Alerts & Moments
Improving safety through collaboration, learning and sharing experience
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.
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
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
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
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
2021
Introduction of Quarterly Safety themes
OIM Network publishes Shutdown/TAR Season resources
Publication of five mental health awareness films
