WORK AND SAFETY IN OIL AND GAS: FUTURE SKILLS BETWEEN DIGITALIZATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
The oil and gas sector is currently undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving global context. As the world shifts towards greater sustainability and the energy transition gains momentum, the skills required by industry professionals are also changing. Added to this is the increasing importance of workplace safety, a fundamental aspect that demands innovative solutions and continuous technological updates. In this article, we will explore how the skills needed to operate in the sector are evolving and how safety is being redefined in an increasingly digitalized environment.
Digital Skills: The New Frontier of Oil and Gas
Digitalization is perhaps the most evident transformation affecting the oil and gas industry. The introduction of artificial intelligence and big data has revolutionized the way companies manage their operations. The ability to collect, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data is now an essential skill for optimizing production, preventing failures, and improving operational efficiency.
Another crucial aspect is cybersecurity. With the growing interconnection of infrastructures, the sector has become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Protecting industrial control systems and critical infrastructures requires specialized skills that go beyond traditional IT management. Companies must invest in professionals capable of addressing these new threats, ensuring operational safety.
Meanwhile, automation and robotics are transforming fieldwork. Drones and autonomous robots are increasingly used for inspections and maintenance in hazardous environments, significantly reducing risks for human workers. These systems require a new generation of engineers capable of combining mechanical skills with advanced knowledge of programming and data management.
Sustainability and Training: A Continuous Challenge
In addition to digital skills, the sector must also respond to increasing pressures related to sustainability. The energy transition requires a rethinking of the technologies and skills needed. Green technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) and green hydrogen production are becoming increasingly relevant. This requires specific expertise in environmental engineering and sustainable project management.
Environmental regulations are becoming stricter, and companies must navigate an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Consequently, skills in regulatory compliance and sustainability management are now essential. Companies that fail to adapt to these new realities risk falling behind, both in terms of competitiveness and reputation.
In this context, continuous training is no longer optional but a necessity. Oil and gas companies are investing in upskilling and reskilling programs to prepare their employees for new technologies and environmental challenges. Many are partnering with universities and technical institutes to develop tailored training programs that meet the specific needs of the sector.
Innovation in Safety: Smart PPE and Virtual Reality
Workplace safety has always been a priority in the oil and gas sector, but technological innovations are opening up new possibilities. Smart personal protective equipment (PPE), equipped with sensors that monitor workers’ vital signs in real time, is improving safety in the field. These devices can detect changes in body temperature, exposure to hazardous substances, and other risk conditions, sending immediate alerts to workers and safety managers.
Augmented reality and virtual reality are also playing a growing role in training and operations management. Virtual simulations allow workers to train in safe environments without being exposed to real dangers. Additionally, augmented reality can provide real-time visual instructions during operations, reducing the risk of errors and improving efficiency.
A Continuously Evolving Sector
Beyond physical safety, companies are increasingly focusing on the mental health of their employees. Working in the oil and gas sector can be particularly stressful, especially in offshore operations or remote areas. Companies are introducing psychological support and wellness programs for their workers, recognizing the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.
These initiatives not only improve the quality of life for employees but can also reduce turnover and increase productivity. Mental health has become a central element in corporate safety policies, a positive shift that reflects a broader understanding of workers’ needs.
The oil and gas sector is facing a phase of transformation that requires rapid and constant adaptation. The skills of the future are already needed today, and continuous training is key to staying competitive. At the same time, innovation in workplace safety offers new opportunities to protect workers and improve operations. Preparing for these challenges is not just a matter of corporate survival but also an opportunity to build a safer, more sustainable, and resilient sector.