Topic: Operational Drift
Audience: FPSO Operations, Maintenance, Marine & Deck Crew
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Presenter: Supervisor / HSSE Officer
1. Why We Are Talking About This
Today’s toolbox talk is about operational drift—a hidden risk that has contributed to many serious offshore incidents.
Operational drift does not happen overnight.
It happens slowly, during normal work, when small changes become “the new normal”.
Most major FPSO accidents did not start with a big mistake—
they started with small deviations that were never corrected.
2. What Is Operational Drift? (Simple Explanation)
Operational drift is when:
- The way we actually do the job
- Slowly moves away from
- The way the job is supposed to be done
This happens without bad intentions.
People often say:
- “We’ve always done it this way”
- “Nothing happened last time”
- “It’s only a small shortcut”
Over time, safety margins disappear.
3. Why Operational Drift Is Dangerous Offshore
On an FPSO:
- We rely on layers of safety barriers
- Each small deviation weakens a barrier
- When several weak barriers line up, a major accident can occur
Operational drift:
- Increases exposure to hydrocarbons
- Weakens Permit-to-Work controls
- Reduces effectiveness of SIMOPS barriers
- Undermines tool and equipment safety
4. Common Examples of Operational Drift on FPSOs
Ask the group to think about these examples:
Operations & PTW
- PTW checks rushed or partly skipped
- Toolbox talks becoming repetitive and generic
- SIMOPS controls relaxed “just this once”
- Alarm response times gradually increasing
Tools & Equipment
- Using damaged tools “just to finish the job”
- Skipping tool inspections
- Using the wrong tool to save time
- PPE standards relaxed due to heat or comfort
Question to Crew:
👉 Have you seen any of these happening before?
5. Operational Drift vs. Unsafe Acts
Important point:
- Operational drift is usually unintentional
- It feels normal because it happens slowly
- That makes it more dangerous than obvious rule-breaking
People are not the problem—systems and pressures are.
6. Warning Signs We Should Watch For
Operational drift often shows up as:
- “We don’t need that step anymore”
- Procedures not being consulted
- Workarounds becoming standard practice
- Near misses not being reported
- “Getting the job done” valued more than “doing it safely”
These are early warning signs—not things to ignore.
7. How We Can Stop Operational Drift (What Everyone Can Do)
As a Team
- Follow approved procedures—even under pressure
- Use the right tools for the job
- Carry out proper tool and equipment checks
- Wear required PPE at all times
If Something Doesn’t Make Sense
- Stop and ask
- Raise it during toolbox talks
- Report it as a hazard or near miss
Supervisors & Leads
- Watch how work is actually done
- Challenge unsafe “normal” practices
- Support workers who speak up
If it feels wrong, it probably is.
8. Key Message for Today
Operational drift:
- Happens quietly
- Affects everyone
- Has caused major FPSO accidents in the past
The job is never so urgent that we cannot do it safely.
By sticking to procedures, using the right tools, and speaking up early, we prevent small deviations from becoming big accidents.
9. Toolbox Talk Close-Out Questions
Before we finish:
- What shortcuts have we seen becoming normal?
- Are our tools and PPE in good condition today?
- Is there anything about today’s job that could lead to drift?
Action:
Any concerns raised must be captured and followed up.
10. Final Reminder
Operational drift is everyone’s responsibility to stop.
Let’s:
- Work as per procedure
- Use the right tools
- Protect ourselves, our colleagues, and the FPSO
Stay safe.
