STEP CHANGE IN
SAFETY SPLITS FROM
OFFSHORE TRADE
ASSOCIATION
The tripartite body established to spearhead
safety improvements in the oil and gas
industry has split from the offshore trade
association citing “confusion over roles,
functions and relationships”.
S
ince 1st January, Step Change in Safety, which was a
subsidiary of Oil and Gas UK, has instead been owned by its
137 members from across the oil and gas industry supply
chain. Step Change in Safety is now governed by a board of
directors, which includes senior representatives from member
companies, union and HSE representatives and offshore safety
representatives.
The body was established in 1997 with the aim of reducing
the UK offshore injury rate by 50%. Its current aim is to make the
North Sea the afest oil province in the world. It brings together
operators and contractors, trade unions, regulators and the
onshore and offshore workforce to drive imporvements.
Les Linklater, executive director for Step Change in Safety,
said: “In 2007 Step Change in became a subsidiary of Oil and
Gas UK, but the model led to confusion over roles, functions
and relationships.
“Independence creates better distinction between the two
organisations with greater autonomy. We will be owned and
managed by our members to ensure we represent every part of
the oil and gas industry.
“While Step Change in Safety’s legal entity has changed, our
purpose remains the same: to continuously improve the safety
of the North Sea. We cannot do this without collaborating
with operators, contactors, regulators and the unions: being
member-owned will ensure levels of collaboration increase as
we continue to serve the onshore and offshore workforce day
in, day out.”
Lewis Macdonald, Scottish Labour’s energy spokesperson,
said the move could be positive one during what is a volatile
period for the sector as the oil price continues to fall.
“The news is fairly positive, because it includes
representations from the trade unions and the Health and
Safety Executive,” he told STV Aberdeen. “We have to make sure
that the current fall in oil prices isn’t used as a reason to cut
corners when it comes to safety.
“There have been strides forward in this area during the last
few years, but we can’t afford to stand still. We have to take
care in a climate of uncertainty that safety is not compromised.
I am confident that Step Change in Safety will want to press
home that message in the future.” `
Original Source: https://sm.britsafe.org/step-change-safetysplits-offshore-trade-association#sthash.1bvVTXzN.dpuf
HSE INTERNATIONAL
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