Atlas Knowledge has secured a seven-year contract to deliver second generation safety critical training to the UK offshore workforce.
The deal reaffirms the Scottish-headquartered company’s position as the provider of the Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) online program in the North Sea; with an expected 150,000 workers expected to undertake the training during the term of the contract.
MIST was introduced to the North Sea in 2009 to provide all workers travelling offshore with baseline safety awareness in order to reduce the risk of accidents and injury. An OPITO-approved standard, more than 100,000 workers have undertaken the Atlas Knowledge training since its creation.
In securing the contract for a second term, the company retains its position as the only provider approved to deliver MIST refresher training. The new program will be rolled out from this month onwards.
Following extensive consultation by industry skills body OPITO with a cross-industry work group including the Health & Safety Executive, the International Association of Drilling Contractors, the International Marine Contractors Association, Step Change in Safety and others, MIST has been significantly restructured to take account of current and future industry needs.
Using the accumulated knowledge of the first program, the new training program has been reduced from nine modules down to five to bring personal safety topics including manual handling, working at height and mechanical lifting into one module. It includes two new sections focused on Major Accident Hazards and Helicopter Safety, as well as revised modules on Workplace Hazards and Personal Safety, Risk Management and Control of Work.
“We have a rich heritage in developing innovative, technology-led safety-critical training specifically designed to meet the exacting standards the global oil and gas sector demands,” said Robert Morgan, chairman of Atlas Knowledge.
“Listening to our customers and using their feedback to develop more effective, more engaging and more relevant training is what has made us the first choice for employers in 30 countries and 20 different languages around the world.
“This contract marks the continuation of an important relationship for us with OPITO and key industry stakeholders. The collaborative approach towards reviewing and redefining MIST has allowed us to build the best platform from which offshore workers can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key issues in the most efficient and effective way, including making it accessible via mobiles and tablets. Ultimately, it has been designed to ensure the industry reduces risk and increases competency.”
Atlas Knowledge was awarded the original MIST contract for experienced oil and gas workers six years ago. The milestone marked the first time a single training provider had been tasked with delivering a training solution to the UK’s offshore sector.
To improve engagement and increase the learning experience of users, the MIST Online refresher program has been created using the latest advances in learning technology. It now includes enhanced, asset-based video content and is accessible via most computers, operating systems, browsers and tablets.
Streamlined performance data will also allow for industry benchmarking and continual improvements to ensure the course continues to meet the needs of the sector.
Mark Neilson, standards and approvals director at OPITO, said: “It is widely recognized that a key component to achieving a reduction in the number of accidents in the UK Continental Shelf offshore industry is to improve safety training for all personnel.
“The extensive consultation undertaken by a wide-ranging group of industry stakeholders ensures that this training continues to meet the fundamental need to keep the offshore workforce safe. Atlas’ technical expertise, knowledge of the oil and gas business and successful track record has been an integral part of developing this high quality safety training package for the industry.”
Once complete, MIST training will continue to be valid for four years. Offshore workers who have completed original MIST within the last six months will have free access to the new course content without the need of a new licence.
