Safety Officer

Role & responsibilities

1. Safety Planning and Risk Management

• Safety Program Development: Design and implement safety programs tailored to offshore operations, addressing specific risks such as falls, equipment failure, and marine hazards.
• Risk Assessments: Perform detailed risk assessments for offshore activities, including drilling, production, transportation, and maintenance. Identify potential hazards related to environmental conditions, equipment, and personnel activities.
• Permit to Work (PTW) System: Implement and oversee the permit to work system for high-risk activities (e.g., hot work, confined space entry, and lifting operations) to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place.
• Safety Procedures: Develop and enforce safety procedures, ensuring that all personnel understand and adhere to safety requirements for offshore tasks and environments.

2. Safety Training and Awareness

• Employee Safety Training: Conduct safety induction programs for all offshore personnel, including new employees, contractors, and visitors, covering site-specific hazards, emergency procedures, and PPE requirements.
• Ongoing Safety Education: Provide ongoing safety training and drills (e.g., fire drills, evacuation drills, and lifeboat drills) to ensure preparedness for any emergencies.
• Emergency Response Drills: Coordinate and conduct regular emergency response drills such as oil spill response, man-overboard drills, and abandon-ship drills.
• Behavioral Safety Programs: Foster a culture of safety by conducting behavioral safety observations and providing feedback to employees on safe practices.

3. Monitoring and Inspections

• Routine Safety Inspections: Regularly inspect the offshore platform to identify safety hazards, ensuring compliance with safety standards. This includes equipment checks, safety equipment inspections (e.g., lifeboats, fire extinguishers, alarms), and general site conditions.
• Worksite Audits: Conduct safety audits and inspections of offshore operations to verify that all safety protocols are being followed and that the work environment remains hazard-free.
• Equipment Checks: Ensure that safety equipment (e.g., emergency evacuation systems, fire suppression systems, lifebuoys) is well-maintained, operational, and available for use at all times.
• Monitoring Hazards: Monitor high-risk areas such as areas prone to gas leaks, machinery failures, fire risks, and potential structural weaknesses in the offshore platform.

4. Incident and Accident Investigation

• Incident Reporting: Ensure that all incidents, including near misses, are reported in a timely manner and accurately recorded in the companys safety management system.
• Accident Investigation: Lead investigations into accidents, injuries, or incidents on the offshore platform. Determine root causes, identify contributing factors, and document findings.
• Corrective Actions: Recommend corrective actions following accidents or near-miss incidents to prevent future occurrences. Follow up to ensure corrective actions are implemented.
• Root Cause Analysis: Conduct root cause analyses (RCAs) of incidents and accidents, and develop strategies to address systemic issues that may lead to reoccurring safety concerns.

5. Regulatory Compliance

• Compliance with Local and International Regulations: Ensure that offshore operations comply with international, national, and local safety and environmental regulations (e.g., OSHA, HSE guidelines, ISM Code, MARPOL regulations).
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain detailed records of safety inspections, incident investigations, training sessions, and compliance audits for regulatory purposes.
• Liaison with Authorities: Coordinate with relevant regulatory bodies, offshore safety agencies, and environmental organizations to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Audit Participation: Assist in third-party safety audits and inspections, ensuring the platform is prepared for official reviews and certifications.

6. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Emergency Response Plans: Develop, implement, and regularly update offshore emergency response plans, ensuring all employees know their roles in case of emergencies such as oil spills, fires, or natural disasters.
• Evacuation Procedures: Ensure that emergency evacuation procedures are in place, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and procedures for offshore personnel to reach lifeboats or helicopters during emergencies.
• Search and Rescue Coordination: Coordinate with rescue teams and emergency services to ensure swift and efficient responses in the event of an accident, man overboard, or other emergency scenarios.
• Incident Command: Participate as part of the incident command team during emergency situations, coordinating response efforts, communicating with offshore personnel, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

7. Environmental Safety and Spill Prevention

• Environmental Risk Management: Ensure that all activities follow environmental safety protocols to prevent spills, leaks, and contamination of marine life and water.
• Spill Response Plans: Develop and implement oil spill response plans, including the storage, containment, and disposal of hazardous materials.
• Waste Management: Oversee the management of waste and hazardous materials generated during offshore operations, ensuring that disposal practices meet environmental regulations.
• Environmental Audits: Conduct regular environmental audits to assess the impact of offshore operations on the surrounding marine environment and to verify compliance with environmental regulations.

8. Health and Welfare

• Health Risk Management: Monitor and manage health risks related to offshore work, such as noise exposure, air quality, hazardous chemicals, and ergonomics.
• Medical Emergency Response: Ensure that first-aid kits, medical supplies, and trained personnel are available on-site to handle medical emergencies.
• Fatigue Management: Monitor employee working hours and rotations to prevent fatigue-related incidents, ensuring workers are well-rested and fit for duty.
• Wellness Programs: Implement and manage wellness programs to promote the physical and mental health of offshore personnel, providing access to counseling services, fitness programs, and healthy living resources.

9. Safety Equipment and PPE Management

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all personnel are equipped with the appropriate PPE (e.g., helmets, gloves, boots, harnesses, life jackets) based on the tasks they are performing.
• Safety Equipment Maintenance: Oversee the inspection, maintenance, and replacement of safety equipment, ensuring that it remains in good condition and accessible for emergency use.
• Lifesaving Equipment: Ensure that lifeboats, life rafts, and other lifesaving equipment are properly maintained, tested, and ready for immediate deployment.

10. Safety Culture Promotion

• Safety Engagement: Promote a strong safety culture across all levels of the workforce, encouraging open communication regarding safety concerns, near misses, and potential hazards.
• Safety Meetings: Organize and participate in regular safety meetings, where employees can discuss safety issues, share experiences, and suggest improvements.
• Safety Recognition: Recognize and reward safe behavior among employees and contractors to encourage adherence to safety protocols.