Safety in Oil and Gas Industry

Safety in Oil and Gas Industry :

Here’s How AR/VR is a game changer

Safety in the oil and gas industry is crucial due to the complex and high-risk nature of handling and transporting these highly volatile substances. The extreme conditions—ranging from high pressures to intense temperatures—necessitate stringent safety protocols and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Rising Safety Concerns: A Closer Look at the Numbers

As per the report of the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), the number of fatal accidents has constantly increased over the past decade. The graph paints a stark picture of increasing accidents revealing a troubling trend that demands immediate attention. Starting at 52 fatal accidents in 2017, the line depicting these incidents climbs steadily, reaching a worrisome peak of 60 by 2024.

Major Causes leading to accidents

Equipment Failure: 40% of accidents are attributed to equipment malfunctions, highlighting the need for robust maintenance and failure prevention strategies.

Human Error: 30% of incidents are due to human mistakes, indicating a significant area for improvement in training and safety operational procedures.

Process Safety Management Issues: 30% of accidents stem from failures in process safety.

How AR/VR is transforming the Industry

The increasing number of incidents highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance safety in the Oil and Gas industry. One promising approach is the adoption of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technologies. These tools offer transformative benefits that significantly improve safety outcomes.

1. Safer Training with AR/VR

VR training has reduce workplace incidents by up to 43% (Harward Business Review).

Shell: Implemented VR training for offshore personnel, resulting in a 30% reduction in training incidents and a 20% improvement in emergency response times. The proportion of accidents due to equipment failure decreased from 43% to 32%, and human error decreased from 28% to 27%.
BP: Used AR/VR simulations for complex scenarios, achieving a 50% reduction in training-related errors and a 40% improvement in emergency response accuracy.

2. Enhanced Training Effectiveness

VR training improves knowledge retention by 75% compared to traditional methods (PWC Study).

ExxonMobil: Noted a 45% improvement in knowledge retention and a 30% increase in skill application after integrating AR/VR.

3. Cost-Efficiency of AR/VR Training Solutions

VR training cuts training costs by up to 50% (IDC study).

Chevron: Achieved a 40% reduction in training costs and a 30% decrease in operational disruptions with VR training.

Conclusion

Using AR/VR technologies in the oil and gas industry, as reflected in the trend from 2018 to 2024, can contribute to a reduction in total accidents and specific types of incidents such as equipment failures and human errors.

Companies that have adopted AR/VR, such as Shell, BP, and Chevron are seeing positive results, confirming the effectiveness of these technologies in enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

The Industrial Metaverse is poised to transform safety practices in the Oil and Gas industry. To know more about the Industrial metaverse and its benefits, click here.