SME ML & DROPS

Operational Scope

Civil Works | Drilling & Completions | Work Over | Facilities | Production

The Mechanical Lifting & DROPS Subject Matter Expert Lead is the SLB Mutriba Project authority for the safe design, planning, execution, and continuous improvement of Mechanical Lifting and Dropped Objects Prevention (DROPS) activities across the Mutriba Field Development Project. The role combines planning and operational SME oversight of lifting operations with assurance of the Project's DROPS system implementation, ensuring full compliance with SLB standards, client requirements, and applicable regulatory frameworks across all project phases and contractor interfaces.

• Mechanical Lifting SME
  • Lead the planning, preparation, implementation, monitoring, and review of Mechanical Lifting Plans (MLPs) for all project phases, including all prevention and mitigation measures.
  • Review and validate all critical lifting plans prepared by SLB and contractors, categorize lifts in accordance with the Lift Categorization Questionnaire, and submit Critical and Non‑Routine lifts to the right channels.
  • Supervise the execution of Non‑Routine, Critical, and Complex lifts across all project locations, such as Rig Mobilization, Initial Rig Moves, Skidding operations and de‑mobilization.
  • Ensure all lifting risk assessments (HARC/JSA) are prepared, reviewed, and adequate prior to the commencement of any lifting operation.
  • Assess Pre‑Job Safety Meetings (PJSMs) related to mechanical lifting operations and verify that controls identified in the MLP and HARC are communicated and understood by all participants.
  • Advise and stop lifting operations during adverse weather conditions (lightning, high‑wind events) and verify suspension and resumption criteria are clearly defined and enforced at site level.
  • Establish, maintain, and audit all Project Lifting Equipment Registers across all rig sites and call‑out services, ensuring all lifting appliances and accessories are inspected, certified, color‑coded, and fit for purpose.
  • Verify that third‑party lifting equipment introduced to SLB managed sites holds valid certification from an LEEA‑accredited or equivalent body, aligned with applicable standards.
  • Ensure adequate storage and in‑service maintenance of all lifting gear and accessories in accordance with project and client’s requirements.
  • Drive compliance with SLB’s Mechanical Lifting Standard (SLB‑HSE‑S013) and Mechanical Lifting B.O.O.K. (SLB‑HSE‑M013) across all contractor interfaces.
  • Conduct frequent, structured audits of all ML activities and equipment at rig sites and call‑out service locations, documenting findings and tracking corrective actions closure.
  • Perform ML related assessments for the Annual Audit and Inspection Plan (AAIP) to verify ongoing compliance with SLB standards, client procedures, and regulatory requirements.
  • Report all lifting‑related events in QUEST (SLB incident management system) in a timely manner, ensuring accuracy of classification, causal analysis, and corrective/preventive action assignment.
  • Lead or actively participate in investigations of any incident, near miss, or high‑potential event related to mechanical lifting operations.
  • Coach, assess, and verify the competence of personnel involved in ML operations such as Lifting Supervisors, Crane Operators, Banksmen, and Riggers, against defined competency frameworks.
  • Maintain competency assessment records and ensure training validity periods are tracked and renewed.
  • Deliver or coordinate delivery of ML awareness and technical training as required by project needs.
  • Serve as primary interface with customer’s Lifting Authority for ML plans, approvals, and regulatory compliance.
• DROPS Authority
  • Project‑level DROPS Program Assurance Lead for integrity, consistency, and effectiveness of the DROPS prevention program across all Mutriba Project locations.
  • Review, evaluate, and formally validate DROPS Inspection Reports submitted by rig sites and service locations, verifying accuracy on findings, classification, and effectiveness and closure of corrective actions.
  • Validate the correct implementation of DROPS, including DROPS Zone identification,…