North America

President Trump’s first term had a significant impact on HSE: deregulation and policy shifts hoped to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses, often at the expense of stricter HSE oversight.

Beyond mere strategic priorities, Trump made tangible impacts with the rollback of several regulations from preceding administrations; rollbacks that continue to impact how operators approach legislation and standards. Throughout their first term, Trump & co. reduced the extent of OSHA inspections and potentially delayed the implementation of new safety standards in construction and oil and gas.

While these shifts undoubtedly played a starring role in President Trump's broader mission to streamline operations, reduce project lead-in times (especially in the energy sector) and minimise business costs, many still feel that worker protections were eroded to a degree that they have yet to recover fully from, four years on from the successive administration's inauguration.

In the case of over 100 environmental protections that the New York Times found were rolled back or restricted in breadth, many will argue that, beyond worker protections, the planet paid the price, too.

As Donald Trump is inaugurated for his second term in office, industries should anticipate further deregulation and policies favoring economic growth over stringent oversight.

In the face of such rollbacks, the industry may see current CSR and ESG strategies pushed to the wayside in favour of the lower operating costs and project efficiencies granted by a less-regulated environment. Federal policy changes, and businesses' reaction to them, will become even more critical to project success: those reacting quickest to them will likely be the most efficient, profitable and, in the eyes of many organisations, successful.

Whether short-term cost savings (courtesy of deregulation) cannibalise long-term HSE, ESG and CSR strategies, or businesses hold strong on their ambitious commitments, the sustainability and safety spheres are undoubtedly in for a transformative second Trump term.

VR training allows employees to be exposed to hazardous scenarios in a safe environment. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

GlobalData’s latest report 'Virtual Reality in Oil and Gas' highlights the safety benefits of virtual reality (VR) training in the industry, from rigs and pipelines to refineries

Oil and gas companies are now investing in training modules for the workforce and visualising the asset under consideration for planning and decision making.

Ravindra Puranik, Oil and Gas Analyst at GlobalData, said, "VR enhances operational safety through immersive training programmes. It can help develop safety procedures at production facilities to address smaller accidents as well as for emergency response."

Companies such as Shell, bp, Chevron, and ExxonMobil, are using VR as a cost-effective option to train their employees in critical oil and gas operations. This provides a highly safe and cost-efficient approach to introducing personnel to a new facility. These sessions usually entail virtual walk-throughs, away from heavy industrial equipment.

Hazardous environments

Puranik said, “Industry technicians work in hazardous environments, such as offshore rigs or at a densely packed equipment maze in a refinery. VR can be used to relay important information and instructions to the technician onsite, without the need to fly out experts to that location or carrying detailed instruction manuals for referencing.”

VR plays a key role in the digital twin set up, helping companies recreate scenarios through detailed simulations. During planning and development, the collaborating teams can share information using VR to simulate various scenarios. It is useful in optimising equipment performance and maximising the asset life. Digital twins help to design workflows and identify bottlenecks to optimise a plant’s performance. Twins also help to create a 3D visualisation of the seismic data using VR simulations.

Puranik concluded, “Various aspects of a production platform can be modelled through VR simulations to enhance the understanding of personnel for on-field tasks. They can simulate the processes using VR before implementing on the operational floor. It thus reduces the scope for human errors during critical operations. Besides, designers and engineers can better visualise the layout under development using VR technology. This can potentially help to improve designs, and carefully plan its execution to optimise the project costs.”

In a case study cited by immersive technology provider immerse.io, Shell wanted to simulate an accidental overspill on a storage tanker, requiring the trainee to follow the appropriate procedures to extinguish the fire. immerse.io designed a VR programme, challenging trainees to solve the problem using their existing knowledge and skills with no instructions or advance warnings, as in a real-world scenario. Decoy objects test decision-making whilst realistic sounds and hi-res visuals recreate the intensity of a real-life situation. Assessors can control the whole experience and trigger actions such as a fire at any time, resulting in a dynamic and variable simulation.

United Rentals introduces interactive excavation safety training to enhance compliance, reduce risks, and improve jobsite productivity. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

United Rentals, Inc., the leading global equipment rental company, has introduced the Excavation Safety Training for Competent Persons Program, offering an innovative approach to trench and excavation safety

This program aims to improve compliance and productivity through interactive learning activities that equip participants with practical knowledge for managing one of construction’s most hazardous tasks.

The training supports competent persons—those responsible for excavation safety—and assists employers and workers in understanding and applying OSHA Standard 29 CFR Part 1926 Subpart P. It provides advanced insights into topics such as soil evaluation, protective systems, and interpreting safety standards.

Available through United Academy, the program offers multiple learning formats, including in-person sessions, virtual instructor-led classes, and e-learning modules. With engaging features like virtual reality simulations and hazard hunts, the program sets a benchmark for safety training across industries like infrastructure, oil and gas, and utilities.

“Working below ground, and building underground structures and utilities is demanding and requires relevant up-to-date safety training. Leading-edge training takes the information and classroom lessons to the field, which helps promote safe and compliant jobsites,” said Todd Hayes, region vice president – Trench Safety, United Rentals. “Our revised program will help our customers foster a culture of safety, while reducing risks and improving jobsite results.”

Created in collaboration with Mosaic Learning, the platform incorporates knowledge assessments, simulation exercises, and interactive learning activities designed for adult learners. It also integrates the United Rentals Trench Safety app, offering tools like a slope calculator and OSHA resources on iOS and Android.

United Rentals Trench Safety Solutions

United Rentals Trench Safety delivers efficient safety solutions for worksites through underground services and training. With 92+ trench safety locations and North America's largest fleet of shoring and underground excavation rental equipment, the company offers customised, cost-effective solutions. Its offerings include OSHA-compliant trench protection systems, such as shoring, shielding, lasers, and optical instruments. United Rentals also provides pre-bid protective system analysis, on-site consultations, and engineering design support.

77% expect rising health and safety expectations among prospective employees. (Image source: Canva)

The global health, safety, and environment (HSE) landscape is experiencing significant growth.

On one side, unprecedented efforts are being channelled into tackling the climate crisis, with the international community steadfastly pursuing net-zero ambitions.

On the other, the focus on worker health and safety has intensified, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Despite substantial progress in occupational health and safety, work-related injuries and fatalities remain alarmingly high.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), work-related fatalities accounted for 6.71% of global deaths, while an estimated 374 million workers suffered non-fatal occupational accidents.

In a landmark move, the ILO has incorporated “a safe and healthy working environment” into its Fundamental Principles and Rights framework, underscoring its commitment to preventing workplace injuries and diseases.

Adding to the discourse, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) published its ERM 2024 Global Health and Safety Survey, which highlighted increasing investments in health and safety, stronger leadership engagement, and greater utilisation of technology and data analytics.

Notable findings include 94% of health and safety leaders reporting heightened stakeholder expectations over the past three years, with 80% anticipating further increases across all sectors and regions in the next three years.

Additionally, 77% expect rising health and safety expectations among prospective employees.

While 81% of participants acknowledged improved leadership engagement in health and safety over the past three years, only 7% felt that sufficient time was being dedicated to the topic.

To bridge this gap, 85% of respondents plan to invest in safety leadership initiatives within the next three years, signalling a clear shift towards prioritising health and safety at the leadership level.

The Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is one of the most significant offshore oil and gas production hubs in the world. Spanning the waters of the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, this region plays a vital role in global energy supply. However, its importance also comes with challenges, particularly in ensuring the health, safety, and environmental (HSE) integrity of its operations.

Offshore activities, such as drilling and production, demand robust HSE frameworks to protect workers, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities.

Protecting Offshore Workers

Due to the high-risk nature of offshore operations, worker safety is paramount. Extreme weather, heavy machinery, confined spaces, and remote locations present significant hazards. The Gulf of Mexico has witnessed notable incidents, such as the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010, which underscored the importance of rigorous safety protocols. Following such events, regulatory frameworks, like the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in the U.S., have strengthened oversight of offshore oil and gas activities.

Key safety initiatives in the region include:

Safety Training: offshore workers undergo extensive safety training, including emergency response, fire suppression, and evacuation procedures. Simulated drills prepare teams for real-life crises.

Safety Management Systems (SMS): companies implement comprehensive SMS frameworks, which identify, assess, and mitigate risks across operations. These systems align with international standards such as ISO 45001.

Advanced Technology: innovations like real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated shutdown systems help prevent accidents and improve operational efficiency.

By fostering a strong safety culture and adopting proactive measures, companies minimise risks to workers and reduce the likelihood of catastrophic incidents.

Safeguarding the Ecosystem

The Gulf of Mexico is home to a diverse marine ecosystem that includes coral reefs, fish populations, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Oil spills, chemical discharges, and operational byproducts pose a threat to the fragile balance of this environment. The Deepwater Horizon spill highlighted the devastating impact of oil leaks, leading to a renewed focus on environmental protections.

To address these challenges, companies operating in the GOM adhere to stringent environmental regulations, including:

Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): before commencing operations, EIAs are conducted to evaluate potential environmental risks and identify mitigation strategies.

Oil Spill Prevention and Response Plans: operators must maintain comprehensive plans to prevent and respond to spills, including access to specialised equipment like booms, skimmers, and containment vessels.

Emission Reductions: companies work to minimise greenhouse gas emissions by adopting cleaner technologies, such as flaring reduction systems and carbon capture techniques.

Decommissioning Protocols: properly decommissioning offshore platforms reduces environmental risks and ensures marine habitats remain unharmed after operations conclude.

Regulatory Oversight and Collaboration: HSE in the Gulf of Mexico relies on strict regulatory oversight and collaboration between government agencies, private companies, and environmental organisations. In the United States, agencies such as BSEE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversee offshore operations, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Similar frameworks exist in Mexico, governed by agencies like the Agencia de Seguridad, Energía y Ambiente (ASEA).

Furthermore, collaboration with stakeholders, such as NGOs, universities, and industry bodies, fosters innovation and accountability. Initiatives like the Gulf Research Program, funded after the Deepwater Horizon spill, focus on improving HSE practices through research and knowledge-sharing.

A Sustainable Future for Offshore Operations

As energy demand grows and environmental pressures intensify, maintaining a strong HSE foundation in the Gulf of Mexico is more critical than ever. Offshore operators are increasingly integrating sustainability into their operations, balancing energy production with environmental stewardship. By adopting cutting-edge technologies, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering a safety-driven culture, the industry can continue to thrive responsibly in this vital region.

The Gulf of Mexico stands as a model for the global offshore industry, demonstrating how prioritising health, safety, and environment can ensure long-term success and sustainability.