DNV: New Courses for Offshore Safety

DNV is to deliver new courses in offshore safety which aim to advance the critical role of elected safety representatives (ESRs) in minimising the risk of accidents and improving safety.

Following a series of successful pilot courses earlier this year, DNV is now accredited by OPITO to run courses which will be available to more than 2,000 ESRs working across the industry.

This is the first recognised standard applied to any safety representative training since the creation of the basic course, introduced in 1989, which accompanied the “Offshore Installations (Safety Representatives and Safety Committees) Regulations 1989” (SI971) introduced in late 1989, as a consequence of the Piper Alpha disaster.

This new advanced standard aims to support more effective workforce involvement by giving ESRs access to training that helps them develop their effectiveness and confidence.

Independent of management, the functions and powers of ESRs include investigating potential hazards, dangerous occurrences, complaints and the causes of accidents, as well as the inspection of installations.

Earlier this year, four, two-day pilot courses were delivered in Aberdeen by DNV allowing delegates the chance to trial the latest developments in safety training for the North Sea workforce.

The drive for the new courses came from the Offshore Industry Advisory Committee’s (OIAC) Workforce Involvement Group, strongly supported by the Health and Safety Executive, Trade Unions, Oil and Gas UK and Step Change in Safety. The standard was developed by ESRs themselves and is fully accredited by industry skills body, OPITO.

Fiona FitzGerald, a Senior Consultant with DNV said: “It’s been fantastic to hear from safety reps who, after attending the course, are returning and telling us stories of how they’ve been able to immediately apply the learning to their next trip offshore. It seems to have opened up a new dialogue between installation management and safety reps – with increased respect and understanding from both sides.

“Our focus is firmly on the management of major accident hazards and we’ve heard how alumni safety reps are now better equipped to understand the technical content of their installation safety case and challenge assumptions”.

Robert O’Keeffe, Associate Director, Advisory Services, Aberdeen added: “We are delighted the standard has now been accepted and that DNV is the first organisation to be accredited to deliver against it. The next courses are scheduled for August at our offices in Aberdeen.

“Safety representatives hold an important role and can have an influential impact on safety across the workplace. This new ESR training will help those in the role develop the skills and understanding to improve the safety culture for all.”