HSE Rig Ranking Measuring What Matters
Authors: Sanea Abdulrahman , Alzahrani Omar , Divine Kyle , Alrajeh Nawaf 
Published: February 2023

Measuring HSE performance is vital when dealing with the implementation and execution of multiple Drilling Contractor HSE programs to ensure expectations are achieved throughout each rig contract life cycle. The HSE rig ranking program works as an HSE measuring tool by effectively consolidating eleven (11) leading and lagging key performance indicators (KPIs). KPI's such as total recordable incident injury rate (TRI-IR) and the Lost time Incident Injury rate (LTI-IR) as well as incident potential and inspection performance and compliance are all amalgamated into an all-inclusive scoring system with unprecedented results.

Measuring, monitoring and benchmarking the health, safety and environmental performance of drilling contractors and their contracted rig fleet through this structured and comprehensive rig ranking program has organically spawned not only growth in behavioral based safety but also promoted a more robust HSE culture.

The rig ranking methodology applied has facilitated greater contractor HSE oversight, resulting in not only healthy contractor competition but also substantial HSE performance improvements among the various drilling contractors and their respective rig fleets due to reductions in injuries, near misses as well as the severity of incident occurrences and improved adherence to established HSE requirements. Combining both lagging and leading indicators into a single Rig HSE performance score requires the efficient exploitation of both current and historical data and the HSE trends of each individual contracted rig and accurately weighting the impact of each of the 11 leading and lagging KPIs to arrive at a single representative score for each rig on contract.

Each drilling contractors’ fleet of rigs is scored and benchmarked monthly and shared discreetly to contractor management team in an effort to provide a better understanding of their fleets HSE performance among their competitors and within their organizations. This rig ranking methodology identifies both high and low performance rigs, resulting in targeted intervention of low performance rigs and allowing for best practices of high-performance rigs to be cascaded downward to the lower echelons of the rig ranking scale. HSE practitioners engaged in site visits are equipped with a greater understanding of a rigs specific HSE improvement needs. As a result, the HSE rig ranking system facilitates a tailored site specific HSE message as opposed to broad, general safety improvement engagement.

Since the inception and deployment of the HSE rig ranking program in 2018 a 240% increase in rigs performing in the Excellent range was achieved by October 2021 and behavioral based safety reporting increased over 255%. Recognition is also a key component of the rig ranking process and is incorporated communicate the achievements demonstrated and improvements made as well as sustained performance. The HSE Rig Ranking Program has contributed to fewer incidents, safer operations and is a recommended method of monitoring contractor drilling HSE performance.