In high-risk industries like oil and gas, safety isn’t just a regulatory checkbox—it’s a way of life. That’s where HIRA—Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment—comes into play. Simply put, HIRA is a structured approach used to recognize workplace hazards and evaluate the potential risks associated with them.
But it’s more than just identifying “what could go wrong.” HIRA enables companies to predict, prioritize and prevent incidents before they occur. Because when you’re dealing with explosive materials, high-pressure systems or offshore rigs, a small oversight can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
As someone who’s worked closely with health and safety consultants and ISO-certified trainers, I’ve seen firsthand how a properly conducted HIRA can not only protect lives but also improve operational efficiency. It forms the backbone of any effective safety management system and it’s a requirement in almost every international safety standard, including ISO 45001 and ISO 14001.
“In the oil and gas sector, HIRA isn’t just a safety checklist—it’s a critical lifeline that protects people, safeguards operations, and reinforces a culture of proactive risk management. From offshore rigs to refinery floors, it’s the foundation for legal compliance, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.”
The oil and gas industry is one of the most hazard-prone sectors in the world. From flammable substances to high-temperature operations, the risks are not only diverse but also potentially devastating. Therefore, HIRA isn’t optional—it’s mission critical.
For example, in the UAE and other GCC countries where oil exploration and refining play a central economic role, regulatory authorities like ADNOC and the Ministry of Energy expect organizations to conduct rigorous HIRA exercises before any operation begins. In fact, failure to do so can result in legal action, shutdowns or worse—loss of life.
Moreover, hazard identification and risk assessment goes beyond compliance. It instills a proactive safety culture. Rather than reacting to accidents, oil and gas companies can anticipate hazards, engage workers in meaningful safety discussions and integrate HIRA findings into their daily operations.
And let’s not forget the economic angle. Companies that effectively implement HIRA often enjoy lower insurance premiums, fewer downtime incidents and a better reputation among clients and stakeholders.
So, whether you’re managing offshore rigs, refinery operations or pipeline maintenance, conducting a high-impact HIRA is not just smart—it’s essential for long-term sustainability and safety excellence.
The very first and perhaps the most crucial step in HIRA is identifying the hazards that exist in the work environment. In the oil and gas industry, hazards aren’t always obvious. Sure, some are visible—like open flames or high-pressure pipelines—but others may be lurking silently, such as toxic gases, ergonomic risks or even poor lighting in confined spaces.
Because of this complexity, we follow a structured and systematic approach. We inspect worksites, analyze job procedures, review incident reports and, most importantly, talk to the people who are in the field every day. Why? Because your front-line crew often knows where the risks are—sometimes even better than management.
Using techniques like job safety analysis (JSA), walkthrough audits and hazard and operability studies (HAZOP), we can uncover potential threats before they cause harm. That’s the beauty of a strong hazard identification and risk assessment—it starts with eyes wide open.
Once hazards are identified, the next step is assessing the level of risk each one poses. This means evaluating two key factors: likelihood and severity. Let’s say you have a high-pressure steam line. The risk of rupture might be low, but if it does happen, the consequences could be fatal. Therefore, that scenario ranks high on the risk scale.Â
We often use a risk matrix to plot these two dimensions. This not only gives a clear visual of how serious a risk is but also allows decision-makers to prioritize actions. Moreover, incorporating past incident data and failure rates adds a layer of credibility and technical accuracy to the risk rating. The goal here isn’t just to “guess” the risk, but to quantify it based on experience, evidence and sound engineering judgement.
Risk assessment gives you the numbers, but risk evaluation tells you what to do with them. This step involves comparing the calculated risk levels against acceptable risk criteria, which are usually defined by the company’s internal safety policies, legal standards or international frameworks like ISO 45001. If a risk falls within the “acceptable” range, it may not require immediate action. However, if it exceeds acceptable limits, it becomes a priority—and rightly so.
During this step, we classify risks into categories like:
This clear-cut evaluation helps organizations avoid “paralysis by analysis” and move toward practical decision-making.
Once the risks are evaluated, it’s time to take action. But here’s the key: not all control measures are created equal. According to the widely accepted Hierarchy of Controls, we should always aim to eliminate hazards first before jumping to PPE or administrative controls.
Let’s break it down:
In the oil and gas sector, combining multiple controls—known as a layered approach—offers the best protection. For example, automated shutoff valves (engineering) paired with safety training (administrative) and flame-resistant gear (PPE) creates a robust barrier against incidents.
Risk control isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Conditions change, equipment wears out, new hazards emerge and people rotate roles. That’s why continuous monitoring and regular reviews are absolutely essential. A good HIRA program includes scheduled audits, feedback loops and incident investigations to refine the system over time. Plus, using digital tools like real-time hazard reporting apps and cloud-based HIRA trackers helps teams stay aligned and proactive.
More importantly, reviewing the hazard identification and risk assessment process sends a clear message: Safety is an ongoing commitment, not a one-time project.
“HIRA is never a one-person job—it’s a collaborative mission that thrives on multidisciplinary teamwork, smart tools, and crystal-clear communication. When insights from the field meet strategic thinking, risk management becomes not just effective, but transformational.”
Let’s be real—no single person has a complete 360-degree view of all the risks in a complex industrial environment. That’s why one of the smartest things you can do is build a multidisciplinary HIRA team. In fact, involving people from different departments isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a strategic necessity.
When safety officers, process engineers, supervisors, field operators and even maintenance staff sit at the same table, you get a broader and more accurate picture of potential hazards. Each person brings their unique insights and experience. For example, a maintenance technician might highlight a recurring mechanical fault that no one else knew about. That’s the kind of detail that can make or break a risk assessment. Eduskills Training always emphasize this team-based approach in our workshops and consulting projects. Because, let’s face it—safety isn’t a solo mission. It’s a collaborative effort.
Now, let’s talk tools. A well-executed HIRA isn’t based on gut feelings or guesswork. It’s powered by industry-standard techniques and proven methodologies.
For instance, we often use:
Depending on the site and scope of the assessment, digital tools like risk matrix software, cloud-based dashboards and mobile data collection apps can add serious efficiency and accuracy to the process. But here’s the golden rule: use the right tool for the right job. Overcomplicating things can confuse your team and slow down progress. On the other hand, underestimating the complexity of certain hazards can leave serious gaps in your risk profile. That’s why training your team on how to use these tools effectively is just as important as choosing the tools themselves.
You could run the most detailed hazard identification and risk assessment in the world—but if it’s not documented and communicated properly, it might as well not exist. Clear documentation serves two key purposes. First, it creates a permanent record of risks, controls and decision-making, which is critical for audits, inspections and regulatory compliance. Second, it ensures that your risk control strategies are actually understood and implemented by the workforce. However, don’t just bury your findings in a dusty folder or a 200-page PDF. The goal is to translate risk data into actionable insights. That means using simplified summaries, visual aids like risk matrices, toolbox talks and interactive safety briefings.
Also, communication should never be one-way. Encourage feedback from front-line staff, create a culture of openness and most importantly, make safety a regular topic of conversation—not just during incidents or audits. Because when people understand the “why” behind a control measure, they’re far more likely to follow it.
Let’s start with the most common pitfall—missing hazards during the initial assessment phase. It happens more often than you’d think, especially in fast-paced environments like oil rigs or offshore installations where tasks are tightly scheduled and risks are often overlooked under pressure. In some cases, teams rely too heavily on standard checklists or past experiences, ignoring new or changing conditions. But the truth is, even the most experienced safety officer can miss a hazard if it isn’t systematically assessed or observed across shifts, job roles or seasonal changes.
So, how do you fix this? It’s simple but powerful: conduct cross-functional walkthroughs, involve workers at all levels and don’t rush the process. Also, try to revisit your hazard identification regularly—because hazards evolve, especially when new equipment, materials or procedures are introduced.
Here’s another trap many organizations fall into—downplaying the potential impact of a known hazard. Just because an incident hasn’t occurred before doesn’t mean it won’t. This mindset can lead to serious consequences.
For example, a gas leak that’s “never happened in 10 years” is still a ticking time bomb. And sadly, some teams tend to assign lower risk scores simply to avoid extra paperwork or because they believe their control measures are “good enough.”
To overcome this, we recommend using quantitative risk assessment (QRA) models wherever possible. Back your risk severity scores with real-world data, historical trends and expert analysis. In our Eduskills Training programs, we emphasize the need to look beyond what’s convenient and focus on what’s potentially catastrophic, even if the probability is low. Remember, high-consequence risks with low likelihood still deserve top priority.
One-off HIRA sessions don’t cut it. Yet, many companies treat HIRA as a formality—a box-ticking exercise to meet legal requirements or impress auditors.
What’s missing is the mindset of continuous improvement. Just like any dynamic system, the workplace changes, new risks emerge and older controls may become less effective over time. Without ongoing reviews, audits and workforce feedback, your risk register will go stale—and that’s when things start slipping through the cracks.
The solution? Build a feedback loop. Regularly update your HIRA documentation, involve teams in after-action reviews and use incident reports and near-miss data to evolve your safety strategies. It’s also wise to schedule quarterly or bi-annual HIRA reviews as part of your wider safety management system.
At Eduskills Training, we often say: “HIRA isn’t a snapshot—it’s a living document.” Keep it alive and it’ll keep your people safe.
In 2024, a major upstream oil and gas operator in Abu Dhabi approached our team at Eduskills Training to support a high-stakes expansion project. The site involved the installation of new gas compression systems and simultaneous drilling operations—a classic example of a high-risk environment demanding precision in hazard analysis.
The stakes were high. Delays or mishaps could have cost millions, not to mention the potential threat to human lives and the environment. Therefore, the client was clear: “We need a robust and customized HIRA that covers every inch of the operation—nothing generic.”
This was our opportunity to show how a well-executed HIRA could transform risk management into a competitive advantage.
We began with a comprehensive site survey, involving key personnel from operations, safety, maintenance and engineering. Each risk was approached from multiple angles—mechanical, chemical, operational and even environmental.
Next, we followed our structured five-step HIRA process:
Notably, we trained the site HSE team on how to replicate and update the HIRA independently—because sustainability matters just as much as delivery.
The results were both immediate and impressive.
But beyond the numbers, the greatest outcome was a mindset shift. Workers started viewing safety not just as compliance, but as a shared value. One of the project engineers even told us, “This was the first time I actually felt confident that our team was in control of the risks—not the other way around.”
The key lesson here? When you invest in a thorough, well-communicated and team-driven HIRA process, you don’t just reduce risks—you create a culture of ownership and accountability. At Eduskills Training, this is exactly the level of impact we aim for in every HIRA project we lead or support.
As we’ve explored throughout this blog, conducting a high-impact Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) in the oil and gas sector isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a strategic necessity. Because of the inherently high-risk nature of this industry, even a small oversight can lead to serious consequences.Â
The oil and gas industry doesn’t forgive complacency. That’s exactly why professionals, supervisors and safety managers must treat HIRA not as a one-time report—but as a living process that evolves with the job, the site and the team.
At Eduskills Training, we bring this mindset to life. Through our expert-led training, real-world consultancy and personalized support, we help organizations across the UAE and the Gulf region move from reactive risk management to a proactive safety culture. So, whether you’re planning a new project or revisiting your current safety framework, remember:
The strength of your HIRA process could be the very thing that saves lives, protects your assets and ensures long-term operational success.
Let us work with you to strengthen every layer of your risk management.
Hazard identification finds potential dangers, while risk assessment evaluates the likelihood and severity of those dangers.
Because it helps prevent accidents, reduce downtime, protect lives, and ensure regulatory compliance in extremely hazardous environments.
The five main steps are: hazard identification, risk assessment, risk evaluation, implementation of control measures and regular monitoring.
A multidisciplinary team including HSE professionals, engineers, supervisors and frontline workers ensures a comprehensive risk review.
Hazard identification and risk assessment should be performed at the start of any new project and reviewed periodically or when significant changes occur in operations.
Tools may include checklists, HAZOP studies, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), audits and real-time risk tracking software.
Not entirely. While the framework remains the same, each project needs a customized HIRA based on its unique risks and environment.
Unidentified hazards can lead to serious incidents, including injuries, environmental damage, legal liabilities and financial losses.
Risk severity is determined by evaluating both the probability of occurrence and the impact of the hazard if it were to materialize.
Yes, risk management software can streamline data collection, risk tracking, and reporting for more accurate and timely assessments.
Eduskills Training offers expert-led HIRA consultancy and training customized to your sector, ensuring compliance, safety and operational efficiency.
Mr. Ali Bhatti, leading as a General Manager at Eduskills Technical and Occupational Skills Training, UAE has over 20 years of expertise in health and safety, professional training and business development. With an MBA in Project Management and certifications like NEBOSH HSW, he is passionate about empowering individuals and organizations to create safer, more productive workplaces through innovative and career-oriented trainings, ISO consultancy and career counseling.
Team Eduskills Training is passionate about writing content that adds value and empowers you. If you found this blog insightful, give it a share—it might help someone in your network too!
We can be reach via:
Dubai Office: +971 4395 9077
Abu Dhabi Office: +971 2631 9404
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.eduskillstraining.com
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