Performance indicators

As the industry continues to progress towards addressing the issues identified within the HSE's KP3 report, the Asset Integrity Steering Group (AISG) collates and monitors industry data that measures a number of parameters which are intended to indicate progress against some of the findings of the report. The data available informs the AISG and helps it make informed decisions on strategies to be pursued in the future.

Although confidential, anonymous data will shortly be made available to industry leaders. This will let them know how their organisation is performing against the industry as a whole.

Site visits

Work is ongoing with a view to establishing the practice of MDs and other leaders accompanying technical authorities on site visits. This is intended to elevate and support the role of the TA whilst at the same time demonstrating the commitment of our leaders on this issue. This is not seen as a short term initiative. It is intended to be an example of good practice that should be maintained indefinitely. The activity offers managers a level of insight that is difficult to obtain solely by reviewing reports and statistics.

The AISG, following concerns raised about hydrocarbon release performance, has been challenging the Step Change Leadership Team on whether the industry is effectively implementing and sustaining the improvements and arrangements previously identified. Given the potential associated with hydrocarbon releases, the SCLT are very aware of the consequences of not sustaining focus on asset integrity.

For further information on Step Change's asset integrity work, please contact Ian Crossan on iancrossan@stepchangeinsafety.net

Effective workforce engagement is required if our industry is going to improve its safety performance. Our aim is to try and better understand what factors support and promote effective workforce engagement and what gets in the way. We have set up three subgroups to look at some core issues:

Leadership: What aspects of leadership promote workforce engagement?

Culture: What is it about the culture of an organisation that leads to better workforce     engagement?

Barriers: What is preventing better workforce engagement?

The focus of these groups is on identifying existing good practice rather than research and theory. Let's find out what works and share it. You may even get to meet members of the 'culture' group who will be visiting offshore installations to collect information.

For further information, contact Dave Nicholls on dave@stepchangeinsafety.net

This very active workgroup currently has four sub workgroups, concentrating on:

Control of Work (PTW)

This group has developed a standard for the competence of performing authorities (PA). Competent PAs are fundamental to the safe control of work. It is therefore essential that following initial training and company/ local induction, the ability of the new PA to put the newly acquired skills and knowledge into practice is confirmed. This practical demonstration should be carried out by means of an on the job assessment (practical demonstration of required skills) of the new PAs ability to carry out the role and responsibilities effectively.

Lifting Standards Training and Competence

This large sub group has successfully developed standards for banksmen, lifting and rigging, and Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) competent persons. At the end of the course, candidates will be given a theory test which will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of learning outcomes. A pass mark of 80% is required and must be achieved to allow progress.

Safety Leadership Competence

Very much in its infancy, this group is attempting to address issues that can be standardised to make the identification and selection processes and the training of supervisors more effective.

Minimum industry safety training update

More than 1000 new starts and nearly 1000 experienced employees have been through the MIST course. Feedback has been collected and 70% of people felt the course was useful or very useful and that new information is being learned. Certain problematic questions have been identified which need to be corrected to make them as clear as possible. OPITO - The Oil & Gas Academy will review the last six months of implementation with feedback from all user companies concerned.