Olawe Tula, a specialist in liquefied natural gas plant operations and competency assurance, has called for mandatory prioritisation of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) management in the oil and gas sector.
He outlined a roadmap to help industry practitioners anticipate potential safety hazards or near-miss incidents and implement immediate corrective measures through the extensive integration of technological systems into operations.
Dr. Tula highlighted that the oil and gas sector produces a wide range of frequently purchased and consumed products in the energy market, including lubrication oils, refined petroleum products, and gas production such as LPG, NGL, and LNG.
He noted that oil and gas companies operate in highly competitive markets with tight profit margins and stringent quality standards.
He pointed out the unique challenges oil and gas companies face in managing HSE concerns effectively due to the nature of their products and market dynamics.
Emphasising the paramount importance of HSE principles, Dr. Tula stressed the need to prioritize the well-being of all involved parties, preserve the ecosystem, and ensure environmental sustainability.
“The health and safety of employees and consumers is essential for maintaining trust and credibility in the market. HSE Practices help companies ensure the wellness of the workforce. It is also a crucial piece in our quest to achieve environmental sustainability, which has become a growing concern for oil and gas companies as they seek to minimize their carbon footprint, reduce waste, and adopt eco-friendly practices to meet customer expectations and regulatory demands,” he said.
With increasing global awareness of environmental issues, he noted that oil and gas companies are facing growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices throughout their supply chains.
“It is no longer news that the oil and gas sector is inherently associated with various operational hazards and risks, including machinery accidents, chemical exposures, fire hazards, and ergonomic injuries. Managing these risks requires robust safety protocols, training programs, and preventive measures to minimize the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace.”
Dr. Tula also noted that oil and gas companies are faced with the dilemma of generating optimal revenue against an increasing myriad of operational and financial challenges. He however urged these companies to never lose sight of the most important priorities.
“Balancing environmental sustainability with operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness presents a significant challenge for oil and gas companies. There is now a pressing need to find means to reduce carbon emissions, conserve natural resources, minimize waste generation, and promote eco-friendly packaging and product designs. Regardless, for oil and gas companies, ensuring the health and safety of employees should always remain a top priority,” he noted.
Dr. Tula suggested that the infusion of big data analytics into oil and gas operations could help companies make better operational decisions that are based on empirical evidence and in full alignment with organizational goals.
“Big Data analytics can help companies analyze large volumes of data from multiple sources, including production processes, supply chain operations, and external factors such as weather patterns or market trends. By identifying correlations and trends, big data analytics can help predict potential safety risks and inform proactive risk management strategies.
“By leveraging insights derived from big data analytics, oil and gas companies can make informed decisions regarding HSE management strategies, resource allocation, and process optimization,” he added.
