The safety of workers employed in the offshore oil & gas industry has long been a compelling issue. To a major and hazardous industry which works to extract hydrocarbons in the harsh conditions of the North Sea, mitigating risk is of the utmost importance.
Companies continue to invest heavily in health and safety in order to make improvements in areas of accident prevention. Indeed, putting safety first promotes a more engaged and motivated workforce, which, in turn, recognises it is valued by its employers.
Effective workforce engagement is vital – especially with staff most likely to be exposed to any potential hazards. They are often the ones best placed to identify solutions to enhance processes and procedures, making them safer.
Last year, companies were given the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safety at the inaugural UK Oil & Gas Industry Safety Awards – and nominations are still open for this year’s prestigious event, principally sponsored by Maersk Oil.
The awards are a celebration of the outstanding people and companies helping to create safer offshore working environments – whether it’s through innovative new processes or exceptional individual enthusiasm.
This year, the safety awards promise to be even bigger and better than last, with a steady stream of entries from those keen to prove they’re making their mark in safety.
Indeed, many of the good ideas showcased at last year’s event have since been shared widely throughout the industry.
There’s still time to enter, with entries being accepted right up until the 11th hour on February 11. The ceremony itself takes place at an awards lunch at the Mercure Ardoe House Hotel, in Aberdeen, on April 20, when the winners will be announced.
Victoria Lee is health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) adviser at BIS Salamis, and won the Most Promising Individual Award at last year’s event. She believes the experience has helped take her career forward, and said: “I was delighted to have won the safety award for the Most Promising Individual last year.
“Not only did it raise my own profile and that of BIS Salamis, but it made me feel valued within the oil & gas industry and encouraged me to continue to strive for improvement within my role.”
Guest speaker at the awards lunch will be Bob Jones, head of flight operations at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, who will discuss the regulator’s unique position in the UK offshore helicopter industry.
He will also speak about the relationships between the helicopter operators, their oil operator customers and Oil & Gas UK, reflecting how safety is managed and research financed and carried out.
Mr Jones will also explain how aviation safety initiatives are progressed through the Helicopter Safety Steering Group and Aviation Safety Technical Group, including the successful improvements to offshore aviation safety brought about as a result of this collaborative working.
Robert Paterson, health, safety and employment issues director with Oil & Gas UK, believes the awards are an ideal opportunity to celebrate success in safety. He said: “Now in their second year, these awards pay tribute to the outstanding individuals and companies who have shown initiative, dedication and enthusiasm for creating safe working cultures.
“Last year’s awards were an overwhelming success, and it’s encouraging to see the industry and the workforce gather to share and celebrate great achievements in making workplaces safer.”
Entries are being accepted for the following categories:
Award for Safety Leadership – it recognises a highly-motivated individual who works tirelessly to ensure their team operates safely and professionally at all times.
Award for Safety Representative of the Year – it recognises an individual’s active participation and effectiveness promoting and committing to the industry’s safety agenda.
Award for Preventative Safety Action – it recognises an individual who, through their proactive and vigilant behaviour, successfully intervened to prevent a potential incident.
Award for the Most Promising Individual – it recognises the enthusiasm of an individual who has demonstrated a keen interest in safety matters and actively embraced the safety culture in the oil & gas industry.
Award for Innovation in Safety (Company Award) – it recognises a company’s innovative approach to safety by implementing a new process or technique.
All winners will receive a specially commissioned medal by contemporary sculptor and medallist Marian Fountain.
Full details of the criteria for each award, how to enter and how to book a place or table at the event, are available at www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/safetyawards
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