Proactive Approach to Well Construction Safety in Alaskas Kuparuk River Field

In 1995, the Kuparuk Drilling Group (KDG) recognized that safety performance had continually improved since well construction commenced in the Kuparuk River Field in 1981. However, it was also recognized that performance improvement appeared to be losing momentum. Upon analysis of the trend, it was noted that most efforts to reduce workplace risk were focused on: engineering controls; administrative controls and operating practices; and personal protective equipment. In order to return to improving safety performance, attain world class status, and help employees return safely from the workplace to their families, the KDG solicited input from the drilling contractor to develop and implement a proactive behavior-based safety program. Part of the development included a goal-driven incentive, the Safety Performance Goals Program, which deemphasizes safety statistics and fully complements the overall safety objectives.