Petrobras Oil Platforms P-43, P-31, P-32, and P-56 Experience Covid Outbreak in Campos Basin

Workers Embarked on Oil Platforms Have Noticed and Reported Relaxation of Various Health Rules, Leading to a Deterioration of Conditions Onboard the Units

Last Friday, January 7, Sindipetro-NF reported the possibility of a Covid outbreak on the P-43 platform, operated by Petrobras, in the Campos Basin. On Sunday, the organization received reports that three more oil platforms had experienced Covid contamination cases: P-31, P-32, and P-56.

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On the Petrobras P-31 oil platform, four cabins were isolated, with four workers showing symptoms and about 15 people in contact. According to Sindipetro-NF, the four symptomatic workers were disembarked at the Vitória airport. Workers onboard report that management instructs the use of hand sanitizer, yet there is no sanitizer available on the platform.

Workers onboard have noticed and reported the relaxation of various health rules, which has worsened the situation aboard the platforms.

Mass Testing Aboard Petrobras P-56 Oil Platform Detected Positive Workers.

Sindipetro-NF also received reports that the P-32 and P-56 platforms confirmed seven cases of Covid-19, although it was not specified how many were in each unit separately. We have information that mass testing was conducted on Thursday, 6, aboard the P-56, detecting two positive workers.

According to the organization, Petrobras is having trouble providing exclusive cabins for positive and contact workers in the P-56 unit.

On the P-43, despite the infected individuals being disembarked, 15 contacts were kept onboard. Sindipetro reminds that, according to Resolution No. 584 of ANVISA, they should remain without contact with the other workers onboard, including having their meals in isolation and being monitored.

The management of Sindipetro-NF informs that some workers are facing difficulties in disembarkation at airports, complicating their return home. The organization reminds Petrobras that the state-owned company is responsible for providing all the infrastructure for the worker, from the moment of disembarkation until arrival at home, without contamination of other individuals during this journey.

According to the MPT, Workers Cannot Be Kept in Isolation Aboard

The union emphasizes the need for constant testing of everyone onboard and continues to ask Petrobras if the MPT’s recommendations are being followed. It is important to remember that, according to the MPT, workers cannot be kept in isolation onboard, new embarkations must be suspended until all suspected or confirmed cases are disembarked, and there must be complete disinfection of the unit and outbreak control within the unit.

It is very important that oil workers keep the union informed about health and safety conditions at work. Reports can be sent to denuncia@sindipetronf.org.br. The identity of the whistleblower is preserved.

Response from Petrobras

Petrobras states that its operational activities, which ensure the supply of essential goods and services, have never been interrupted and have been carried out continuously and in accordance with the strictest safety standards: testing; physical distancing; mandatory and proper use of masks; hand and equipment hygiene procedures; adjustment of workforce; early identification and isolation of employees with signs, symptoms, and contacts with suspected cases of the disease; ongoing guidance on preventive measures against Covid-19; among others. All new confirmed cases are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, and the P-43, P-31, P-32, and P-56 units continue to operate.

Petrobras continuously monitors both internal and external indicators and adjusts its measures when necessary, constantly assessing the rational use of resources and always maintaining strict standards for the safety of employees.

by- Sindipetro-NF