Oil and gas companies are evaluating the possibility of deploying wearable safety technology devices. These devices are said to improve safety and efficiency in oilfield operations for those that wear them. In this blog we dive into how this could change the industry.
Why Wearable Safety Technology?
The benefits of technology aren’t just for a select few fields, technology can be applied anywhere. This is why the oil and gas industry is preparing to reap the benefits of wearable safety technology. Wearables basically function as data collection devices when worn in the field. What data they collect is up to the type of device worn (i.e. wristbands, smart helmets, smart glasses, jackets etc.)
These devices collect the data and transmit it to an onshore control room using wireless networks. From there it’s processed and based on results could notify the wearer or a second party of an emergency. The main reason that this technology is being applied is because it frees up the wearer’s hands, this enables workers on the rigs to safely perform tasks without any hindrance. Additionally, it conditions workers to develop situational awareness which aids them in recognizing emergencies on their own.
Performance and Safety
In the field workers are generally more prone to health issues and accidents. Factors such as sudden pressure increases and decreases, extreme temperature variations and dangerous heavy equipment tie into workers being injured on the job. In addition, with oil and natural gas rigs being in more remote locations, and assets such as hospitals and first responders not being easily accessible, this increases the likelihood of more severe injuries and adds to the risk factor.
However, wearable devices could be the answer to reducing these risks. These devices can act as the steppingstone needed to provide a safe and secure workplace to the wearer. Devices such as these are built for the industry–they are made to resist oil, chemical spills, heavy rain, and dust among other things. In such rough working conditions, these devices could capture vital statistics of the workforce and monitor their health conditions. Further uses of wearable safety technology could include devices being equipped with thermometers or gas detectors to monitor external surroundings. In the event of a mishap or accident the data collected by these devices could ideally trigger alarm systems–which in turn would alert all supervisors to take necessary action to bring the emergency to a halt.
Tiger General is Here for You!
The adoption of these wearable safety devices seems quite promising for the oil and gas industry. In the future they could become a necessity to ensure maximum operation efficiency, worker efficiency, and safety.
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