Utilizing Leadership Commitment and Emergency Response Planning

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 21, 2013 - The unconventional revolution has dramatically transformed the global oil and gas landscape and will continue to do so for the anticipated future, opening a world of new opportunities and associated risk for energy companies striving to increase reserves and shareholder value.

Health and safety (http://www.marcusevansassets.com/HTMLEmail/Offshore%20FinalA.pdf) of workers, as well as environmental concerns, are the most current and prominent challenges facing unconventional oil and gas operators. Shale and unconventional oil and gas resources are considered the future for North American energy independence. Efforts to extract these resources have recently received a lot of negative attention regarding the environmental impacts of hydraulic fracking and shale (http://www.free-press-release.com/news-enhancing-your-shale-oil-gas-strategies-1314297554.html) drilling.

Unconventional oil and gas operating companies need to analyze the existing conditions and emphasize actual problems in North America to ensure safe, reliable, and environmentally conscious operations.

The marcus evans HSE for Unconventional Oil & Gas Conference (http://www.marcusevansch.com/HSE2013_Interview_BH) will focus on ways to maximize worker health and safety, shale resource assessments and developments, set and meet goals between the government and operators, exceed on standards for air quality and frack water treatment, and largely ensure a safe working environment while mitigating risk in capital and operational expenditures.

Britt Howard, MS, CSP, Lead EH&S Manager – North Dakota at Hess Corporation, answered a series of questions provided by marcus evans. The responses below strictly reflect the views and beliefs of Britt Howard and not necessarily those of Hess Corporation.

marcus evans: In your experience, what has been the most effective way of communicating potential hazards internally?

BH: From my own experience, face-to-face communication of potential hazards internally by the immediate supervisor is the most effective way of sharing and discussing safety issues.

marcus evans: What is the biggest challenge you have faced in regards to job hazards? How did you overcome this?

BH: The biggest challenge I face in regards to job hazards is getting everyone to utilize hazard identification tools (i.e. knowledge and equipment) and promoting respect of the hazard identification information (i.e. hand injury hazards, land transportation hazards, working walking surface hazards, and process safety hazards (http://www.marcusevansassets.com/HTMLEmail/Aaron%20Swanson.pdf)). I remain diligent when working on getting everyone to identify and respect the known hazards and I show them adequate respect. My current and previous work groups have improved job hazard identification and control, which has led to reduced incidents.

marcus evans: What are some ways in which you are able to recognize behaviors at work and the need for employees to strengthen their health and safety efforts?

BH: Workplace observations of work being performed are the best way to recognize behaviors. Looking at behavior trending data post-incidents is not as proactive as identifying the behaviors that can lead to incidents before the negative result.

marcus evans: What are your recommendations for companies dealing with the logistical challenge in employer liability in terms of driving, transportation, and traffic?  

BH: I suggest that a Safe Driver Management System be developed, implemented, monitored and adjusted as needed to meet the following objectives: formal safe driving expectations (speed compliance, cell phone use, and vehicle inspections), safe driving training and retaining and management engagement.

Britt Howard will be leading the sessions, “Overcoming Safety Culture Challenges through Upper Management Safety Leadership Commitment, Frontline Supervisor Influence, and Employee Engagement” and “Discussing the Value in Job Hazard Analysis and Effective Incident Investigation through Risk Management Tactics” at the HSE for Unconventional Oil & Gas Conference, (http://www.marcusevansch.com/HSE2013_Interview_BH) April 8-10, 2013 in San Antonio, TX.

For more information, please contact Robin Yegelwel, Marketing & PR Coordinator, at (312) 540-3000 ext. 6483 or robiny@marcusevansch.com (mailto:robiny@marcusevansch.com)

Photo:
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