity inspection 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.
- 2023Sep
Manage risk of damage to grating systems (walkways and deck areas) on offshore installations during rig moves
This alert addresses damage or displacement of offshore walkway and deck gratings during rig moves, including adverse weather and wave impact. It calls for assessment across operating modes, regular inspection and maintenance, competent personnel, fatigue controls and emergency arrangements for missing persons or people overboard.
- 202322 Aug
Heat Advisory - Heat Related Illnesses Occurring Offshore
This alert describes two offshore cases involving dehydration symptoms and severe heat exhaustion, including treatment and transfer ashore. It outlines heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms and recommends that operators and contractors consider hydration, cooling breaks, medical attention, work/rest policies, stop-work authority and task-level hazard assessment where appropriate.