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Although injuries are actually lower in the oil and gas industry on average compared to most other industries, there is still much work to be done regarding the focus on safety principles and practice. The recent 3rd Annual Offshore Safety Conference in Houston highlighted practices that all industries, not just those in oil and gas, should implement in an effort to improve the safety culture of their company.

Safety should not be "added on" to an existing company's philosophy or practices. It needs to be at the core of a company's thinking from the very beginning. From the personnel to the processes, the focus should be on safety as a primary component. If management places an emphasis on safety but the production team is actually much more focused on getting things accomplished, the result is an imbalanced approach that can make the company more likely to experience safety issues.

The best time to begin thinking, planning and preparing for the safety practices of that will be put into place during a specific event is before that event actually happens and not after it has already taken place. Being proactive is a much better philosophy than being reactive.

Although it may seem hard to grasp in the highly competitive oil and gas industry, companies need to be more willing to share what they have learned both before and after events regarding safety issues. As a result, all companies will see continued improvement in the area of safety practices. The end result will be a safer work place environment for everyone.

For more information on how Accupoint can help improve your safety management program, please call 800.563.6250 or visit us on the web at www.accupointsoftware.com.

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Not too long ago, only large companies could afford the advantage of software to improve production, efficiency, and safety. The high price tag resulted from the nature of on-site software. Not only was the price for the product high, but also clients were charged fees for service and training on the software that could dwarf the cost of the product. This structure prevented many budget-conscious firms from purchasing software that could benefit them.

Times have changed.

The increased availability of SaaS (Software as a Service) applications have made it possible for companies of all sizes to achieve the benefits that were once only attainable by larger firms. On-site software has the distinct disadvantage of requiring installation whereas SaaS requires no installation because it operates in the cloud. This eliminates the need for additional personnel expenses to manage an on-site system. SaaS applications also do not require the frequent maintenance that is common with its on-site counterparts.

The SaaS model is ideal for firms that choose to operate in a cost-effective manner. You may have thought about software for your business but quickly dismissed it because of perceived costs. If your firm could benefit from a software application, don’t assume that it won’t fit your budget.

For more information on how Accupoint's flexible, cloud-based platform can provide your organization with a cost effective alternative to manage your compliance management systems visit Accupoint or call us at (800)563-6250 to learn more about our SaaS applications.

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Shell Oil Co.’s vice president of health, safety and environment, Dwight Johnston, thinks he has found the key to offshore safety. Shell has experienced a decrease in injuries since they implemented a program to improve the quality of life for its workers on its offshore facilities.

Shell’s “Care Councils”, which consist of workers from various disciplines, meet to discuss how to improve the facilities where workers live for two or three-week stretches.

The workers on these offshore facilities are either working, eating or sleeping while offshore. Johnston feels that if you give employees a comfortable bed that it will translate into a more well-rested, and ultimately safer worker. Shell has supplied foam mattresses to offshore workers and has already experienced four straight months without an injury.

These “Care Councils” seem to be an effective way to increase safety and improve employee morale. Shell plans to continue “Care Councils” and expand into areas such as which workers get priority on the helicopter rides home for family events.

To see how Accupoint can improve organizational safety and efficiency visit accupointsoftware.com or call (800) 563-6250.

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We are in the midst of the dog days of summer and staying cool is on the top of everyone’s mind. It is the perfect time of the year to take a dip in a pool or relax in the air conditioning. But many of us have to work during August, so we must keep cool while on the job.
 
It isn’t difficult to imagine a scenario where workers will be dealing with extreme heat this time of year. When a person is exposed to a hot environment, his/her body must find a way to release the heat. If this heat isn’t released, workers can experience some serious side effects.
 
Workers that are more likely to be affected by heat related illness are those who are 65 years of age or older, are overweight or take medications that may cause an adverse reaction to excessive heat. Of course, this does not mean that if these do not apply to you that you are safe from heat related illness.
 
Heat related illnesses are a significant concern in the workplace and it is important that we take the appropriate steps in order to mitigate the risk.
 
Extreme heat should be avoided whenever possible. If exposure cannot be avoided, employers should:
  • Provide liquids to workers
  • Give rest periods
  • Monitor workers who are at greater risk 
Workers should also take precautions to avoid heat related illness. To reduce the risk, workers should:
  • Gradually build into heavy work
  • Avoid drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar
  • Wear light-colored, breathable clothing 
Working in extreme heat can be exhausting and cause serious illness but if we take the proper measures we can safely complete jobs even in the stifling summer heat.

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