Latin America is feeling the pinch of the current oil price volatility, as oil plays a major role in most Latin American economies. One of the most affected regions due to oil price uncertainties is Venezuela since oil accounts for a much higher share of their GDP than in other countries. Fall in energy prices will also encourage oil companies to adopt cost-reduction strategies, thus compromising the health and safety of workers. In the wake of steeply declining oil prices, 4th Annual LatAm HSSE in Energy scheduled to take place in Rio de Janeiro between 2 - 3 December is designed to improve health and safety in Energy sector.

Apart from work-related health and safety issues, environmental issues is the one of the major concerns the region is facing. The recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico which was caused due to an explosion on an oil rig left four dead and 45 others injured. Another oil spill in south-eastern Mexico has left thousands of people without water. Spill management is of prime importance for preventing and minimizing the impact of spills. The event will provide attendees an opportunity to know about preventive measures, appropriate supplies/equipment, determination of course content, response procedures for preventing spills.

Safety should not be affected by cost-cutting. Leadership is one of the keys to safety. Taking this into account, key highlight of the event is empowering people through means of master class on motivational leadership and presentations on contractor management. The event this year has been customized based on the feedback gathered from industry professionals and past attendees. Highlights of the event include sessions on HSE policies in Latin America conducted by Marcelo Mafra Borges de Macedo, Head of Operational Safety and Environment Division, ANP; review on HSSE performance, spill management, corporate social responsibility, environmental licensing in energy sector and some more topics for discussion. Key highlights also include case studies from Petrobas, AES Eletropaulo and LatAm Power.

The event will see industry experts from companies like Petrobras, General Electric, National Oilwell Varco, The National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago, Shell Upstream, Petrobras Transporte, to name a few, discussing and recognizing innovative, effective and flexible HSSE & Sustainability policies and processes for the Latin American energy sector.

Over the years, the event has garnered great patronage from local and global companies alike. Expressing his opinion about the forum was HSE General Manager - Gas Division, Petrobras, who stated, “A very important event to exchange experiences between companies and learn different practices and procedures.” Safety & Health Technician, MH Wirth AS, conveyed his thoughts by saying, “It’s my second time at this conference and I think that it contributed to my professional development and good ideas/issues to the company that I work”