Equinor’s 2024 Safety Performance Report: A Year of Progress and Challenges
Safety remains at the core of Equinor’s operational priorities, and the company’s 2024 safety results reflect both progress and areas that require continued focus. While the past year brought improvements in key safety indicators, it also served as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and ongoing enhancement of safety measures.
Jannicke Nilsson, executive vice president for safety, security, and sustainability, emphasized the importance of learning from past incidents and maintaining a strong safety culture across the industry.
“This was a tragic accident that has deeply affected us. It is crucial that we continue the work to continuously improve safety in our industry,” says Nilsson.
Key Safety Metrics for 2024
Equinor’s safety performance showed an overall positive trend by the end of 2024, with improvements in several key indicators.
Serious Incident Frequency (SIF)
One of the most closely monitored safety metrics in the industry is the serious incident frequency per million hours worked (SIF). For the fourth quarter of 2024, Equinor reported a SIF of 0.3, marking a decline from 0.4 at the end of 2023. This decline indicates a notable reduction in severe incidents, reflecting the effectiveness of the company’s continued focus on safety initiatives. Serious injuries are also included in the serious incident statistics, reinforcing the importance of robust preventive measures.
We see that the overall safety results are improving. The positive trend demonstrates that systematic efforts over time are paying off,” says Nilsson.
Total Recordable Injury Frequency (TRIF)
Another critical metric is the total recordable injury frequency per million hours worked (TRIF). In 2024, the TRIF was recorded at 2.3, a slight improvement from 2.4 in 2023. While this decrease may seem incremental, it signifies a broader trend of enhanced workplace safety and injury prevention. Equinor continues to focus on measures that minimize injuries and create a safer working environment for employees and contractors alike.
Oil and Gas Leaks
In 2024, Equinor registered a total of seven oil and gas leaks, a decrease from the ten reported at the end of 2023. These leaks are classified according to severity based on leak rate, and reducing their frequency remains a top priority for the company. Lowering the number of leaks not only improves safety but also reduces environmental impact and enhances operational efficiency.
Strengthening Safety Through Collaboration and Learning
Equinor recognizes that improving safety is a collective effort that involves employees, suppliers, and industry partners. The company actively engages with stakeholders to foster a culture of safety through knowledge sharing, training, and collaboration.
The ‘Always Safe’ Initiative
A key component of Equinor’s safety strategy is the “Always Safe” initiative, which serves as a structured framework to address and mitigate safety risks. This initiative encourages ongoing dialogue and learning within the organization and with external partners.
Through the “Always Safe” annual wheel, Equinor collaborates with other operating companies and suppliers to deepen the understanding of risk factors that could compromise workplace safety. The primary focus for the first quarter of 2024 was the prevention of major accidents, reflecting the company’s commitment to proactive risk management.
Increased Utilization of Learning Materials
In 2024, there was a notable increase in the use of the learning materials provided under the “Always Safe” initiative. Approximately 3,800 teams completed the final learning package of the year, which centered on health and the working environment. This participation level represents over 40,000 individuals, including both employees and suppliers, demonstrating strong engagement in safety education.
The learning packages serve as an essential tool for sharing insights and lessons across the industry. By analyzing past incidents and best practices, Equinor aims to equip its workforce with the knowledge necessary to prevent future accidents and promote a safer work environment.
“We strongly believe that long-term and systematic collaboration, dialogue, and common goals with suppliers will improve our safety efforts,” says Nilsson.
Ongoing Commitment to Safety Enhancements
While Equinor has made commendable strides in safety performance, the company acknowledges that there is always room for improvement. Continuous assessment and refinement of safety protocols remain integral to the company’s strategy.
Technology and Innovation in Safety
Equinor is leveraging technology and digitalization to enhance safety monitoring and risk management. Advanced data analytics, real-time monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance tools are being integrated into operations to identify potential hazards before they escalate into serious incidents. These technological advancements allow for a more proactive approach to safety management, ensuring early intervention and risk mitigation.
Empowering Employees and Contractors
The company continues to empower its workforce through training, leadership development, and clear communication of safety expectations. Equinor encourages a safety-first mindset at all levels of the organization, reinforcing that safety is a shared responsibility.
Additionally, Equinor actively engages with contractors and suppliers to ensure that safety standards are consistently upheld across all operations. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, the company aims to create an environment where everyone feels responsible for their own safety and that of their colleagues.
Priorities for 2025
As Equinor moves into 2025, the company remains committed to further strengthening its safety performance. Key priorities for the coming year include:
- Enhancing Major Accident Prevention: Implementing additional measures to identify and mitigate risks associated with high-impact incidents.
- Expanding Safety Training Programs: Increasing access to training resources for employees and contractors to ensure a well-informed workforce.
- Leveraging Digital Tools: Further integrating technology to improve hazard detection and response capabilities.
- Strengthening Industry Collaboration: Working closely with regulatory bodies, suppliers, and partners to advance industry-wide safety standards.
Equinor’s 2024 safety performance report highlights meaningful progress in reducing serious incidents, injuries, and oil and gas leaks. While these improvements are encouraging, the company remains dedicated to further enhancing its safety culture through collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
By fostering a proactive approach to safety and leveraging both technology and industry partnerships, Equinor is positioning itself for sustained improvements in workplace safety. The company’s ongoing commitment to reducing risks and ensuring a secure working environment underscores its long-term vision of achieving operational excellence while prioritizing the well-being of its workforce.
