Pipeline construction plays a crucial role in delivering energy resources across vast regions, connecting oil and gas fields to refineries and consumers. In Canada, the Trans Mountain Expansion project is the latest example, with nearly 1,000 kilometers of new pipeline running from Edmonton to the Vancouver coast, parallel to the existing pipeline originally built in the 1950s.
The expansion increases the system’s capacity from 300,000 to 890,000 barrels per day. After years of controversy and cost overruns, it’s a small miracle that the project was completed at all. Now that it’s been in operation for a few months, it seems to be having the desired effect on the market, as new trade routes to Asia are opening up earlier than expected.
With oil and gas production showing no signs of slowing down, pipelines will continue to be built to deliver them. But this essential work comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of safety. From high-risk construction sites to environmental concerns, pipeline projects demand strict safety protocols to protect workers, local communities, and the environment.
Pipeline construction involves heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and work in remote locations, making it one of the most challenging sectors in terms of occupational safety. Worker injuries, spills, and equipment failures can result in catastrophic consequences, ranging from environmental disasters to loss of life.
James Kydd, who has over 25 years of experience managing pipeline projects, emphasizes the importance of safety as a top priority for the industry. “Safety isn’t just a box to check,” Kydd says. “It’s the foundation of everything we do on a project. If you can’t do it safely, you shouldn’t be doing it at all.”
Kydd has overseen some of North America’s largest pipeline developments and understands the unique risks involved. Whether it’s dealing with hazardous materials like crude oil or operating in extreme weather conditions, Kydd explains that “every single step of the construction process has a safety aspect to it—there’s no room for error when you’re moving millions of barrels of oil or gas.”
Pipeline projects face a wide range of safety issues due to the nature of the work and the environments in which it takes place. Some of the most common safety challenges include:
Extreme Weather Conditions: Pipelines often stretch across remote areas, from the frozen tundras of northern Canada to the deserts of Texas. These environments expose workers to extreme heat, cold, and other hazardous weather conditions.
“Working in the Canadian winter is no joke,” says Kydd. “We’ve had teams out in minus 40 degrees Celsius, and under those conditions, frostbite can happen in minutes if you aren’t careful. You need to be prepared not just physically, but mentally.”
Heavy Equipment and Machinery: Pipeline construction requires heavy machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and welding equipment. The use of such equipment comes with the risk of accidents if safety measures aren’t properly followed. Every piece of machinery must be inspected daily, and operators undergo rigorous training.
Hazardous Materials: Pipelines transport hazardous substances such as natural gas, crude oil, and chemicals. Any leak or spill poses severe risks to workers, local communities, and the environment. This is a major cause of the controversies and lawsuits that arise when pipeline projects are proposed. For the industry to thrive, there must be no compromise when it comes to protecting against spills.
Remote Locations and Accessibility: Many pipelines traverse remote and inaccessible terrain, where emergency services are not readily available. This increases the importance of onsite safety measures, as help may be hours away in the case of an accident. Teams must be self-reliant with staff that are well-trained in emergency response preparedness.
One of the key developments in recent years is the increased use of automation and remote monitoring systems in pipeline construction and operation. For example, drones are now used for aerial inspections, reducing the need for workers to be in potentially dangerous locations. Additionally, automated welding machines help reduce the risk of human error during the construction process.
In addition to technological innovations, safety protocols have been significantly strengthened across the industry. Regular safety audits, improved personal protective equipment (PPE), and better training programs are just a few of the steps being taken to ensure the safety of pipeline workers.
Workers go through extensive training programs before they are allowed on-site, and daily safety meetings are standard practice to address concerns or potential risks.
While worker safety is paramount, the safety of surrounding communities and the environment is of equal importance. Modern pipeline projects now incorporate more advanced leak detection systems and emergency shut-off protocols to minimize the risk of environmental disasters.
“We’re more conscious than ever about the impact our work has on the environment,” Kydd says. “We have real-time monitoring systems that detect the smallest changes in pressure, and if something goes wrong, we can shut down the system in minutes.”
Leadership plays a crucial role in ensuring that safety remains the top priority throughout a project. “Safety starts at the top,” he asserts. “As a supervisor, I make sure my team knows that their safety comes before meeting deadlines or cutting costs. It’s important to set that tone from the very beginning.”
Kydd emphasizes the importance of communication in creating a culture of safety. “If a worker spots a potential hazard, they need to feel comfortable speaking up,” he says. “No one should ever be afraid to hit the pause button if something doesn’t feel right.”
Continued collaboration between industry leaders, government regulators, and safety experts is key to maintaining high safety standards. “Everyone in this industry understands that safety is non-negotiable,” Kydd concludes. “With the right leadership, technology, and commitment, we can continue to raise the bar and keep our workers, communities, and environment safe.”
Pipeline construction remains a high-risk industry, but with the right safety protocols, training, and technology, many of these risks can be mitigated. As energy needs continue to rise with a growing population, this focus on safety is crucial to ensuring the sustainability of pipeline projects.