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Working together for Safety and Health in 2009
The Oil and Gas Industry in Australia is aiming to develop a reputation as a global leader. In working to achieve this aim the industry is committed to:
- Making safety the number one value and not supporting any decision that compromises safety for the sake of any other business objective;
- Achieving a year-on-year reduction in all safety incidents, including high-potential near-miss events; and
- Adopting an industry-wide target of zero safety incidents and high potential near-miss events.
Oil and gas CEOs have adopted an industry aspiration that applies to everyone working in our industry from title holders, operators, contractors to the workforce:
“By working together, nobody gets harmed"
In recent years the industry experienced unprecedented levels of activity and economic prosperity. This brought with it particular challenges in terms of huge pressures on facilities, plant and equipment, and challenges in recruiting and retaining supervisors and workers with the level of skills and experience required to operate safely and effectively.
Currently however, the oil and gas industry, along with the rest of industry and the world, is experiencing an economic downturn and in some cases serious financial pressures. This environment brings it with it a new set of challenges and opportunities. Corporate spending decisions are crucial to safety in such economic times. This is a critical time for safety in our industry and our commitment to safety must remain strong.
Focus on Safety in Economic Downturn
In periods of economic downturn the pressure to trim operational expenses can be all too real, with the potential for maintenance projects to be delayed and operator positions cut. The message must be – we all need to remain 100% focused on safety, we must work together and we must focus on investment in infrastructure, preventative maintenance and retaining key skills and experience.
John Bresland, Chairman of from the US Chemical Safety Board has reinforced this message in a safety broadcast at: www.youtube.com/safetymessages.
Safety & Health Performance
APPEA collects quantitive information regarding the safety and health performance of the oil and gas industry. This information enables APPEA and its members to provide transparent information to the community with respect to the industry’s performance.
New Reporting Requirement - High Potential Incidents
In 2009, APPEA has introduced a new requirement to report high potential incidents, defined as incidents with the potential for fatality or multiple fatalities.
Safety and health data is available from APPEA’s Director Skills & Safety, Miranda Taylor. Click here to contact Miranda.
In addition, every two years APPEA publishes a Health, Safety, Environment and Social Performance Report. Click here to access the 2005/2006 Report. The Report for 2007/2008 will be published in mid 2009.
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Policy & Industry Issues 
APPEA Health, Safety, Environment and Social Performance Report.
