HSE International ISSUE 95 | Page 10

NEWS OSCC TO FOCUS ON SAFETY IN LOWER OIL PRICE TIMES The “economics of safety at $50 oil” is the topic for this year’s OPITO Safety and Competence Conference (OSCC) which will take place on 3 November 2015 in Abu Dhabi. OSCC is the only global annual event wholly focused on safety and competence in the oil and gas industry. T he “economics of safety at $50 oil” is the topic for this year’s OPITO Safety and Competence Conference (OSCC) which will take place on 3 November 2015 in Abu Dhabi. OSCC is the only global annual event wholly focused on safety and competence in the oil and gas industry. With the offshore industry’s focus firmly on reducing costs and increasing efficiency, this year’s OSCC will explore how the sector maintains competence and continues to keep its people safe in a lower oil price environment. Over 500 delegates and 20 exhibitors are expected at OSCC 2015 where leaders from the oil and gas supply chain and world-renowned experts in safety will participate in keynote sessions and panel debate on ways to avoid long-term damage to safety and reputation as a result of short-term measures that may cut training and development budgets. David Doig, group chief executive for OPITO said: “With operators looking for ways to cut costs in the current climate it is imperative that there are no compromises when it comes to the safety of the workforce and risk to the environment. “It is a challenging time for many but the economic conditions cannot be a reason to relax standards. That said, businesses will be looking to make savings and we will examine ways in which this can be done without cutting corners on safety. “Through a blend of presentations from leaders in oil and gas and other industries, delegates will be inspired to implement strategies that increase efficiency while making sure people are not at risk.” The OSCC is the only global event focused on debating the issues around safety and competency in the industry in the way it relates to people. It brings together industry leaders, government bodies, regulators and training providers to share new thinking and best practice. This platform provides an opportunity to hear from safety leaders from other industries, learn about new thinking, find out more about global standards and new training practices and network with industry decision-makers who are committed to making the oil and gas sector safer for every employee, anywhere in the world. Last year’s event, which attracted over 400 delegates from 30 countries was opened by the Minister of Energy for the United Arab Emirates, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei. International training standards body, OPITO, devised the event as part of its drive for common global standards across the oil and gas industry to improve safety and competence. The OSCC will be held in the Dusit Thani Hotel in Abu Dhabi. More information and registration details can be found at www.opito-oscc.com Original Source: http://www.opito.com/news-article/osccto-focus-on-safety-in-lower-oil-price-times US JUDGE REJECTS BP’S BID TO DECREASE $13.7BN FINE FOR 2010 GULF OF MEXICO OIL SPILL A US judge has rejected BP’s bid to reduce the maximum civil penalty of $13.7bn it could face for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. U S District Judge Carl Barbier agreed with the federal government claim that BP has to pay a fine of $4,300 per barrel, rejecting the company’s appeal to pay $3,000 per barrel as per the coun