North America

• Region: North America
• Date: 4 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

Small businesses are adopting a reactive approach to safety, rather than proactively guarding against potential risks, according to Pie Insurance's 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report

The report is based on a comprehensive workplace safety survey of 1,018 small US business owners (up to 500 employees), providing insights on safety concerns, workplace accidents, AI trends and more.

According to the survey, 75% of small businesses experienced workplace injuries in the past year, with nearly half saying they had to improvise safety measures due to a lack of proper equipment. Half of those injuries were reported to be preventable. Preventing such injuries could dramatically reduce injury-related costs such as medical expenses and compensation costs, as well as the costs incurred by operational downtime, with small businesses losing four employee workdays and three full business days to workplace injuries.

The most common preventable workplace injuries were reported to be mental health-related injuries (22%), slips, trips and falls (20%) cuts and lacerations (18%) and overexertion and repetitive strain injuries (13%).

Many of these injuries could be prevented by taking proactive measures such as ensuring employees have the right equipment and PPE; conduct regular engaging safety training, encouraging employees to report safety concerns without fear of reprisal, and performing regular workplace safety audits, the report says.

Growing role of AI

The report highlights the growing role of AI in preventing accidents, with 65% of business leaders thinking it will improve safety in the next five years, and 44% already using it to improve safety and efficiency. From predictive analytics that anticipate risks to AI-driven telematics that monitor driver behaviour and automated safety training, AI is facilitating a more proactive approach to preventing accidents and reducing risks.

Also highlighted is the increased impact of mental health on workplace safety, with stress, burnout and mental-health related injuries accounting for 22% of workplace injuries, while only 52% of firms have mental health related safety protocols in place. A culture where employees feel safe and supported needs to be created, with measures such as providing employee assistance programmes (EAP), offering wellness initiatives and creating an open culture where employees are not afraid to raise mental health challenges.

Employee resistance to safety measures is another challenge cited, with suggested measures being to involve employees in safety discussions and decision making, make training engaging and rewarding employees who follow safety protocols and leading by example, with the leadership walking the walk.

Businesses that take workplace safety seriouslly will have a competitive edge, the report stresses. “By implementing proactive mental health support, investing in the right equipment, leveraging AI and ensuring employees follow safety protocols, small businesses can reduce injuries, lower costs and create a more productive workforce,” it says.

• Region: North America
• Date: 1 April, 2025
• Year: 2025

Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic celebrate AI's potential "to continue to advance and fulfill our mission of caring for life, researching for health and educating those who serve" when signing a partnership agreement with G42

The taskforce will strategise the advancement of AI technology in healthcare, evaluate and accelerate potential projects, and co-develop solutions.

Continuing, Mihaljevic vowed, "Cleveland Clinic is committed to finding opportunities that improve patient safety, patient experience, patient outcomes and access."

Solutions developed as a result of the partnership are expected to be implemented not only within the Ohio-headquartered Cleveland Clinic institutes and G42's anchor operations in the Middle East but worldwide.

Peng Xiao, G42's group CEO, noted that, "AI’s potential to transform the healthcare industry remains largely untapped... AI is paving the way for a future where care is not only more precise but also deeply personalized and preventative.

"We look forward to embarking on this journey alongside Cleveland Clinic and other global partners, harnessing AI to unlock new frontiers in medicine, empower clinicians with unprecedented insights, and ultimately, reshape the way humanity experiences health and longevity."

• Region: North America
• Date: 26 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

bp is one of the Gulf of America’s largest oil producers, operating five major production platforms in the region. In an article on its website, bp outlines five ways it is working to keep its Gulf of America employees safe:

1. Principles to keep bp’s people safe
Making sure contractors are fully supported to work safely is critical to the company’s goal of eliminating Tier 1 process safety events. bp hosts a quarterly contractor forum – a dedicated space for bp’s contractors and leaders to talk about safety. Under the company’s Safety Leadership Principles, bp employees and contractors are empowered to speak up when something does not seem right and to stop work if they have concerns.

2. Leveraging digital technology for better planning and monitoring
bp’s Argos platform is using a digital twin of the facility that enables individuals to monitor Argos from bp’s US headquarters in Houston. The technology was recently used to remotely plan an inspection campaign of 300 valves on Argos to ensure they are being maintained correctly, eliminating the need for the team to physically travel back and forth to the platform. Using the twin, the time to complete the inspections was reduced by 50%. The technology is in use across all five of bp’s operated Gulf of America platforms and in other regions.

3. Deploying other cutting-edge technology to reduce risk
In addition to the digital twin, bp is using drones to inspect tanks in its Gulf of America platforms, eliminating the need for employees and contractors to enter confined spaces.

4. Weather safety
Temperatures on bp platforms in the Gulf of America can reach between 125 to 130° Fahrenheit. Keeping bp personnel on the platforms cool is critical to their ability to safely make decisions and follow protocols. bp started a pilot project on the Mad Dog platform for all offshore personnel to use specially designed, lightweight, cooling, fire-retardant clothing. Heat stress meters are being used to provide real-time data of the current heat risk on the platform. For hydration, test systems have been installed in bathrooms allowing the team members to self-monitor and regulate hydration. Hurricane preparedness sessions are also held, and weather forecasts distributed to warn of severe weather events.

5. Training bp’s future leaders
Under bp’s health, safety, environment and carbon (HSE&C) early careers program,  recent college graduates are placed in teams with experienced safety professionals and visit platforms in the Gulf of America to learn about the work there. The participants take helicopter training before visiting, do a safety orientation once they arrive and shadow the HSE&C site lead at the facility. Current participants are developing safety resources that focus on specific Process Safety Fundamentals including engaging videos, case studies and discussion prompts for all frontline employees.

“These five aspects reflect bp’s belief that every incident is preventable,” says bp. “Technological improvements, a focus on early training and constant communication, with a continuous drive to learn and improve, go a long way toward reaching that goal. Simply put, everyone must go home safely when their shift is done – full stop.”

• Region: North America
• Date: 20 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

MSA Safety discusses the benefits of a layered defense incorporating both gas and flame detection for safety in industrial environments

In industrial settings, safety is paramount, especially in environments where flammable or toxic gases are present, such as the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.

A robust gas detection system is an important line of defense, but it is not the whole story. Integrating flame detection into your safety setup can create a safer and more reliable environment.

The role of gas and flame detection systems

Gas detection systems are designed to identify harmful gases in the air, whether combustible, toxic, or asphyxiating. They provide early warnings, helping to enable preventive action before conditions become dangerous. However, gas detection alone doesn’t account for what happens when a gas leak ignites.

Flame detection systems complement gas detectors by identifying the presence of fire, which may occur even where gas concentration hasn’t yet reached detectable levels. Together, these systems can contribute to a more comprehensive safety net that addresses both potential and actual hazards.

Why include flame detection in gas detection systems?

1. More comprehensive hazard mitigation

Gas detectors and flame detectors work hand-in-hand to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. While gas detectors alert you to the presence of a leak, flame detectors respond to fires that could result from undetected or ignited gases.

2. Faster response to fire emergencies

A gas leak can ignite in seconds, turning a potential hazard into an active emergency. Flame detectors react in real-time to the presence of a flame, helping to enable prompt action to contain the fire and prevent escalation.

3. Helps eliminate blind spots

Gas detection systems can only monitor specific zones. In scenarios where a leak occurs outside the detection range or a minor leak ignites directly, flame detectors can be an important second layer of protection.

4. Tailored for high-risk industries

In industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing, the risk of fire due to flammable gases is ever present. Flame detection helps protect these high-stakes environments against both minor and catastrophic ignition events.

5. Meeting regulatory standards

Safety regulations often require both gas and flame detection systems for compliance. Adhering to these standards not only protects your team and assets but also ensures your operations meet legal and industry benchmarks.

6. Minimising damage and downtime

Early flame detection can activate suppression systems, limit the spread of fire, and enhance the safety of personnel. By containing incidents quickly, businesses can avoid costly equipment damage and extended downtime.

7. Enhanced operational safety and continuity

Combining gas and flame detection creates a more resilient safety framework that reduces the likelihood of accidents and enables a quicker recovery in the event of an incident. This reliability is key to maintaining trust and productivity.

A layered defense

Safety in industrial environments is not about choosing between gas or flame detection — it’s about understanding the benefits of both to build a layered defense.

While gas detectors prevent potential hazards by identifying leaks, flame detectors act as a safeguard when ignition occurs.

Safety managers may consider this combination a necessity in today’s high risk, high stakes industries. By integrating flame detection into your gas detection system, you help to ensure that your operations are protected from the full spectrum of potential hazards, safeguarding lives, assets, and your reputation.

MSA Safety is a North American manufacturer and supplier of safety equipment used in a range of hazardous environments, including construction, military, fire service, and chemical, oil, and gas production. The company has provided its products to sites all across the region, and also partnered with OSHA to highlight workplace safety in Houston. 

• Region: North America
• Date: 18 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

The Gulf of America, historically known as the Gulf of Mexico, remains a crucial region for offshore energy production, with companies like bp leading the way in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) improvements.

In recent years, bp has taken significant steps to strengthen its safety culture, implement advanced technologies, and refine operational protocols to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.

bp’s approach to HSE in the Gulf of America is guided by its Operating Management System (OMS), which provides a consistent framework for managing health, safety, security, and environmental risks.

The OMS integrates bp’s safety leadership principles, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers’ (IOGP) Life-Saving Rules, and process safety fundamentals. These elements collectively drive a strong safety culture, ensuring that best practices are embedded across BP’s operations.

To reinforce this culture, bp has prioritised psychological safety among its workforce. Employees in operations are encouraged to voice concerns and report potential hazards without fear of retaliation.

Training sessions have been expanded to help employees integrate safety principles into their daily routines, fostering a more open and proactive approach to risk management.

Life-saving rules and digital solutions

The IOGP Life-Saving Rules address high-risk activities that account for the majority of serious industry incidents.

Since their adoption, bp has measured their effectiveness, conducting site visits and safety audits to assess compliance.

In 2024, operational safety teams visited production sites in Azerbaijan, refining facilities in Spain, and terminals and pipelines in the US to ensure adherence to these critical safety measures.

Technology plays a pivotal role in bp’s HSE advancements. Digital solutions such as the IRIS system (for health, safety, security, and environment reporting) and the LENS platform (for learning and knowledge-sharing) have enhanced BP’s ability to standardise processes and collaborate across sites.

Additionally, the company has deployed Nova, an integrated management tool that helps monitor risk controls and enforce safety measures.

Despite bp’s efforts, the company faced challenges in 2024, reporting a fatality and several life-changing injuries across its global operations.

These incidents have reinforced the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols. To address these concerns, bp has focused on leveraging lessons learned to prevent future occurrences, including a renewed emphasis on safe manual handling procedures and emergency response preparedness.

Process safety remains a priority, with bp implementing stricter mechanical integrity frameworks in refining and production activities.

The company has also integrated IOGP’s Process Safety Fundamentals, ensuring that risk awareness and operational reliability are at the forefront of daily activities.

bp’s offshore operations in the Gulf of America benefit from enhanced monitoring and AI-driven solutions.

In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems that allow experts in Houston and Sunbury to detect early warning signs of potential hazards, enabling timely intervention.

Additionally, bp’s US onshore subsidiary, bpx energy, has adopted AI-powered driving safety measures, significantly reducing driver distraction and tailgating incidents.

• Region: North America
• Date: 13 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

Several Louisiana federal agency offices are losing their leases as part of a statewide cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal watchdog established by the Trump Administration whose stated aim is to streamline government spending and minimise waste.

The DOGE website, which analyses government cost-cutting measures, claims that the initiative has saved over US$105bn across the country through asset sales, contract cancellations, fraud eliminations, and lease terminations. As of March 6, the expected savings per taxpayer were US$652.17.

The largest cost-cutting strategy among the terminated Louisiana agency leases involved the Social Security Administration in Houma, which had an annual leasing cost of more than US$550,000.

The agency's lease was terminated through a "agency-approved lease termination," which means that the agency consented to evacuate the premises, according to Louisiana First News. 

OSHA office to be closed

One of the eight federal agencies affected by these cuts in Louisiana is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). DOGE stated it was a “Mass Mod” termination, meaning leases that are cancelled through mass modifications.

OSHA's 8,041 sq ft Louisiana office, which is located in the state capital Baton Rouge, costs the US government US$187,451 every year. According to DOGE, closing this office space will save the government US$109,346. 

OSHA is a division of the United States Department of Labour that oversees occupational safety and health.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA strives to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by establishing and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

There has been no official statement from OSHA at the time of writing this report. 

Other health and safety organisations impacted

Other organisations that are closing their offices include the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which is the legal team within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A report by Fierce Healthcare hyas indicated that OGC is closing six of its ten regional offices. This however does not appear to be mandated by DOGE. 

The report stated that HSS regional offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, San Francisco and Seattle will close. In certain cases, these regional offices are located in government buildings that were temporarily added to the General Services Administration's (GSA) non-core property list last week. This list suggested that the government is willing to remove federal buildings from its national footprint. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could also be impacted by spending cuts, given that the US government is looking to divest from non-core properties. 

It remains unclear how the employees working for these all of these agencies will be affected. 

• Region: North America
• Date: 5 March, 2025
• Year: 2025

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is playing a leading role in an occupational safety and health coalition committed to safeguarding workers in all industries to drive business success

The Intersociety Forum (ISF) of two dozen organisations, calls for employers to go beyond legal compliance and adopt risk-based safety and health strategies. The coalition has released a report that highlights several ways a business model of safety and health can create a strategic advantage that powers positive business outcomes.

By adopting proactive, risk-based safety strategies, businesses can unlock greater productivity, reduce costs and strengthen their global competitiveness, the report says. ISF urges today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritise occupational EHS as a foundation of economic competitiveness. Embracing safety as a strategic priority will enable businesses to forge a safer, healthier and more prosperous future — one in which both businesses and workers thrive, and position the US as a global leader in safety, innovation and workforce wellbeing.

“We urge today’s business leaders and policymakers to prioritize environmental, health and safety practices as a foundation of economic growth,” said ASSP chief executive officer Jennifer McNelly, CAE. “When workers are protected from injuries and illnesses, they perform at their best, which fosters productivity, innovation and global competitiveness. Safety strengthens resilience and enables businesses to thrive.”

Despite advancements in technology, workplace injury and fatality rates have remained relatively flat for the past decade, the ASSP points out. In 2023, a worker died on the job every 99 minutes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Three core principles

In its report, ISF identified three core principles that help ensure workers return home safe and healthy every day. These principles are:
1) Standards and worker well-being; safety is not just about compliance; it is about creating standards that foster business success while promoting holistic worker health.
2) Embracing risk and safety management systems, which help organisations proactively mitigate risk and embed safety into every aspect of decision-making; and
3) Revolutionising recordkeeping for predictive insights; traditional lagging indicators only tell part of the story. Leading indicators empower organisations to predict and prevent serious injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

“This guidance that goes beyond compliance can bring life to workplaces across the nation, empowering workers to perform at their peak,” McNelly said. “There are benefits to reducing operational disruptions and maximising efficiency through a sustainable workforce. Simply put, safety is good for business.”

“It’s vital that the coalition has achieved meaningful cross-organisation collaboration to speak as one voice from the safety industry,” she added.

• Region: North America
• Date: 26 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

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.

• Region: North America
• Date: 18 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

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.”

• Date: 13 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

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

• Date: 6 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

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.

• Region: North America
• Date: 5 February, 2025
• Year: 2025

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.