Safetip #5: In-Vehicle Technologies in Oil and Gas

Risky Driving Behaviors in Oil and Gas

According to NIOSH, motor vehicle-related incidents are the leading cause of death in the oil and gas industry. The study highlighted in the Safety+Health article identified the following percentages of risky driving behaviors among oil and gas workers:

• Speeding: 47%
• Distractions (smoking, eating, drinking): 19%
• Driving without wearing a safety belt: 16%
• Unsafe stopping: 7%
• Handheld device use: 6%
• Fatigue: 3%
• Vehicle control: 1%

In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems Help Reduce Risky Driving Behaviors

In-vehicle monitoring systems, combined with supervisory coaching, could help reduce risky driving behaviors among oil and gas workers, according to the study. Examples of systems include accelerometers to monitor vehicle performance, and cameras that capture images inside and outside the vehicle. Bell said organizations that introduce an in-vehicle safety program should include all stakeholders before the rollout. In addition, she advised using new safety technologies to reinforce policies already in place rather than introducing new policies in conjunction with the rollout.

Average Decrease of 80% in Speeding Events

The topic of in-vehicle monitoring systems also came up at an SPF Houston 2015 panel conversation that is mentioned in the GreenBiz article How to turn environmental compliance into a competitive edge. During the panel conversation, attendees learned from Apache Corporation that, in the oil and gas industry, the most frequent injuries are related to transportation incidents. As a result, Apache implemented technology to monitor its fleet on speeding, seatbelt use, harsh braking and idling. The company has seen a decrease in these KPIs across the board, especially a decrease in speeding events of about 80% within six months of making drivers aware of their scorecards, the GreenBiz article says.

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