2nd Offshore Safety & Risk Forum, a two-day event, for ensuring offshore safety, kicked off yesterday at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel in Norway. The event commenced with opening remarks from Jim Trodden, Offshore Installation Manager for Chevron and conference Chairman for day one. Trodden also addressed the audience on 'Achieving Excellence in Process Safety' focussing on developing process safety strategies to control risks and prevent catastrophe.

Speaking on how the regulatory framework can apply to the safety directive for offshore operations was Jim Neilson, Head Offshore at HSE UK. A joint presentation by Strategic Partner Petrotechnics and one of the world's largest shipping companies Teekay Petrojarl addressed on how operational excellence can be achieved by connecting process safety management to day to day operations. Camilla Stang who was representing Teekay Petrojarl reminded the audience that implementing software can only work when you involve the people.

John Wilkinson, Principal Human Factors Consultant, at The Keil Centre Limited, focused on managing and minimising fatigue associated with offshore operations. Post lunch, Randi Morvik, Emergency Preparedness & Security Manager at Wintershall spoke on developing effective design methodology for a robust emergency response and management system. The session was followed by Susann Berg, HSE Improvement Lead at ConocoPhillips on “Advancing safety culture in offshore oil & gas industry – ConocoPhillips' PSI Programme”. The highlight of the day was the panel discussion with Trodden, Morvik and Berg on advancing safety culture through a safety leadership.

The second day of the forum commencing today will see presentations on asset integrity management, risks associated with Arctic offshore field development, developing safety standards for Arctic offshore operations and advanced training methods to develop competencies in offshore activities. Speakers will include representatives from BlueBehavior, Scottish Power Generation Engineering and researchers from leading universities. A master class on HSE Leadership and Panel on accident prevention will be key highlights today.

Visiting partner Enablon is scheduled to host a Networking Breakfast prior to the event. The forum is supported by leading trade bodies World Safety Organization and The Pipeline Industries Guild.