The oil and gas industry has, from times immemorial, been perceived to be a sector that is highly prone to operational accidents and mishaps. Indeed, millions of oil and gas workers around the world are exposed to hazardous environments to perform functions that poses significant risks to life and limb.
In such an industry therefore, health and safety measures is and should be of paramount importance. The numerous industry professionals we have been speaking to since the onset of the oil and gas downturn, have all been unanimous in stating that despite the severe financial pressures, one operational aspect that has never and will not be compromised is health, safety and environment (HSE).
Investments by stakeholders from various segments of the oil and gas industry in HSE efforts have either risen or at least remained stable during the prevailing recession. Despite that, several accidents, mostly fire-related incidents, have happened in the energy sector, including in the MENA region – 2016 saw a number of such mishaps occur in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran.
Innovation and application of smart practices, supported by the use of efficient products and technology, is thus key to securing workplace safety and achieving a robust HSE mechanism. Effective approaches to HSE issues and successes in raising safety standards is something that the ‘HSE Initiative of the Year’ category of the 8th annual Oil & Gas Middle East and Refining & Petrochemicals Middle East Awards 2017 seeks to acknowledge.
From producing protective clothing for workers, to manufacturing simple gadgets and devices, to making fire safety equipment, to creating automated systems and software for tracking the movement of workers, to implementing new and stringent HSE regulations in operational areas, are all examples of the HSE initiatives that we seek to recognise and elevate at the Awards.
If you think your product or project helps improve safety in oil and gas and sets new industry standards, please send in your nomination, citing why your initiative should be considered for recognition.
