Protecting lives on pipeline sites

Research indicates that the length of gas transmission pipelines currently under construction is enough to circle the earth one-and-a-half times, representing an 18% increase over the last year. This unprecedented growth means it is now more critical than ever that organisations ensure that robust health, safety and environmental practices are in place to protect the health and wellbeing of the workforce on mainline pipeline construction projects.

Trenching, excavation and controlled, planned, scheduled, or coordinated explosive operations on pipeline sites mean that workers are constantly exposed to an extremely hazardous working environment. The combination of harsh weather conditions, steep inclines, confined spaces, pipeline leaks, failed excavation attempts, and use of various machinery along the pipeline all pose a unique set of challenges that must be addressed to mitigate risk and operational delays. When coupled with the remoteness of project worksites which are constantly moving through various private properties, deserts and even mountain ranges, not being able to simply call 911 can implicate complex logistical challenges for medical providers. Without the proper foresight, site planning and approach from an experienced safety and medical provider, worksites have the potential to be extremely dangerous.

RMI supports organisations to protect staff wellbeing and lower operational costs by providing highly qualified and experienced medical and safety support staff to varied and remote pipeline construction projects around the globe. Placing medical, safety and environmental staff to provide both primary and emergency medical care, we work with organisations that prioritise the protection of the health and welfare of the workforce and are invested in the value that professional health and safety provision delivers for the continuity of their operations.

Staffing requirements

Any medical and safety service provider operating on mainline pipeline projects should have experience in providing adaptable, high quality onsite care in remote working conditions. At RMI, all our safety inspectors hold the OSHA 500 qualification as a minimum, a high level industry certification which reflects exceptional dedication and experience in the pipeline industry. Individuals with this certification are authorised to conduct OSHA’s Outreach Training Programme through industry sessions that provide training to workers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces, along with information regarding workers’ rights, employer responsibilities, and how to file a workplace safety complaint.

Since emergency response is a core component of RMI services, safety inspectors are trained to either…

To access the full version of this article and get a free trial subscription to World Pipelines, sign up here!

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/special-reports/09052024/protecting-lives-on-pipeline-sites/