Energy topicPresentation by working groupSeptember 2015Joint
US/EU ConferenceIssuesEnergy sectors in two regions are very
different but many problems are similar. Some companies operate in
both regions.Oil and Gas exploration and production have relatively
mature safety systems, although that does not always translate into
an effective safety culture or outcomes.Still a high hazard sector
for fatalities and injuries as well as occ health risks. On some
sites there can also be major hazard, environmental and societal
risks. Safety issues arise not just from production and exploration
but also transportation of people and materials.
RegulationUS - mainly federal. Concern that regulation making is
slow and probably more catching up rather than leading.Europe-
European regulations provide a framework but each country is
responsible for its own national laws, but they must comply with
the EU regs as a minimum. Recent regulations have emphasised the
role of the operator and the importance of the safety case.US
regulations tend to be more prescriptive and EU tend to be more
goal-setting.
Regulations are not the sole solutionRegulations are not the
complete solution in themselves and industry standards and guidance
are an important way of ensuring that industry achieves and goes
beyond compliance. Many successes transcend classical models of
regulation and show that leadership and partnership are
important.Operators also are influenced by risk of reputational
damage from high impact incidents. Many examples of joint working
in production and distribution. Examples given that higher safety
can lead to higher returns in terms of productivity or
profitability.Shifting the dialogue from safety in isolation to
maintaining safe production and economic growth.
Other energy industriesConsidered mainly oil and gas exploration
and production but also electrical distribution. Brief mention of
renewable but not discussed in detail.Group believes that the area
of other energy industries is ideal for cross-atlantic
cooperation.
Problems affecting safety culturesfragmentation of the industry,
transitory workforce, ageing infrastructure, supply chainageing
workforce, market volatility.competency of management and
workforce. competency and maturity of enterprises.conflict of
systems.Lack of trust and respect.
QuestionsAre current regulations fit for purpose for the oil and
gas industry? Are they transferable to new and emerging sectors
such as renewables?What other drivers for change can we use to
develop a safety culture, including for small enterprises?How can
we ensure management buy-in and leadership?How can we promote
employee engagement?How do we have a meaningful safety culture and
safety regime suitable for the future not just one that is driven
from past incidents.
ThemesNeed to develop more common safety processes and standards
including permits to work, risk management systems, induction,
qualifications across the industry.Need to manage the supply
chain.Importance of worker and the need to encourage and develop
it.A view that for regulation to work it must be practical,
effective, evidence-based, and preferably developed through
consensus between the regulator industry and labour.More can be
done now to develop, share and apply best practice across the
industry and with small organisations.RecommendationsThose present
shall use existing sites including Step-Change in Safety and the
National Steps Network website to post information and exchange
best practice in other jurisdictions on oil and gas and renewables.
A paper will be prepared by the EU delegation to develop a paper on
the EU experience of safety cases to be shared with the US
delegation and also the international regulators (IRF). They will
also host a visit.The US delegation will produce a paper on the
safety issues arising from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for the
EU delegation and would also host a visit to North Dakota.A number
of people undertook to participate in a teleconference quarterly
(US to ocordinate) to ensure these actions are implemented and
build on the momentum.
