Defensive pessimism-like thinking in practice: the (dys)functional strategy for coping with risk uncertainty in the offshore oilfield?

Adams, Nicholas Norman

Abstract

UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) offshore oilfield drilling is recognised as a high-hazard occupation that occurs in one of the riskiest locations in the world. Dangerous machinery, combustible hydrocarbons, unpredictable weather conditions, rapidly shifting situational factors, rotating crews, and lengthy travel over rough seas by helicopter are just some salient risk-factors. At present, little scholarly research explores how regular offshore workers develop cognitive strategies to attempt to cope with ever-present risks. This research draws on an embedded ethnography of a remote offshore oilfield drilling platform in the UK North Sea. The risks of working offshore and the strategies workers developed and employed to deal with continual risk uncertainties were discussed in face-to-face interviews with thirty-five active drilling crew as they laboured on complex well-drilling operations. Notably, defensive pessimism (DP)-like thinking was recurrently exhibited, with many workers recounting detailed narratives of mental role-play for "worst case" offshore and helicopter travel scenarios. Often, thinking appeared interlinked with strengthening motifs for workers' preparation and planning skills regarding occupational risk possibilities. These strategies are presented, as is a discussion of the effects such strategies had upon oilmen. The benefits of growing scholarly conversation surrounding DP-like thinking in practice are highlighted. alongside the methodological application of DP theory for further study surrounding practical development of coping strategies in similar high-risk workspaces.

Citation

ADAMS, N.N. 2023. Defensive pessimism-like thinking in practice: the (dys)functional strategy for coping with risk uncertainty in the offshore oilfield? Journal of risk research [online], 26(5), pages 547-562. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2023.2187433

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Mar 20, 2023
• Publication Date: May 31, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 21, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 21, 2023
• Journal: Journal of risk research
• Print ISSN: 1366-9877
• Electronic ISSN: 1466-4461
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 26
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 547-562
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2023.2187433
• Keywords: Defensive pessimism; UK North Sea; Offshore drilling; High-risk workplaces; Hazardous workplaces; Coping strategies
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1898980