DNV is to deliver new courses in offshore safety which aim to advance the critical role of elected safety representatives (ESRs) in minimizing 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 recognized 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.
Courses can be booked via ESRtraining@dnv.co