Real-life risk assessment in the offshore and maritime industry

Nikoletta Achilleos, of Prevention at Sea, considers the key risk management issues as the maritime and offshore worlds collide

The offshore and maritime industry is, simultaneously, one of the most international and the most dangerous industries. Safety, it goes without saying, is one of the imperative concerns. On board ships, offshore vessels and offshore installations, and in their vicinities, there are many hazards posting critical risks to safety. What, then, are the key hazards? Accidents in the sector mainly relate to accidents caused by one of three factors: technical failures, human error, or environmental conditions.