Overcoming Remoteness: Human Factors Assessment of Real-Time Monitoring and Supporting in Drilling Operations

Availability of real-time information from remote drilling operations means that onshore staff can provide more effective support and reduce non-productive time. This study focuses on the human factors implications of remote operations, which have been largely ignored so far. The job design in five onshore facilities was assessed in terms of (1) providing transparency and control over the system state, (2) supporting cooperation and learning, and (3) impact on worker wellbeing. Jobs were found to offer a high degree of transparency and good opportunities for cooperation and learning, albeit less control than comparable work offshore. Worker wellbeing was rated lower than anticipated. A comparison between centres found differences in the degree of innovation (socio-technical vs. pragmatic) and the type of integration (vertical across disciplines vs. horizontal across operations). Remote management of assets was shown to be feasible provided that job design and socio-economic implications are addressed properly.