Author: Puk

Did you know that there are 6,640 tank terminals worldwide, boasting a staggering total storage capacity of approximately 1.5 million CBM?

These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent the backbone of various industries, from oil and petrochemicals to agriculture to manufacturing.

These facilities play a vital role in storing and distributing essential liquids and chemicals.  But amid the bustling activities of tank storage terminals, one often overlooked aspect requires our attention: Ladder safety.

The latest report from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2020, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenge posed by the lack of ladder safety. Non-fatal ladder injuries resulting in at least one day away from work remains alarmingly consistent. Shockingly, there were 22,710 injuries attributed to ladders as the primary source of harm in 2020, and figures are noticeably similar to the 22,330 incidents reported in 2019. These statistics highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures in these facilities.

Ladder accidents occur in industrial facilities like tank storage terminals due to reasons such as slips and trips, lack of maintenance etc. To prevent these types of accidents happening, it´s crucial to implement strict safety protocols and ensure that workers are aware of the potential hazards associated with ladder use. This is where our innovative safety solutions can make a significant difference.

Real Safety’s FRP/GRP ladder solutions are ideal for Tank Storage environments due to several factors:

• Anti-slip surface;
• Corrosion resistant;
• Do not heat up like steel – even in warm climates;
• Easy to and install without closing off areas and the use of hot works;
• Not electrically conductive (spark safe);
• No maintenance;

Take a look at our case study for BPGIC at Fujairah Oil Industry Zone II. Based on that case, we won Gold at the Global Tank Storage Awards held in Rotterdam earlier this year, in the Safety Technology category.

We are committed to safety, and our solutions make a significant difference in improving safety standards within tank storage terminals, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of workers and critical facilities.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2022/fatal-injuries-from-ladders-down-in-2020-nonfatal-ladder-injuries-were-essentially-unchanged.htm

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Exhibition list 2023 – Come visit us!

Real Safety’s will be exhibiting at a number of big events and conferences over the next few months. Make sure you come visit our stands and let’s catch up. We look forward to meeting clients and partners to discuss the latest safety developments and solutions.

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Riggvedlikehold, Bergen 26 – 27 September

Real Safety’s will be joining Marlog AS, at Riggvedlikehold 2023 exhibition in Bergen, Norway on 26-27 September. 

Come along and meet Sales Manager Ed Visser who will be on hand on stand 5 to discuss how our solutions can enhance the safety within the rig maintenance sector. 

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Hi Tech & Industry Scandinavia 3 – 5 October

Real Safety will be exhibiting at this year’s HI exhibition on 3-5 October in Herning.

Meet Sales Managers, Lise Løth Nielsen and Ed Visser at stand J7350 in Hall J, MCH Park to discuss our latest safety solutions – from securing stairs and ladders – to anti-slip roof top mats and GRP composites. Use the code hi23-27984 to get free access to the exhibition here: 

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Adipec, Abu Dhabi 2 – 5 October

Real Safety will be visiting Adipec 2023 in Abu Dhabi from 2-5 October.
ADIPEC acts as a platform, framing diverse conversations from across the energy value chain and beyond while driving investment into the clean energies of the future.

CEO, Torben Farup, Partner Jon Leren and Sales Assistant, Anna Renales Prat will be attending to discuss the latest developments in the market – and Real Safety. Get in touch if you want to meet us. 

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A+A, Dusseldorf, Germany 24 – 27 October

Real Safety will be exhibiting at A+A in Düsseldorf, Germany on 24-27 October.

A+A is an international trade fair and congress for safety and health at work. We are going to showcase several new products and share our thoughts on the future within safety. Meet up with CEO, Torben Farup and Sales Manager, Ed Visser at our stand 4B24, Hall 4. Torben and Ed would be happy to have a chat, just reach out with an email.

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FLID Havnemesse, Vejle – 29 November

Come and meet us at FLID, which is an annual meeting and exhibtion for the harbour/marine port sector in Denmark.

Lise Nielsen and Ed Visser will be on hand to discuss our recent work in the sector, upcoming projects – and how Real Safety can help secure harbour environments across the country. 

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Exciting times ahead for the offshore drilling rigs industry!

The offshore drilling rigs market is gearing up for remarkable growth. Recent analysis and forecasts from Stratview indicate a promising future, projecting an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CARG) of 8.91% from 2022-2028. The global offshore drilling rigs market reached a valuation of USD 96.52 billion in 2021 and is expected to culminate in a staggering USD 176.43 billion by 2028.

Yet, amidst the anticipation of growth, it´s important to acknowledge that the offshore drilling industry face challenges, and the present moment is no exception.

As the drilling industry continues to expand, a continued dedication to safety will be paramount. The rapid growth in this sector implies that a larger number of individuals will be involved / working in the industry – and are therefore at potential risk of incidents.

The recent surge in incidents and fatalities as highlighted by the IADS ISP, with a global Lost Time Incident (LTI) rate jumping by 30.8% compared to 2020, serves as a stark reminder. Read the full report. The message is clear: with expansion comes an enhanced responsibility, and safety must remain a top priority.

Real Safety has been a trusted provider of safety solutions to the offshore drilling industry since 2007. Our journey in this industry has been about more than just expertise; it´s about pushing boundaries of innovation, and most importantly safety. It´s all about people. Read more about our work in the offshore drilling industry here.

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Sources:

1. Offshore Drilling Rigs Market Share, Growth, & Forecast Analysis (stratviewresearch.com)
2. 2021 IADC ISP report shows rise in incidents and fatalities, highlights need to renew focus on safety – Drilling Contractor
3. Drilling Contractor Magazine

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It shows a 10% increase in high potential incidents in 2022, but it’s not all bad news

According to the latest G+ Global Offshore Wind Health and Safety Organisation 2022 Incident Data report, which was published recently, a total of 225 high potential incidents were reported in 2022, which is a 10% increase on 2021 levels.

There was also an increase in the number of restricted workday injuries in 2022, with 36 reported cases, and the number of medical treatment injuries increased by 10 cases – all highlighting the need for constant vigilance and continuous improvement to improve safety.

However, the report also highlights that despite being a record year for offshore wind activity, with over 44.6 million hours worked at G+ member sites across Europe, North America and Asia Pacific, several critical safety metrics (such as TRIR and LTIF) pointed to an improvement despite the increased hours worked.

Read the full report

Real Safety has provided safety solutions to the wind energy sector for a number of years. Read more about our work in the wind sector here.

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Slips, trips, and falls (STF) are one of the primary sources of injuries at work.

The number of these accidents is still high – despite measures set out by legislative requirements, best practices guidelines, and organisational policies to prevent STF accidents across industries like: maritime, offshore installations, construction sites, water treatment plants etc.

One of the most critical factors having an impact on STF is the slipperiness of the handrails, guardrails, walkways, decks, stairs, and surface of ladders.¹

Anti-slip management options

Research has shown that by implementing a Risk Management Option such as Real Safety’s KAG safety rails, anti-slip walkways or anti-slip solutions on stairs and ladders, the probability of STFs in a potential slip event is reduced from 10 % to 0.1 %. 

Indeed, a Danish offshore wind company reduced the number of STF accidents from 12 accidents with negligible consequences to 0 accidents after installing our anti-slip solutions. In another case, a Danish-flagged ship reduced the number of STF accidents from 3 to 0. ¹

¹ Master Thesis: Reducing Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Maritime Industry and Offshore Installations – Best Practice. Author: Tanja Rasmussen, Master of Risk and Safety Management, Aalborg University. 2021. Read report here.

Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls – Top 5 tips

1. Identify the potential causes
2. Implement good housekeeping
3. Deal with wet surfaces quickly
4. Avoid creating obstacles in aisles and walkways
5. Maintain proper lighting

To read our full article on Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls – top 5 tips, click HERE.

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