Regulator’s inspections show Australian offshore facilities equipped to handle COVID-19

Following a set of inspections, Australia’s National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA) has confirmed that operators of offshore facilities are equipped with adequate arrangements for protecting workers from infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

NOPSEMA said on Wednesday that it had completed a series of remote COVID-19 specific inspections.

The focused inspections were undertaken after NOPSEMA directed all operators to review their infectious disease management plans to ensure they had tailored arrangements in place for reducing COVID-19 related health risks.

Results indicate that operators have taken reasonable steps to protect the health of the workforce concerning COVID-19 and that operators continue to monitor and evolve their arrangements in response to the latest information and expert medical advice.

NOPSEMA added that implementing measures to prioritise the health and safety of workers has in some cases required a significant change to regular working arrangements and acknowledges the substantial efforts of industry, health and safety representatives, and the workforce to ensure the wellbeing of the workers is maintained.

While pleased with the outcomes of the inspections, the regulator is still encouraging operators to remain vigilant and continue to undertake all necessary precautions to reduce transmission risks within the workforce.