The story of Step Change in Safety

Founded in 1997 by the oil and gas industry trade associations, Step Change in Safety has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of the UK energy industry.

Step Change in Safety was founded in 1997 by the oil and gas industry trade associations.

The original aim was to reduce the UK offshore injury rate by 50%, something which was achieved in 2004.

Over time, Step Change in Safety has evolved and adapted to the changing needs of, and challenges faced by, the UK energy industry. We have embraced new technologies, grown our portfolio of events and supported the industry in equipping its workforce to identify hazards and ensure risk is properly controlled. Together with our members, we are improving safety through engagement, leadership and collaboration.

The following timeline charts the milestones in the evolution of Step Change in Safety, from fledgling organisation to a globally respected champion for the safety of the UK’s offshore workforce.

As technology and the oil and gas industry evolves, so too does Step Change in Safety, ensuring that we continue to address the industry’s safety challenges in the most effective way possible.

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1997

Step Change in Safety launched

Deliver a 50% improvement in industry safety performance over the next three years

Green Hat policy

1998

OIM Network

1999

Support team established

ESR Network

Safety Leadership training syllabus

Safety Culture expectations

Look this Way – safety observations system guidelines

Health and Safety Management Systems Interfacing guidance

2000

Changing Minds guidelines

Vantage POB piloted

Best Practice guide to Handling Tubulars

2001

SADIE launched

SPAN Network

OIM Guidance for Offshore Rota and Rest Periods

Leading Performance Indicators guidelines

2002

The UK is the safest place to work in the worldwide oil and gas industry by 2010

Focal Point Network

Green Armband policy

Best Practice guide to Manriding

Understanding SI971 Safety Reps guidance

“Silence is Consent”

2003

Employee Company Induction launched

Fatality Report

Loading Lifeboats during Drills guidance

Leading Performance Indicators updated

Health and Safety Management Systems Interfacing guidance revised

2004

Original target of 50% improvement in industry safety performance was achieved

“It’s Your Choice"

2005

Personal Responsibility for Safety launched

Lifting and Mechanical Handling guidance

Design and Handling of Cargo Baskets guidance

Design and Handling of Chemical Tanks guidance

“Skeleton Sid”

2006

Boots on for Safety launched

Understand SI971 Safety Reps guidance updated

Asset Integrity Toolkit

2007

Step Change in Safety fully funded via membership

Leadership Expectations guidance

Green Hat policy revised

Task Risk Assessment guidance updated

“Consequences” and “Martin’s Story”

2008

Making the UK the safest place to work in the worldwide oil and gas industry

Coaching for Safety guidelines

Safety for Wireline Operations guidance

Step Change in Safety, what you need to know

“Hydrocarbon Release Reduction”

2009

Hydrocarbon Release Reduction Toolkit

Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) launched

2010

50% HCR Reduction Target established

Strategic Plan 2010-2015 established

Human Factors, First Steps guidance

Workplace Health workbook

2011

SI971 Reps on SCLT

Control of Work, Performing Authority standard

Lifting standards updated

2012

Workforce Engagement Toolkit

Assurance & Verification Suite

Mechanical Joint Integrity guidance

2013

Marine Transfer of Personnel guidance

Guidance on Hydrocarbon Release Reduction Plans

“Remembering Piper 25”

50% HCR Reduction Target established

Joined-up Thinking launched

2014

Launch of Human Factors toolkit

2015

Tea Shack News launched

Joined-up Thinking 7Cs packs launched

2016

Introduction of Safe Working Essentials tools

MAH e-learning

2017

WEST webinars launched

Standardised clothing policy for offshore helicopter travel

2018

Launch of Mental Health Awareness courses

Boots on for Safety

Safe Working Essentials version 2 introduced

Competency guidelines

Major Accident Hazard Awareness campaign

Lifting Forum re-established

2019

Steve Rae appointed Executive Director

Safety Rep Essentials launched

Largest ever ESR event held on the 30th anniversary of the SI971 legislation

Major Accident Hazards Understanding workgroup wins Energy Institute Award for Health & Safety

Safe Working Essentials online observation card (E-OBS tool) launched

Eye safety campaign rolled out across industry

Launch of revised Lifting Guidelines

Establishment of Lifeboat Familiarisation workgroup

2020

Re-establishment of OIMs Network

Increased program of Mental Health Champions course

2021

Introduction of Quarterly Safety themes

OIM Network publishes Shutdown/TAR Season resources

Publication of five mental health awareness films

FIND OUT MORE

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Alerts & Moments

Improving safety through collaboration, learning and sharing experience

Workgroup

Workgroups

Industry collaboration to improve workplace safety

Contact

Step Change in Safety, 4th Floor, Annan House, 33-35 Palmerston Road, Aberdeen AB11 5QP

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