bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect on the Health and Safety of Older Offshore Personnel - Long Shifts and Working Night Shift
Authors: Lodden T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
In Northern Europe, offshore working is traditionally performed in cycles of continuous two or three weeks of working 12 hour shifts, of either night or days. It is quite common for overtime to be worked in addition to these 12 hours, bringing the working day up to 16 hours or even more.
A work cycle such as this can easily have an influence on the health of the offshore worker and this in turn can affect the ability for the offshore worker to continue working until normal pension age. As long ago as 1981, a report by three major offshore oil companies in Norway, together with representatives from OFS, the Norwegian Federation of Oil Workers union, recommended a pension age for the offshore workforce of around 60 years, but this has never been implemented.
Added to these health problems is one of safety for the offshore workforce. Long shifts and in particular night shifts, are known to increase the risk of workers having accidents.
As there has never been a specific study by the Norwegian oil industry concerning shift, sleep and health problems, especially related to safety and age, I have had to use related studies, reports, publications and verbal presentations, in tying to my reach conclusions.
I will try with this paper to show that a great deal of information already exists today to support the problems experienced by offshore workers and how possible solutions can be introduced.
Combustion Efficiency Measurements of Flares Operated By an Operating Company
Authors: Ozumba C. I. , Okoro I. C. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Past studies in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited and literature had suggested 95% as the average combustion efficiency for flowstation flares operated in the company. However, with technological advancements, increasing global environmental awareness, the growing concerns on the impacts of gas flaring and the desire to better manage gaseous emissions from SPDC facilities, the need was identified to more accurately evaluate the quality of flares and more importantly, their combustion efficiencies.
Employing the services of Shell Thornton Research Centre, measurements were made on eight representative flares of varying designs and flow rates across the company, to determine their minimum combustion efficiencies using the open-path infrared technique.
Unburned methane and carbon monoxide were not detected in the individual flare exhausts studied and, therefore, minimum combustion efficiencies were calculated by considering the potential quantities of gas that may have been present and yet remained undetected in the plume. Combustion efficiencies based on maximum methane and carbon monoxide levels in the exhaust gases of typical flares operated by SPDC were measured to be in excess of 0.98.
This paper discusses the results of the study with a look at the methodologies and techniques; the processes and assumptions made.
Evaluation of the Offshore Safety Legislative Regime in the UK
Authors: Rose David , Crescent Jacqueline 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Introduction
This paper focuses on AUPEC's Evaluation of the Offshore Safety Legislative Regime. AUPEC, in conjunction with specialists from the University of Aberdeen's Industrial Psychology Group and Safety Engineering, undertook an Evaluation of the Offshore Safety Legislative Regime (EOSLR) on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The study followed on from the 1995 Interim Evaluation of the Safety Case Regulations.
The Safety Case Regulations form part of a larger programme of replacement and review of the Offshore Health and Safety legislation to establish an integrated goal setting regime. The Safety Case Regulations formed the central part of this process. However, Safety Case Regulations are supported by a number of other significant components of the goal setting legislation which have now come into force, namely:
Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction, etc.) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/913) (DCR), Offshore Installations and Pipeline Works (Management and Administration) Regulations 1995 (SI 1995/738) (MAR) Offshore Installations (Prevention of Fire and Explosion, and Emergency Response Regulations 1995) (SI 1995/743) (PFEER).
Organisational Change as a Means to Cost Reduction – Experiences and Challenges from a Safety Regulator's Perspective
Authors: Holmefjord Agathe , Nielsen Liv 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper presents some of the results from supervisory activities NPD has performed during the nineties. International trends on organisational change together with increasing technological complexity have an important impact on how the oil companies conduct their business. Increased effectiveness and flexibility has been the primary goal to meet the challenges faced by the industry.
This paper discusses some of the challenges from a safety point of view in managing organisational change and increased technical complexity in a potential high-risk industry, arguing that we need a better understanding of the interdependencies between technology and the functioning of organisations.
Thermal Desorption of Drill Muds and Cuttings in Ecuador: The Environmental and Financially Sound Solution
Authors: Zupan Tom , Kapila Mukesh 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Oil base mud cuttings present a complex and costly waste management challenge. Indirect thermal desorption in conjunction with fluid recovery and reuse is widely recognized as the most promising means of achieving the zero discharge goal. Indirect thermal desorption offers a unique combination of compliance assurance and economic benefits.
Thermal desorption technology, referred to as TPS, developed by SCC Environmental was selected by partners Arco Oriente Inc., Agip Oil Ecuador BV and Petroecuador to provide drilling waste management and fluid recovery for a pioneering E&P project located on Block 10 in the eco-sensitive Villano field of Ecuador.
The UK Cross Industry Safety Leadership Forum - A Drilling Sector Perspective
Authors: Krahn Dennis R. , Mearns Charles S. , Fe Santa , Richards Simon C. H. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
This paper documents the launch and evolution of the UK Cross Industry Safety Leadership Forum (also know as the Step Change Initiative). The purpose is to outline drilling sector accomplishments under this initiative, detail what drilling specialists have found valuable, and give some insight to those who might like to import such an initiative.
The Maintenance Baseline Study
Authors: Øxnevad Sverre , Nielsen Liv 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The use of self-assessment as a method for improving a company's Maintenance Management System (MMS) has not been frequently applied by the operating Companies on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. This paper presents a method developed by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) for this purpose – The Maintenance Baseline Study. In this paper some conclusions are drawn based on the experience from the application of this method in different pilot projects, performed by four operating companies and a couple of drilling contractor companies.
Fear of Flying Helicopter Among Norwegian Offshore Employees
Authors: Ringstad A. J. , Lie T. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
It is estimated that about 10% of the normal population experience intense fear of flying, and it is therefore imaginable that fear of flying helicopter is a major work environment problem among offshore employees. Norwegian newspapers have taken a keen interest in the issue, and interviews of offshore employees have indeed indicated that this is widespread problem. However, no representative data concerning the real extent of the problem have been available until recently. This paper presents results from a survey among offshore employees (ca 3000) on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. About 5% of the sample are judged to suffer from extreme anxiety/discomfort during helicopter flights. A larger group (20-25%) experience anxiety in situations that in some way deviates from "standard procedure" (e.g. new helicopter types, strange noises, bad weather etc.). The results furthermore indicate a strong dissatisfaction with the physical environment in the helicopters (noise, seating comfort, temperature). The results from the study are discussed in light of recent psychological theory explaining the aetiology and maintenance of phobic behaviour, and some general ways to lessen the anxiety is suggested.
Rising Helicopter Accident Rates
Authors: Gray Captain Peter 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The most important factor in aviation is SAFETY, followed by EFFICIENCY and RELIABILITY
Unfortunately, many in the petroleum industry, particularly some aircraft operators which support it, are not aware of these priorities and put efficiency first, over safety. For example, when the author asked one pilot why he had just flown 8 people at 70metres on a direct route over the Amazonian primary forest for half an hour on a crew change flight in a single engine helicopter, instead of following the dry river banks which paralleled our track but, because we were too low and far away, were out of reach, replied "This is seismic where all flying is low and direct" Human life and the misery of human suffering following a fatal accident are simply not worth risking just to get the job done quicker. Nor the other effects such as cost and lack of reputation
Road Safety for the Oil & Gas Industry
Authors: Ahern Dan 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Road accidents appear to represent an under recognised safety hazard for people working in the oil & gas industry. While safety efforts focus primarily on hazardous work sites such as drilling rigs and production facilities, evidence suggests that most occupational fatalities occur on the road. About 50% of occupational fatalities are road related and certain sectors of the oil & gas industry may be at increased risk. This paper considers the extent of the occupational road safety problem and identifies risk factors that specifically relate to the oil & gas industry. Suggestions are then made on how individual companies may reduce this risk.
Technology and People: The ‘Hardware’ and ‘Software’ of Safety
Authors: Green Reg 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Technology is a necessary, but not a sufficient requirement for the maintenance of the highest health, safety and environment standards, because technology is both developed and used by human beings. An understanding of the relationship between the ‘hardware’ of technology and human ‘software’ – workers and managers - is crucial to a better understanding of their respective capacities and limits.
In a capital-intensive industry such as the oil and gas industry, technology plays a considerable role in the maintenance of health, safety and environmental protection. However, an over-emphasis on the technology of safety can result in an underestimation of the equally important human factors.
Both management and workers have a mutual interest in maximising health, safety and environmental performance and minimising risk. The best means of furthering this mutual interest is through Joint Health, Safety and Environment Committees (JHSECs), comprising balanced representation of both workers’ union representatives and management.
The important task of measuring and assessing safety and environmental performance also requires a clear understanding of human factors. Accident and incident statistics are commonly used indicators of an employer's health, safety and environmental performance. Yet we know that they are inaccurate and incomplete. Under-reporting, under-diagnosis and under-acceptance, present major problems.
Credible indicators of safety performance and assurance need to be developed such that both the technological and the human aspects of an organisation's safety regime and safety culture are fully addressed. The development and implementation of joint union/management indicators of safety performance would be a major step in the right direction.
The SPE, at its next Annual Conference, should set aside time to develop a better understanding of the relationship between technology and human factors. Specifically, consideration should be given to the importance of joint management/worker cooperation, jointly agreed and implemented safety structures, and the importance of both predictive and retrospective indicators.
The Hearts and Minds Project: Creating Intrinsic Motivation for HSE
Authors: Hudson P. T. W. , Parker D. , Lawton R. , Verschuur W. L. G. , van der Graaf G. C. , Kalff J. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The Hearts and Minds Project is aimed at developing intrinsic motivation for HSE. After an extensive review of the academic literature on motivation, with special emphasis on self-driven or intrinsic motivation, it was decided that the best way to establish an intrinsically motivated workforce was to develop a safety culture. This paper outlines the review of intrinsic motivation and describes the basic notions of a safety culture, ranging from the Pathological, through the Bureaucratic/Calculative to the Generative. These cultures are described with five basic dimensions covering Communications, Organisational Attitudes, Roles of the HSE Department, Organisational Behaviour and Working Practices. A laudable aim of an organisation is to become as advanced a culture as possible. This is often difficult to implement effectively; implementations often fail sooner or later and organisations are notoriously difficult to change. A model, based upon extensive experience with addiction, has been adapted and applied to help steer the evolution of organisations toward the Generative Safety Culture. This paper finally discusses the advantages to be gained from establishing an advanced safety culture. Not only are the costs and risks associated with HSE failures reduced, there are also direct benefits to be gained. Having a truly motivated workforce can allow less, rather than more, direct time to be allotted to HSE while maintaining or even improving performance.
Confinement of Wastes Injected Below Thawed Permafrost: A 12 Year Update from the North Slope of Alaska
Authors: Weingarten Jean S. , Bill Michael L. , Andrews Donald E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The main North Slope Class I industrial waste disposal facility has injected 12 million barrels into a permeable formation just beneath the permafrost at 2000 feet. Initial concerns about fluid confinement were addressed by extensive field testing. This testing, coupled with the absence of underground sources of drinking water, allowed injection pressures to be authorized above the fracture gradient - an unusual operating condition.
Re-permitting the facility in 1999 required an evaluation of permafrost thermal response to the injection of warm fluids and determination of potential impacts on waste confinement. This was accomplished using temperature logging after a one week shut-in period and by thermal modeling. At issue was whether the temperature log profiles could be explained by conductive heat transfer or whether they indicated upward fluid movement out of the injection zone. The evaluation was accomplished by coupling a radial thermal model with a one-dimensional vertical conduction model. This combination could better predict the temperature profile adjacent to the injection interval because vertical heat transfer is dominant just above the storage reservoir.
Very good agreement was obtained between field measurements and the model results, indicating there was no fluid moving upward through the confining zone. With this "history match" as a basis, the model was used to predict future temperature changes and thaw bulb growth throughout the permafrost interval.
Social Responsibility Codes of Conduct: Tools or Threats for Multinational Companies?
Authors: Armstrong Kit 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
International focus on the social responsibility of multinational companies is becoming more intense. This is being accompanied by increasing efforts to develop voluntary codes of conduct governing environmental and social aspects of business activity.
Codes of conduct are being developed by international industry groups, multilateral government organizations and NGOs. Some address primarily environmental, labor or human rights concerns, while others articulate general principles and commitments on all those topics and more.
Multinational companies face increasing opportunities to adopt one or more of these social responsibility codes of conduct, whether on their own initiative or in response to external pressure. Commitments to a code can bring benefits to a company. However, they can also present challenges resulting from differences between the company's and external parties’ interpretations of code language and about the criteria and procedures to be used to evaluate compliance.
Proliferation of social responsibility codes has increased the intensity of the code debate. That debate is likely to become more complex for companies and industry organizations in the future, even as more of them adopt codes.
Integrating Greenhouse Gas Management into Business Planning
Authors: Lee Arthur , Schievelbein Vernon H. , Debeyssey Svetlana Y. , Milliet Michael P. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The emissions of greenhouse gases and their potential impact on climate change are more than just a debate on the scientific uncertainties; it is perhaps the dominant public policy issue as we begin this century. Issues of international interests, economics, energy technology and public perception drive the complexity of the climate change issue for businesses and industries. Since 1997, Texaco has compiled comprehensive annual emissions inventories of its worldwide operations and interests. In 1999, Texaco made a further public commitment to integrate greenhouse gas emissions management into Texaco's business planning processes. This paper describes Texaco's process of integrating greenhouse gas emissions management into the planning of new projects and strategic business thinking.
Industrial and Environmental Safety Provisions for the Prirazlomnoje Oil Field Development in the Pechora Sea
Authors: Jouravel V. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
New challenging offshore oil production project to be developed by Russian JSC Rosshelf in tight and sensitive Arctic offshore environmental conditions. The Project is subject to extensive international partnership and co-operation both on design/construction/drilling/operational phase and on safety and environmental protection provisions. The paper summarizes the experience gained and prospects expected for enabling proper HSE regime for the pioneer project, expected to open the gate to the development of Barents Sea hydrocarbon development. Special attention is admitted to demonstrate the manner and procedure for implementation of internationally recognized HSE requirements and best practices.
Evaluation of Well Drilling and Completion Chemicals in the Light of a New Regulatory Regime
Authors: Romijn Henk , Wolting Bert , Berg Erik 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
During the past 2 years the policy within the North-Sea countries with regards to regulating use and discharge of chemicals offshore has changed. The work on harmonization of regulations has progressed through the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR), the European regulatory body for the offshore environmental issues. However, despite the outspoken efforts to establish a harmonized chemical hazard and risk evaluation and control system, many countries have continued to use their own systems.
This paper describes the current trend in the oil and gas industry towards zero discharge of offshore chemicals. Operational as well as regulatory viewpoints are given. The zero discharge trend is viewed against several policies of OSPAR, e.g. the Action Plan 1998-2003, Strategy with regard to hazardous substances and the Harmonized Mandatory Control System (HMCS). The various ways in which the North-Sea countries have implemented the OSPAR guidelines so far and the relationship of zero discharge with for example the development of more environmentally acceptable chemicals are discussed. The role of the revised Chemical Hazard and Risk Management (CHARM) Model is also taken into this review.
From their own experience the three major service companies describe how this affects the development and use of certain chemicals.
Community Relations in Bolivia: A New Sustainable Development Approach
Authors: Avila C. E. , Vega K. B. , Suaznábar C. E. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The relationship with the neighboring communities has been of high interest and importance for an oil company like Empresa Petrolera CHACO S.A. (CHACO). Considering that Bolivia's rural areas are so deprived, any investment will be of value and will cause a positive social impact. Migration to the lowlands countryside has been massive in the last decade. As a result, a mixture of different cultures has been taking place. In general, the poverty index in rural areas is alarming, reaching levels between 80 to 95% depending upon the region. CHACO has been conducting a community affairs program in all locations surrounding its operations in Bolivia, which in most cases are remote and isolated areas located close to or inside National Parks. These locations because of the migration, is a mixture of different cultures, languages, needs, and ethnic origin. Each location has been approached by the company to learn about their needs, taking primarily into consideration the areas of health, education and road improvement, critical to any sustainable development in the area. CHACO has used the town-hall approach to understand the real needs of the communities. This is done through an initial contact with the community leaders to inform them of the company's work program and its interest in contributing to their well being and improvement in standard of living. Once this contact is established, a general meeting is held with the elders and the local leaders maintaining a good level of communication and information of potential impacts of the works and the mitigation measures that the company will apply in each case. A plan is agreed with the communities reflecting the company strategies and their needs. This approach is clear, direct, personalized and simple. A continued presence in the communities with programs tailored for each location has reached more than 30,000 people in over one hundred communities resulting in excellent relations between CHACO and its neighbors.