Noise Reduction Interventions in the Norwegian Petroleum Industry

Abstract

Abstract Noise exposure is still an important challenge to a safe and healthy work environment, both offshore and onshore. Studies over the last 10 years show that the noise exposure (expressed as the "average noise indicator") remains mainly unchanged with no significant reduction in the past decennium. Furthermore, several reports indicate that workers in the petroleum industry are exposed to high noise levels and the risk of developing noise-related hearing loss can't be neglected. Noise induced hearing loss is the most frequent reported work-related illnesses / injury reported to the Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authorities (PSA). Although the industry has taken a number of measures and established action plans for noise mitigation in offshore facilities, the potential for further noise-reduction is substantial. However, to be able to implement adequate risk reducing measures, monitoring the above parameters (the average noise indicator and noise induced hearing damages) is not sufficient. We suggest further focus on low-noise design and modification of installations and facilities, development of low-noise technology, implementation of noise exposure in cost-benefit analysis, and dissemination of knowledge related to noise induced hearing loss. This paper presents a study designed to develop such best practices of interventions aimed to reduce noise induced injuries in the petroleum industry. One key area is the use of handheld tools used for operations like rust removal, sand blasting, grinding etc. Other key areas are noise from process plants, noise related to off-shore helicopter transport and noise exposure during subsea operations. Individual susceptibility to noise induced injuries is addressed as well as noise protection (barrier control) and use of personal protective equipment. The study is performed in cooperation between the Norwegian Oil Industry Association (on behalf of the operators on the Norwegian continental shelf), the Federation of Norwegian Industries (NI) as well as the major unions in the Norwegian petroleum industry organised as a tri-partite project.