Safety in the oil and gas industry is non-negotiable, especially in high-risk environments like drilling rigs and offshore platforms. Saudi Arabia’s booming oil & gas sector undergoes significant challenges in managing workplace safety.

For example, workers can easily fall into hazardous situations like unauthorized access to red zones or failing to wear the required PPE, which can lead to life-threatening accidents. In the extreme environments of remote drilling rigs, these safety risks can quickly escalate.

Although AI integration into the existing operations of an oil & gas setting might sound intimidating, viAct’s Smart Site Safety System is designed in a manner that from implementation to preventing accidents, only three easy stages exists.

One of the core advantages of viAct’s 4S system is its ability to integrate smoothly with the existing safety infrastructure. Whether it’s CCTV systems, safety sensors, or monitoring tools, the 4S system enhances them without requiring a complete overhaul of the current setup.

This means oil & gas operations in Saudi Arabia can enjoy an improved safety solution without long downtimes. The heart of 4S is its Centralized Management Platform, which consolidates all safety-related data from various modules into one interface.

This provides EHS managers with real-time insights into safety conditions across the entire site while being on site or out of it. From drilling rigs to refining facilities, making it easier to monitor worker safety and equipment health from one dashboard.

With 4S, each module addresses a critical safety concern in the oil and gas industry. Let’s look at some key features and real-life applications:

1. Digitized Permit-to-Work (PTW): The PTW module helps automate and digitize work permits, ensuring that only qualified personnel enter hazardous areas.

For example, at a Saudi offshore oil rig, this module ensures that workers can only access high-risk zones if they have the proper training and safety clearance. Without this digital solution, traditional paper-based PTWs are prone to delays and human error.

2. Digitized Tracking & Hazardous Area Access Control: AI safety technology in the 4S system tracks workers in real-time utilizing computer vision technology and AI video analytics ensuring that they are in safe zones and are not exposed to high-risk areas.

There are several hazards that a worker in the oil & gas sector is prone to. In environments where extreme temperatures are common, especially on rigs exposed to high heat or in areas where cold weather is an issue, workers can be at risk of heat stress or hypothermia.

4S can track worker location in temperature-controlled areas and send alerts when workers are in zones where temperature levels are hazardous. The electronic lock and key system doubly ensures the prevention of unauthorized entries into such areas.

A significant danger on oil rigs is being struck by moving machinery or heavy equipment. For instance, if a worker is detected entering an area where tower cranes are operating, AI-powered cameras integrated with 4S can automatically alert supervisors to ensure immediate intervention in the tower crane lifting zone.

3. PPE Detection & Unsafe Worker Behavior: viAct’s AI-powered cameras automatically detect if workers are wearing the required PPE. For example, on a Saudi Arabian oil extraction site, the system would immediately flag any worker not wearing their helmet, gloves, or safety vest.

Unsafe behaviors, such as workers ignoring safety protocols, any worker missing in action or feeling drowsy or unwell, can also be detected, helping reduce risks associated with human error.

Workers involved in physically demanding tasks may be exposed to ergonomic risks such as repetitive motion injuries, strains, and sprains. 4S’s tracking system can monitor worker posture and behavior, using AI to detect potentially dangerous movements, such as improper lifting techniques or long periods of standing without proper ergonomic adjustments.

These alerts can be sent to both the worker and their supervisor to address the issue before it becomes a health risk.

4. Confined Space & Red Zone Monitoring: In areas like confined spaces, the risk is much higher due to limited ventilation and other safety hazards. The 4S system constantly monitors access to confined spaces, ensuring workers do not enter these areas without proper clearance.

Red zones are prone to the risk of fire and explosions, especially in environments with flammable materials or high-pressure equipment along with the heavy use of electrical systems in oil and gas operations, workers are at constant risk of electrical shocks or arc flash injuries.

Through integration with gas detection systems and AI-powered safety cameras, 4S can monitor restricted areas and ensure that workers do not enter hazardous zones.

The strength of 4S goes beyond monitoring—Generative AI integrated into the system makes proactive safety management possible. It analyzes patterns from the entire operation, predicting potential risks and making recommendations for safety improvements.

For example, if a piece of machinery in a Saudi oil field begins showing signs of malfunction, the system not only triggers an alert but also predicts the likelihood of failure, suggesting preventive actions before any major issues arise.

Additionally, viAct’s conversational AI chatbot, viGent, is integrated to provide real-time guidance. Workers and safety officers can quickly get answers to safety queries, reducing the time spent looking for solutions.

Suppose a worker is unsure about the proper procedure for entering a confined space, viGent will provide them with step-by-step instructions. In case of emergencies, it helps guide the workforce to safety, providing clarity during high-pressure situations.

The solution utilises smart monitoring devices such as a watch that allows the workers to hit the SOS button in emergencies and track vital signs like heart rate to keep themselves safe during operations.

Safety in Saudi Arabia’s oil & gas sector demands constant vigilance and effective communication. With 4S, safety officers and workers are always protected and connected!

The 4S system integrates smoothly with the current workplace safety infrastructure, including cameras, sensors, and other monitoring tools, enhancing their effectiveness without requiring a full overhaul.

The digital PTW system automates and streamlines the work permit process, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter hazardous areas and improving overall drilling rig safety and compliance.

Yes, 4S in oil & gas uses AI-powered video analytics and real-time alerts to detect workplace safety breaches, such as unauthorized access to restricted areas or non-compliance with PPE regulations, helping prevent accidents instantly.

Fascinated by viAct’s Smart Site Safety System (4S)

features for the Oil & Gas sector?