Preventing and controlling COVID-19: a practical-based review in offshore workplace. (Special Issue: Evaluating of the COVID-19 pandemic responses.)

An offshore platform is a workplace with complex facilities and limited space due to the complex installed equipment and components. Therefore, the offshore as enclosed area platform is more likely to have a high risk of COVID-19 outbreak. Furthermore, a company must strictly follow health protocols to prevent workers from being exposed to COVID-19 in the offshore workplace. However, workers are often forced to onboard without proper health protocols because of operational needs and production targets. This paper aimed to explore the essence of the steps in preventing and controlling COVID-19 in the offshore workplace and the challenges. The analysis found that the company must take preventive measures against COVID-19 before workers are on board and in the workplace and control it using the hierarchy of control: engineering control, administrative control, and personal protective equipment (PPE).