The Evolution of a Driving Simulator Program

Abstract

In Western Canada, a significant portion of fatalities in the oil field can be related to driving events. A major service company has implemented a multifaceted approach to addressing the hazards associated with driving in the oilfield. A key component of the driving program is the driving simulator. In 2001, this service company purchased its first mobile computerized driving simulators to complement its driving program in the United States. The service company worked with the simulator manufacturer to develop a custom oilfield-specific driving program. The program evolved to include a multitude of scenarios and hazards that drivers are exposed to in field operations. Implementation of these simulators helped to account for a 50% reduction in automobile incidents and a 70% reduction in high-potential automotive incidents. The operations for this service company in Canada took notice and utilized a driving simulator as part of a pre-winter campaign in the fourth quarter of 2003. During Q1 of 2004, Canadian operations realized the lowest crash rate in its history. In 2007, the next generation of driving simulator was purchased for dedicated use in this region. New features include the ability to link student driver stations to simulate convoys, the ability of the instructor to interact independently with either or both students, and an enhanced scenario tool box to allow the instructor to craft custom scenarios. This paper describes evolution in the use of a simulator for driver training in an oilfield environment. Introduction A major service company historically delivers driver training to new recruits in the North American theater of operations via central training schools. For the purposes of this discussion, there are two benefits in particular that can be realized by the centralized training:Consistency in focus of training and the passion of delivery.Ability to allow the students to practice in a complete or comparative risk-free environment with opportunity to practice new found skills until they perform at a desired level of competence. This training provides the foundation for regular scheduled competence assessments to reinforce practical skills and training refreshers to support awareness and communicate expected behaviors at the various field locations. There has been at least one of these facilities in continuous operation since 1975. To help address driving safety with ever-increasing field activity, an initiative was undertaken to employ mobiles teams to deliver both skilled and motivated instructors and the ability to practice skill maneuvers in a risk-free environment to field locations.

Addressing Driving Management Challenges: A Global Perspective with a Risk-Based Approach

“…The main challenge, at that point, was to keep all driving activities in compliance with the company standard, which relied on the safe behavior of the people involved [Ref. 2,3,4]. The response taken to address the undesirable trend was to focus on behavioral safety.…”