Workers in the oil and gas industry are at risk of exposure to H2S. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) causes challenges for many industries, with the oil, gas and petrochemicals industry being one of the most affected, says MSA Safety

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable, toxic and corrosive gas found in several industries including oil and gas, wastewater and chemical processing, which cannot reliably be detected by smell.

Oil, gas and petrochemical facilities handle raw ‘sour’ gas and oil which are naturally high in H2S. Extraction and refining processes release H2S, which may accumulate in confined, poorly ventilated spaces like processing units, pipelines and storage tanks. Closed systems with high-pressure conditions amplify the risks for workers.

Exposure to high levels of H2S can be fatal, leading to loss of breathing, coma, seizures and death. It is the second most common cause of fatal gas inhalation exposure in the workplace, second only to carbon monoxide.

H2S can also be harmful at low concentration levels, causing headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulties and a sore throat. These health impacts can become more serious with prolonged exposure.

The health impacts of H2S depend on how much is inhaled and for how long. The recommended exposure limit set by NIOSH (the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) for ten minutes is 10 ppm.

However, some U.S. states have developed ambient air standards for H2S well below OSHA and NIOSH standards due to concerns about health risks from chronic exposure.

For longer exposures to H2S, the recommended limits are much lower. For example, if you are exposed for up to 24 hours, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a maximum exposure of 0.1 ppm.

In response to concerns about the risks of H2S to human health even at low concentration levels, some countries have introduced equally stringent guidelines requiring businesses to monitor H2S at such concentrations.

Balancing safety and operational efficiency is an ongoing challenge in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry. Some are tackling this challenge by integrating new technological solutions into their safety management practices and seeking out effective preventative measures, including regular training and effective ventilation. The use of Personal Protective Equipment is also important.

A particularly helpful method for avoiding excessive H2S exposure is constant monitoring by advanced gas detection systems such as MSA’s ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector, which can give an early warning of even subtle increases in H2S concentration, helping companies stay ahead of potential risks. The company has recently updated this to offer the option of a low-concentration hydrogen sulfide sensor that can detect H2S at very low levels.

Connected gas detection devices can help an organisation significantly improve worker safety by providing real-time monitoring of gas levels and worker location and behaviour, enabling safety managers to monitor the situation remotely and take immediate action if gas levels become or get close to becoming dangerous. This proactive approach to safety can help prevent accidents and foster a culture of safety within the organisation.

As with all toxic gases, early detection of H2S is an excellent way to alert safety managers to small increases in H2S emissions so they can help workers avoid harmful exposure, even at low concentrations.

41 states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact

A bipartisan group of 10 legislators has introduced a series of bills aimed at bringing New Mexico into multiple interstate health care compacts.

These agreements would allow physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, counselors, dentists, dental hygienists, emergency medical personnel, audiologists, speech therapists, physical therapists, and occupational therapists licensed in other states to practice in New Mexico without undergoing a lengthy in-state licensing process.

The push to join these compacts follows a key recommendation from Think New Mexico, a nonpartisan think tank, in its 2024 report on addressing the state's health care worker shortage. Interstate compacts streamline licensure by enabling states to recognise professional licenses issued by other participating states, making it easier for out-of-state health care professionals to work in New Mexico, including through telehealth services.

Currently, 41 states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact for physicians, while other health professions have similar agreements with widespread adoption across the country.

Neighboring states such as Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Utah, and Texas have all joined at least five interstate health care compacts, creating a more mobile workforce.

In contrast, New Mexico has only participated in one—the Nurse Licensure Compact—since 2003. This compact has been vital in maintaining hospital staffing, particularly in rural and border regions, where up to 80% of nurses at some facilities rely on multistate licensure.

Protecting patients

The proposed legislation has gained support from a broad coalition of organisations, including AARP-NM, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters New Mexico, the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops, New Mexico Voices for Children Action Fund, and the New Mexico Public Health Association.

Additionally, governing boards and professional associations for the covered health care fields, such as the New Mexico Medical Board and the New Mexico Medical Society, have endorsed the initiative.

These compacts include strict safeguards to protect patients. For example, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact allows state medical boards to retain control over the licensing process and deny recognition of licenses if necessary. It also provides access to a centralised database of disciplinary actions and requires fingerprint-based FBI background checks for physicians.

By adopting these compacts, New Mexico aims to strengthen its health care workforce, improve access to care, and ensure that qualified professionals can practice in the state without unnecessary bureaucratic barriers.

Joining the interstate compacts would immediately expand the supply of health care providers available to care for New Mexicans,” said Fred Nathan, Jr., executive director of Think New Mexico. “A remarkably broad coalition has come together to support the passage of these compacts. For example, the Interstate Medical Compact for physicians is supported by both Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains and the New Mexico Conference of Catholic Bishops. In fact, only one special interest stands in the way of New Mexico joining these compacts and opening its doors to more health care workers: the New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association.”

Safety managers can now proactively address driver weariness. (Image source: Motive)

AI-powered Integrated Operations Platform Motive has unveiled new AI features intended to tackle drowsy and distracted driving, one of Mexico's biggest traffic safety issues.

Safety managers can now proactively address driver weariness and other risky behaviours to increase fleet safety with Motive's AI-powered Forward Collision Warning and Drowsiness Detection, which have been introduced to the Mexican market.

In Mexico, driver weariness poses a serious concern to road safety. The Mexican Institute of Transportation (IMT) claimed that driver behaviour, particularly distracted and sleepy driving, was responsible for about half of all traffic collisions in 2023. Drivers are pushed to their limits by long driving hours, which are made worse by a lack of workers.

This leads to harmful behaviours including crossing into oncoming traffic, making unsafe lane changes, and being involved in fatal collisions.

Motive has introduced advanced AI-driven safety features designed to tackle driver fatigue and prevent collisions, enhancing overall road safety. Integrated with Motive’s AI Dashcams, these innovations proactively detect drowsiness and potential crashes, offering real-time alerts to drivers and safety managers.

Key features

The AI-driven feature identifies both early and advanced signs of driver fatigue, such as repeated yawning and prolonged eye closure. Once these indicators are detected:
- Drivers receive immediate in-cab alerts, encouraging them to take necessary breaks.
- Safety managers are promptly notified, allowing them to intervene and reinforce rest periods.
- If a driver begins to nod off, the system issues an urgent alert to wake them and prevent a possible accident.

Rear-end collisions, often caused by distraction or drowsiness, can now be significantly reduced with Motive’s AI-powered Forward Collision Warning. This system, available with all Motive AI Dashcams, continuously assesses vehicle speed, following distance, and estimated time to impact. When a driver approaches another vehicle too quickly, it triggers an alert, allowing them to brake in time. Studies show that such warnings can reduce rear-end crashes by 27%.

Motive’s technology generates alerts for these behaviours three to four times more frequently than competing solutions, giving fleet operators greater visibility into driver performance.

Organisations using Motive’s AI Dashcam have seen up to an 80% reduction in accidents, a 30% drop in accident-related expenses, and a 21% decrease in insurance costs.

Motive is further refining its safety tools with the upcoming Driver Fatigue Index (DFI), which will analyse multiple fatigue indicators such as yawning frequency, lane deviations, eye movement, unusual speed changes, total driving hours, and environmental factors. 

The AI-powered drowsiness detection and forward collision warning capabilities integrate directly into Motive’s platform, equipping transportation, logistics, and fleet operators with the necessary tools to mitigate safety risks. 

Also read: Intersec 2025 sets new benchmark for global safety and security

A few companies have begun focusing on technology to safeguard HSE best practices. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

As health, safety, and environmental (HSE) considerations take centre stage in the energy sector, companies are adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance workplace safety, reduce environmental impact, and improve operational efficiency.

In North America, a few companies have begun focusing on technology to safeguard HSE practices and enhance safety measures.

BP, for example, has integrated advanced monitoring systems and automated safety technologies across its operations. The Thunder Horse South Expansion Phase 2 project, launched in September 2021, achieved over a million hours worked without a safety incident. In response to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, BP also launched a large-scale training programme, training more than 100,000 workers.

On the other hand, Shell has implemented strict zero-discharge policies to prevent hazardous waste from entering marine ecosystems. Additionally, its waste management initiatives focus on sustainable disposal methods. Shell regularly engages stakeholders through workshops to discuss safety and environmental concerns.

Chevron employs real-time monitoring systems to track drilling parameters and well integrity, improving safety across its operations. The company conducts Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) processes and third-party audits to mitigate risks. As a result, Chevron has seen measurable improvements in safety metrics, including reductions in recordable injuries and lost workdays.

Transocean focuses on workforce preparedness through regular safety drills and emergency simulations. The company also leverages advanced monitoring technologies to maintain high safety standards across offshore operations.

Leveraging technology for safety 

Sonar technology plays a crucial role in offshore risk management, providing real-time data for environmental monitoring and structural integrity assessments. BP, for example, uses sonar to detect leaks in underwater pipelines and track marine wildlife, minimising environmental impact. Chevron similarly employs sonar to identify gas leaks and prevent structural failures.

Sampling technology, such as Real-time Sampling While Drilling (SWD), enables companies to collect geological data continuously during drilling. This technology enhances safety by providing insights into subsurface conditions, reducing the risk of blowouts. Oceaneering, a Texas-based firm, deploys remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with sampling tools in the Gulf of Mexico, allowing for detailed underwater inspections without human divers.

With the gradual introduction of carbon capture and storage (CCS) regulations, energy companies are being pushed to reduce emissions and align with global climate targets. Implementing CCS technology not only helps firms meet regulatory requirements but also enhances their reputation for sustainability and corporate social responsibility. While initial investment costs are high, long-term benefits include avoiding emissions penalties, improving regulatory standing, and driving innovation in environmental performance.

By prioritising HSE measures and integrating cutting-edge technologies, companies are not only ensuring worker safety and environmental protection but also positioning themselves for long-term operational success.

The energy tech provider has signed an MoU extending its long-standing partnership with Microsoft, specifically focusing on the innovation and integration of its Cordant suite of solutions.

Cordant and Microsoft Azure will be jointly developed to deepen the potential and widen the integration of both solutions. Cordant solutions will be rooted in the Azure AI Foundry to optimise energy operations, improve predictive maintenance models, enhance safety, foster greater energy efficiency, and push the industry and technological potential forward.

Aravind Yarlagadda, Baker Hughes' senior VP of Industrial Solutions, Industrial & Energy Technology, said the MoU will "drive operational excellence and support customers in driving value at scale from their digital investments."

Microsoft's corporate VP of Energy and Resources Industry, Darry Willis, promised "greater operational performance, energy efficiency, and growth through AI-powered digital solutions" as a result of the partnership.