1. By: AL-Shammari, A O Zuluf GOSP-1

2. The offshore oil and gas industry This industry employs more than 500 people in a range of activities. Although there have been improvements in health and safety offshore. The risks are ever present - fire, explosion, release of gas and structural failure all have the potential to cause major loss of life. Specific legislation exists to deal with the hazards arising from the operation of fixed/mobile installations, wells and pipelines. This is supported by relevant legislation linked to generic industrial hazards. This is a dynamic rapidly changing industry but with an ageing infrastructure and increasing cost pressures as the available oil and gas declines. These issues, together with the geographically isolated workforce, and the inherent hazards in working offshore require high standards of management of health and safety.

3. About SEO : SEO is responsible for the regulation of almost all the risks to health and safety arising from work activity in ZOFPD. Our mission is to ensure that risks to people’s health and safety from work activities are properly controlled. To achieve this SEO utilises the expertise, knowledge and skills of staff in the Offshore Division who are a part of the Hazardous Installations Directorate.

4. SEO Program Description SEO continuing goals for the upstream petroleum industry: To prevent major accidents with catastrophic consequences To secure a step change improvement in injury rates and work related ill health and consequent days lost from work To support industry's goal to be the world's safest offshore sector by 2010 To secure more effective workplace involvement To maintain an effective regulatory framework

5. SEO Rules and Responsibility During offshore visits SEO inspectors will be seeking to ensure that management systems are in place to address health and safety issues. Operational work includes: Safety case assessment Inspection Investigation Enforcement Provision of advice, guidance and information Research and development Influencing technical standards Operational policy and systems Operational support to frontline activities

6. Summary The SEO initiatives will be reviewed every six months and further enhancements will be determined.