Digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), automation, industrial edge computing and data analytics, are rapidly changing the oil and gas industry. While providing important improvements in productivity and cost savings, worker safety remains the first concern for good reasons.

Nokia and ABI Research conducted a study emphasising this need. Respondents, with a worker safety score of 7.47 out of 10, defined worker safety as the second most important issue in digitalisation.

Furthermore, worker safety is a compliance concern and a strategic goal, directly affecting oil and gas businesses’ long-term survival and reputation. Thus, morally and commercially, safety should be the highest priority for C-suite executives.

But let’s look at the facts. The fatality rate in the oil and gas sector, measured as the number of deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers annually, is a vital gauge of worker safety.

According to data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics for 2022, the oil and gas sector reported 49 deaths. This fatality rate is 14.2 per 100,000 FTE employees. Considering that oil and gas workers face approximately four times the risk of death at work compared to workers in other sectors, this statistic is particularly alarming when compared to the overall average fatality rate of 3.7 per 100,000 in other sectors.

The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers tracked safety performance in the global upstream oil and gas industry. In 2022, the figures revealed a fatal accident rate of 0.67 deaths per 100 million working hours. Assuming an average of 2,000 working hours per employee per year translates to a comparable workforce-based estimate of approximately 3.35 deaths per 100,000 workers. While this global rate appears lower than the US statistic, it should be noted that the IOGP data focuses on the upstream sector, which may benefit from different reporting methods or stricter international safety regulations.

Reducing avoidable deaths and ensuring that workers get home safely at the end of every day depends on being aware of these figures and being able to address them.

How does Nokia help to meet worker safety digitalisation challenges?

Safety is a strategic and moral necessity in high-risk contexts, and digital technologies can increase efficiency and sustainability while ensuring it remains a priority. Digitalisation helps to enable real-time visibility, faster responses and consistent, proactive safety across operations by simplifying manual safety tasks into standardised processes.

One cornerstone of workplace safety is reliable connectivity. Conventional communication systems are sometimes unreliable in far-off or dangerous places. Nokia uses private 4.9G/LTE and industrial-grade 5G networks to build safe, high-performance infrastructure free from reliance on public networks. Connected worker technologies, wearable devices, biometric sensors, smart helmets and mobile apps offer real-time safety monitoring. These instruments greatly lower the possibility of accidents by letting businesses track health and location, identify tiredness and provide quick alarms in case of danger.

Edge computing lets data be handled locally instead of transferred to the cloud, enhancing front-line security. This is important since latency may mean the difference between life and death. Nokia’s edge solutions and Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) enable facilities to react quickly to abnormalities, including equipment failures or gas leaks, enabling autonomous safety actions like alarms or system shutdown before events get underway.

AI is transforming safety management from reactive to predictive. Through operational data analysis, AI can spot early warning indicators, such as risky behavior or failing equipment, before they cause events. These insights enhance strategic decision-making and help build an always-safe culture when included in executive dashboards.

Above all, Nokia’s commitment to safety in the oil and gas industry goes beyond technology. Strategic alliances, workforce empowerment and long-term risk management also receive considerable attention. Nokia co-develops custom solutions, supports training and cultural transformation, and provides an end-to-end safety ecosystem for real-time awareness and response. With a foundation in ethical leadership and sustainability, Nokia views safety as a shared responsibility, combining people-first principles with innovation to protect employees in high-risk environments.

McKinsey claims that companies specialising in real-time monitoring and predictive analytics have seen a drop of up to 70% in safety incidents in the oil and gas sector

Gaining a competitive edge

Using digital solutions to address worker safety issues in the oil and gas industry can significantly improve operational efficiency, safety performance and cost savings. Using IoT sensors, AI and wearable gadgets, companies can detect hazards in real time and act proactively, drastically reducing the likelihood of accidents.

McKinsey claims that companies specialising in real-time monitoring and predictive analytics have seen a drop of up to 70% in safety incidents in the oil and gas sector. Deloitte also found that organisations implementing connected worker solutions had 60% fewer recorded injuries, highlighting the transformative power of digital safety systems.

Finally, investing in digital safety systems also offers appealing financial advantages. According to the National Safety Council, businesses can expect a $4 to $6 return for every dollar invested in worker safety, thanks to lower incident-related expenses and operational interruptions. This impressive return on investment highlights the importance of incorporating digital safety solutions as a compliance tool and strategic business benefit that protects workers and promotes long-term performance.

In sum, the digital transformation is reshaping worker safety in the oil and gas industry by offering powerful tools such as AI, IoT and edge computing. These tools can reduce risks, enhance real-time response and drive proactive safety management. Prioritising safety as both a moral duty and a strategic advantage enables companies to protect their workforce, ensure compliance and achieve long-term operational resilience.

Nokia and ABI Research have created a self-check tool to help leaders and professionals measure their readiness for digitalisation and plan their next steps. Check it out on our website here

To learn more about Nokia’s innovative oil and gas digitalisation solutions, please visit our website here and talk to our experts

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