The likelihood of an event in the offshore industry is extremely low, however the consequences are significant. The reason cited for these accidents is improper risk management procedures. Risks occur at every operational phase and employing risk management practices during these phases is challenging.

The devastating BP Macondo spill (also referred to as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill) which killed 11 workers, approximately 17 injured and caused environmental devastation highlighted the importance of risk management across the industry. Companies have started taking a serious note of the issue by strengthening their risk management practices. Due to increasingly complex and challenging environments combined with evolving regulations, offshore industry has always embraced new technologies and novel concepts. However, risk management systems that depend entirely on technology would not likely be effective. There needs to be a balance between human and technical factors to have an effective risk management strategy .

Incidents like oil spill can be prevented through risk management, however it is important to understand all aspects of the risk. The risk management process should start with risk identification and how they can be conceived in practice. One of the keys to managing major accident risks is having an effective integrity management program. Eddie Launhardt, Integrated Operations & Maintenance Business Specialist, Scottish Power one of the speakers at 2nd Offshore Safety and Risk Forum scheduled on 24-25 March 2015 in Norway will be sharing his insights on how to analyze key performance indicators of asset integrity to gauge and improve asset performance.

Some of the best technologies that companies can use to mitigate such risks is involving aircraft with long range radar and scanners, but huge costs involved and the difficulty to operate these features restricts companies from implementing them. Companies then resort to third parties who provide advanced risk management techniques. Petrotechnics, strategic partner for the event, is one such company, which has mitigated more than 150 million hazards in 25 years. Proscient, Petrotechnics flagship software, provides real-time predictive risk visualization and improves the asset integrity through better maintenance plan attainment. Some companies are making use of wireless communication technology to ensure timely communications for rapid rescue responses in emergency situations.

Software provider companies like Enablon, visiting partner for the event, is the world's leading provider of Sustainability, EH&S and Operational Risk Management solutions. More than 1,000 global companies, including some of the world’s largest oil & gas organizations, use Enablon software solutions to manage environmental, health and safety performance, minimize risks and improve profitability.
Enablon will be organizing a Networking Breakfast on March, 25th, from 7:00AM to 8:30AM at the Radisson Blue Hotel, in the Stavangerstue Conference Room, on leveraging software solutions to manage risks and improve safety performance. It will be the occasion for participants to network with industry peers, share best practices in terms of software solution selection, implementation and usage.