Working on offshore installations, such as oil rigs, means operating in some of the most challenging and unforgiving environments on Earth. And that's not an exaggeration. You're dealing with heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, volatile substances, extreme weather, and tight quarters—all while being dozens, if not hundreds, of kilometres from shore. The nature of the work is inherently high-risk, and the consequences of a mistake can be catastrophic, not just for individuals but for the entire crew, the environment, and the asset itself.
That's why safety on an offshore rig isn't just a checklist—it's a mindset, a culture, and an integral part of daily operations. In the offshore world, there's no room for compromise when it comes to HSE. Every task, whether it's routine maintenance or a complex drilling operation, must be carried out with a constant awareness of risk. Procedures need to be clear, rehearsed, and followed without exception. But even more importantly, there needs to be a culture where everyone feels responsible—not just for their own safety, but for the safety of their colleagues as well.
The offshore environment doesn't forgive complacency. Situational awareness, effective communication, and a commitment to stop work when something doesn't feel right—these are not optional behaviours. They're the core of survival and success. You want a workforce that doesn't just follow protocols but understands why they're in place. Safety culture must be lived at every level—from top leadership to the newest roustabout.
Ultimately, fostering that culture means investing in continuous training, transparent reporting, leadership by example, and systems that support human reliability. It's not about avoiding penalties or ticking regulatory boxes; it's about ensuring that every person who boards that installation comes home safely—and that the installation itself operates efficiently, sustainably, and without incident.
The concept of "red zones" on oil rigs is central to managing risk in high-hazard work areas. A red zone is essentially a designated danger area—usually around heavy equipment, rotating machinery, or moving loads—where there's an increased risk of injury or fatality due to human-machine interaction. The name "red zone" is intentional and visual: red signals danger. It's a clear, immediate way to alert personnel that entering that space requires heightened caution or may be restricted altogether during operations.
These zones are typically found around areas like drill floors, pipe handling systems, cranes, and other mechanised systems. When equipment is in motion—such as when drill pipe is being run or tripping operations are underway—uncontrolled access can lead to crushing injuries, struck-by incidents, or worse. That's why red zones are tightly controlled. Only authorised personnel with specific tasks and full situational awareness are allowed in during live operations—and even then, only under strict procedural guidelines.
Understandably, the purpose of defining red zones is twofold: to protect personnel and to make risk visible. By clearly marking these danger zones, you remove ambiguity. Everyone on the rig knows that if you step into a red zone without clearance or situational awareness, you're in immediate danger. It reinforces accountability—not just for supervisors but for each crew member. You need to know where you are, what's happening around you, and whether you have a legitimate reason to be there.
In practical terms, red zone controls reduce incidents by minimising human exposure during high-risk tasks. They're backed by training, signage, barrier systems, and often digital tools like CCTV, access control, or crew tracking systems that monitor who's in which area and when (see also: mobile mustering). In short, red zones are a vital layer in the hierarchy of controls. They don't eliminate risk, but they manage it through awareness, access control, and operational discipline—saving lives and protecting the integrity of the operation.
Making sure red zones are truly seen and respected by the crew goes far beyond painting the floor red or posting a sign. It's about creating constant, unmistakable visibility and instilling behavioural discipline. In high-risk offshore environments, where distractions and fatigue are real, you have to build layers of prevention that catch errors before they become incidents.
Start with clear physical demarcation. That means using bold, contrasting colours on deck, ideally combined with anti-slip coatings and consistent markings across all red zones. Floor paint alone won't cut it—you need physical barriers where possible: chains, gates, bollards, or safety cones to create both a visual and physical cue. Movable barriers are useful when zones shift, such as during crane operations or pipe handling. Supplement with signage that's durable, weather-resistant, and multilingual if needed. Simple, direct icons are essential for quick recognition.
Then, add a procedural layer. Red zone rules must be embedded in every pre-job safety meeting, toolbox talk, and permit-to-work process. The crew needs to know where the red zones are at any given time—and when they're active. That includes dynamic red zones, which shift according to operational needs. This requires tight coordination between supervisors and crews. If there's an active red zone, it must be communicated clearly and repeatedly.
But the most powerful layer is cultural and behavioural. People don't ignore red zones out of malice—they do it out of habit, distraction, or unclear expectations. That's why you need a strong culture of intervention. Anyone should feel empowered to stop work if someone enters a red zone without clearance. Make it normal for the crew to call it out. Reinforce this with frequent drills, hazard hunts, and post-job reviews where red zone behaviour is discussed openly.
To go a step further, technology can help. Wearable tags, crew tracking systems, and digital geo-fencing can alert supervisors or individuals if someone steps into a red zone without authorisation. CCTV with AI-based detection can provide an extra layer of oversight in critical operations. But tech only supports what must already exist: a disciplined, aware, and accountable workforce.
Ultimately, the red zone must be more than a location—it must be a mindset. The goal is not just to mark the hazard but to make its presence felt—visually, procedurally, and culturally—every moment it exists.
1. Wearable RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems)
These are personnel tracking systems using RFID, UWB (Ultra-Wideband), or Bluetooth Low Energy. Workers wear tags on their helmets, badges, or PPE, and their movements are tracked in real-time.
2. Smart Cameras with AI Detection
CCTV systems equipped with AI/ML algorithms can detect human presence in restricted zones, identify PPE compliance, and monitor unsafe behaviours.
3. Access Control & Permit Systems
Digital access control integrates with doors, gates, or barriers. Combined with electronic permit-to-work systems, it ensures only authorised personnel can enter red zones.
4. Dynamic Red Zone Visualisation
Augmented reality (AR) and digital twin platforms are being tested for real-time visualisation of red zones.
5. Audible and Visual Warning Systems
Beacons, sirens, and indicator lights are used to signal when a red zone is active.
6. Integrated Safety Management Platforms
Systems like POB (Personnel on Board), e-Mustering, or control room dashboards can combine multiple data streams—crew location, operation status, access logs—into a live safety picture.
What exactly is a red zone on an offshore rig?
A red zone is a clearly defined high-risk area on an offshore installation where there is a heightened danger of injury due to moving equipment, machinery, or ongoing operations. These zones are often located around drill floors, crane paths, and pipe handling systems. Access is restricted during operations, and only authorised personnel may enter under strict procedural control.
Why are red zones important for offshore safety?
Red zones serve to prevent accidents by physically and visually separating personnel from hazardous operations. They reduce human-machine interaction risks by making danger areas visible, controlled, and procedurally managed. By reinforcing awareness and discipline, red zones help ensure the crew stays clear of moving loads, rotating equipment, and other dynamic hazards.
How can offshore crews be prevented from accidentally entering red zones?
Preventing accidental entry requires a combination of physical barriers, clear markings, frequent communication, and a strong safety culture. Technology like RTLS tracking, smart cameras, and access control systems can provide real-time alerts if someone enters without authorisation. However, the most effective prevention comes from consistent training, visible procedures, and empowering crew members to intervene when rules are breached.
Red zones are vital for maintaining safety on offshore rigs by preventing personnel from entering high-risk areas during critical operations. However, their effectiveness relies not only on markings or barriers but on an embedded culture of vigilance, clear procedures, and real-time awareness. Strong HSE standards are the backbone of this system, especially during offshore emergencies where fast, accurate decision-making is critical (see also our interview with Jake van den Dries about offshore emergency response). Digital tools like e-POB systems enhance control by tracking personnel locations in real time, supporting evacuation efforts, and improving response coordination, making them essential components of a modern offshore safety strategy.
Delve deeper into one of our core topics: Emergency Response Management
RTLS tracking, or Real-Time Location System tracking, is a technology used to monitor the precise location of personnel or assets in real time. On offshore rigs, workers wear RFID, UWB, or Bluetooth-enabled tags that communicate with fixed sensors, enabling live tracking. This enhances safety by controlling access to red zones, supporting emergency evacuation, and ensuring situational awareness. RTLS is a key component in digital HSE systems, improving both operational oversight and incident response. (3)
References:
(1) International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) https://www.iogp.org/bookstore/product/guidelines-for-implementing-well-operations-crew-resource-management-training/
(2) Step Change in Safety (UKCS-focused safety organisation) https://www.stepchangeinsafety.net/resources/red-zone-awareness-pack
(3) Song, J., Haas, C. T., & Caldas, C. H. (2006). Tracking the Location of Materials on Construction Job Sites. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 132(9), 911–918. [DOI:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2006)132:9(911)]