Industry leaders are expected to tackle the key health, safety and environment issues at a major conference tomorrow (Wednesday, November 6).
More than 300 people are expected to attend OGUK’s inaugural HSE Conference which brings together leading trade organisations, industry experts and key regulators to improve safety across the UK Continental Shelf.
OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie and HSE Chair Martin Temple will address the overarching theme ‘Solving Tomorrow’s Challenges, Today’, at the event which focuses on the prevention of hydrocarbon releases, control of major accident hazards, emissions reduction and the mental health of the workforce.
Media are invited to attend the one-day event which will feature a number of distinguished keynote speakers.
Who: OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie and HSE Chair Martin Temple
What: OGUK HSE Conference
Where: P&J Live
When: Wednesday, November 6th, registration opens at 8am
In her opening address to conference, OGUK chief executive Deirdre Michie is expected to say:
“Our 2019 Health and Safety Report published last week outlined areas where we must continue to drive action and, while there are ongoing improvements in aviation safety, there is much more to be done to reduce major hydrocarbon releases.
“The downward trend in HCRs shown in a three-year moving average plateaued in 2018 – if the rate continues on the current trajectory this year there will be an increase which would be the first in a decade.
“It’s a badge we don’t want, and one which we are working hard to avoid. To address this, alongside our members, the regulator, Step Change in Safety and the MER Asset Integrity Task Group, we have developed a robust release prevention plan, endorsing principles in process safety leadership.
“We should also remind ourselves that the report’s findings are not just numbers on a page – they are about our colleagues, friends and family.
“This is also why I am really pleased that OGUK is working across industry to improve understanding of mental health, among other factors.”
Speaking ahead of the conference, HSE chair Martin Temple said: “This conference marks a very welcome development in the industry’s approach to managing its major accident risks, including those caused by major hydrocarbon releases.
“I’m pleased to be able endorse OGUK’s new Offshore Process Safety Leadership Principles, which industry has developed in recognition of the critical role that leaders must play in the prevention of major accidents.
“The principles are closely aligned to HSE’s strategic priorities of improving leadership, assurance, and workforce engagement. I’m confident that adoption of these principles can play a central role in risk management and keeping people safe and well.”
Keynote speakers include Ray Riddoch, managing director UK and SVP Europe and Africa at CNOOC International, and Gretchen Haskins, CEO of HeliOffshore.
Further speakers include Trevor Stapleton, health and safety manager at OGUK, Louise O’Hara Murray, environment manager at OGUK, Steve Rae, executive director of Step Change in Safety, Wendy Kennedy, CEO of OPRED, Janice Milne, head of national operations at SEPA, and Chris Flint, energy director at HSE.