bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing the Social Dimension of ESHIA at Chevron
Authors: Lilien Jonathan , Anwar Nadeem
Published: April 2008

Expectations for corporate responsibility are growing. In response to these and other trends, Chevron has developed a standardized process for Environmental Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA). The objective of ESHIA is to identify and mitigate the impacts of new projects on the environment and local communities. The process includes a set of basic requirements to foster industry-leading ESHIA performance, including (1) integrating environmental impact assessment (EIA), social impact assessment (SIA) and health impact assessment (HIA) into a single process; (2) initiating ESHIA early in the project development cycle so that environmental, social and health factors can be appropriately considered in business decision-making and engineering design; (3) proactively engaging community and other stakeholders to better understand potential impacts and identify effective mitigation; and (4) developing management plans to ensure effective implementation of mitigation measures during project construction and operations.

This paper describes issues Chevron has encountered and solutions it has developed in implementing the social dimension of ESHIA and solutions developed to overcome them. Issues have included: (1) increasing awareness of the business value of SIA and stakeholder engagement; (2) limited experience with SIA principles, procedures and application; and (3) the need for effective integration between functional groups. Solutions have included: (1) compilation of real-world case studies to demonstrate the business value of SIA; (2) delivery of fit-for-purpose SIA training; and (3) development of internal and external networks of ESHIA practitioners to support SIA application. Preliminary results have been promising. SIA training participants have demonstrated improved understanding of SIA principles and procedures. Major capital projects have started to apply SIA. Nevertheless, Chevron is still in the early phases of SIA implementation. Next steps in building SIA organizational capability will include follow-up training with individual business units, project-level support, and formation of a SIA practitioner network to identify common issues and share best practices. Successful implementation of SIA will improve project decision-making; help build long-term, harmonious relationships with community and other key stakeholders; and strengthen overall social performance.
HNS Contingency Plans in Compliance with the OPRC-HNS Protocol
Authors: Nicolau Alexander
Published: April 2008

With the entry into force of the OPRC-HNS 2000 Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Cooperation on 14th June 2007, numerous questions on its practical implementation remain unanswered and will have to be addressed by the Shipping and Chemical Communities in the immediate future.

One of the essential obligations for the States that have ratified the protocol (eight in Europe and two in Asia to date) concerns the development of contingency plans for spills of chemical substances. Unlike spills of oil into the marine environment, there is currently no recognized or agreed definition of a Tiered Response Concept which would allow defining the magnitude of HNS spills from ships, thus making it difficult to prepare contingency plans for these substances. In addition, there is up to now no model, methodology or guidelines that have been developed and made available to the parties concerned.

The fact is although spills of HNS are quite a rare event when compared with oil, the risk is non negligible and marine incidents of chemical tankers or container ships do happen (e.g. Ievoli Sun in 2000, Sahmo Brother in 2005)

The purpose of this paper is to identify the new challenges that are expected to be encountered in the contingency planning process for spills of HNS within the context of the International and European Legislations and to propose solutions to address them.

The paper will use practical examples and focus on a selection of scenarios that concerns the chemical and shipping industries. Risk Assessment, Modelling, Response Options, Health and Safety and Environmental aspects will also be presented in a planning perspective with the ultimate aim of enhancing and complementing response procedures for marine spills of HNS within the limits of a port.
Our Sustained Efforts—"Hand and Finger Campaign"
Authors: Hobberstad Rune , Eriksen Jan Erik
Published: April 2008

While we as an industry are proud of our achivements relating to health and safety, we still have a long way to go. As we continue to place emphasis on behavior, awareness and understanding, we do experience setbacks and occasional peaks in certain areas of our safety records.

Safety is the responsibility of every employee, and improvement of safety performance depends on every employee focusing on hazard identification and elimination. Improvement also requires commitment from the leadership to assign accountability and place the correct focus.

This paper will highlight how, in 2006 after a period with a high frequency of hand and finger injuries from 2003–2005 (50%), Halliburton Norway sought to increase awareness, place correct focus, create a sustainable safety culture within the operational organization, and ensure visibility and sponsorship within the leadership group. This was especially successful in a workshop where a behavior based program (BBP) was used to strengthen the focus.

Through a highly focused campaign on hand and finger safety, Halliburton Norway managed to reduce the injury frequency rate to zero. Visible leadership and a sustainable safety culture were successfully ensured within all aspects of the organization at a time when the number of employees increased by 50%. The primary goal was to understand and mitigate the risks, while placing the responsibility of the individual's safety on the individual.

To effectively address and place focus on problem areas within health and safety, the risks involved must first be understood. Activities that have a higher potential for injuries and incidents must be mapped and categorized. Leadership commitment to properly managing risks must be demonstrated, and the message that the individual's safety is the individual's responsibility must be conveyed to employees. An OHSA 18001 risk assessment process was used in this task.

However, it must be understood that visible leadership and commitment does not equate to an effective health and safety culture without continued focus, emphasis, and commitment. The individual employee must be allowed to participate, impact, and change behaviors concerning safety.

This approach yielded a sustained health and safety culture that extended beyond the hand and finger campaign, improving overall safety performance and ensuring that the ownership of safety was assumed by the individual.

The topics covered in the paper and which helped ensure the sustained safety culture are: Risk management.Visible leadership.Accountability.Employee engagement.
HSSE Regulatory Compliance, Challenges and Solution
Authors: Khan Khurram Ahmed , Nensey Safdar , Dawbarn Carl
Published: April 2008

Description

BP has developed and deployed a global, best-in-class HSSE compliance management programme to reduce the risk of HSSE non-compliance. Different challenges arise when such an initiative is adopted in the developing world with limited legal understanding and enforcement.

Applications

Since 2005, BP Pakistan has remained engaged in implementing the HSSE Compliance Framework through a phased approach as directed by BP group.

One of BP's core values is to comply with all laws and regulations in each jurisdiction in which the group operates. For most BP business in the developing world, the first step was to identify applicable regulations and risk prioritizes them. These regulations are broken down in several simple tasks that could enable the end-users to perform their actions and maintain real time compliance through Compliance Task Manager Software. Tasking the regulations bring about several ambiguities and interpretation of the laws that called for engaging the regulators into a dialogue. Immense efforts and resources are required to create a deep understanding of applicable regulations among employees and contractors. Once established, the framework now remains subject to regular monitoring, auditing and management reviews in order to demonstrate continuous improvement in a compliance culture.

Results, Observations and Conclusions

Key to success remained embedded in strong leadership commitment that played a pivotal role in creating a lasting HSSE legal compliance culture. Another useful approach to infuse a new system is to utilize all existing best practices for seamless adoption and transformation.

Such a strong initiative results in enhancing image among the regulators and helps in building trust.
Major Risks Analysis With a Scenario Based Methodology
Authors: Chetrit Alain
Published: April 2008

In our industry, major risks are associated with the processing of explosive, flammable or toxic substances. Identifying, assessing and managing risks associated with these substances are integral part of our continuous efforts to improve safety. The management of risks involves reducing the risks for both inside and outside our sites to a level As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP).

The principles involved in the assessment and management of major risks are: Hazard identificationPreliminary risks evaluationDetailed and quantified risks analysisRisks assessment and ALARP demonstrationDevelopment of a priority-based program of improvements and of a major risks register.

There are two approaches for risks assessment, Aggregate Risk Assessment and Scenarios Based Risk Assessment.

Although these methodologies are often complementary, the first approach allows calculating the aggregate risk to personnel, expressed as Individual and Societal Risk. Thus the advantage of this approach is to address the global risk, the principal disadvantage is that it doesn't allow identifying the main critical scenarios of accident and the final results (Individual and Societal Risks) are hidden in mathematical calculations, with the use of computer model.

In the second approach, the Scenarios Based Risk Assessment, the critical events are selected in the preliminary evaluation step and studied in detail to establish the severity of damages and the likelihood of occurrence. The recommended methodology for the detailed risks analysis is the Bow-Tie approach (causes tree – consequences tree and safety barriers). Each critical scenario is assessed with respect to the Company risk acceptance criteria based on a Risk Ranking Matrix.

This methodology ensures the demonstration of the ALARP level of the risks and the identification of the Safety Critical Measures (SCM). Definition and ranking of the additional risk-reducing measures allows preparing a priority based program of actions and a register of the Major risks.
Technological Risks Management Principles
Authors: Duval Denis , Zundel Jean Pierre
Published: April 2008

Feedback analysis and assets life-cycle value continuously show it is essential that we have a set of technological risks management principles to help us comply with the Total Group values pertaining to risks management, safe and environmentally sound operations.

These principles call for the systematic and comprehensive application of technological risks management (also called process safety management).

The objective is to prevent equipment failure in order to reduce the potential of uncontrolled release of hydrocarbons or other substances that may result in harm to the personnel, the environment and physical assets.

By doing so, we will maintain our license to operate and achieve operational efficiency.

While keeping on reducing occupational injury rate, Total is working to strengthen the management of technological risks.

We do this by developing a system based on a clear set of ten primary elements. They are dispatched in three categories: basic requirements:design standards, safety engineering and process safety,management of change,improvement program and safety critical measures,inspection and maintenance procedures and program,operating procedures,management of professional competencies.assessment methods:internal audits and self controls,technological risks assessment,events analysis and feedback,performance measurements:key performance indicators.

All of these elements are key components of an effective technological risks management system. Each of them must be diligently applied if we want to maintain the safety of operations, the integrity of our assets and the quality of our environment. Only one of them is forgotten and the whole system is weakened.
A Compliance Focused Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Management System is a Key to Safe and Green Operations
Authors: Zaytsev Yuliy Y. , Heath Rebecca
Published: April 2008

BP Exploration Caspian Sea (BP Caspian) is the operator of a number of major projects in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian and Trans-Caucasus region. Exploration activities were initiated in 1994, since then the scope and diversity of exploration and production activities have expanded rapidly.

The diversity of BP Caspian's operations, and the fact that they are carried out over three countries (Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey) has lead to a certain degree of legislative complexity. BP Caspian operates under a number of agreements between BP-led operating consortia and host country governments. These agreements, which include Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs), Host Government Agreements (HGAs) and Inter-Government Agreements (IGAs), establish many of the standards against which health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) performance within BP Caspian is measured. The complicated nature of these regulatory requirements is the key driver for BP Caspian's compliance focused HSSE Management System.

This paper describes the development and implementation of BP Caspian's HSSE Management System and provides additional detail on three key focus areas, namely:

Legal and Other Requirements; Documentation; and Audit.

Progress towards safe and green operations as a result of these elements of the Management System is then presented.
Assessment of a Bioremediation Process for Hydrocarbons Polluted Soil
Authors: Setier J. C. , Ouvrard S. , Schwartz C. , Faure P. , Guimont S. , Renat J. C. , Pornain J. L. , Perié F.
Published: April 2008

Throughout the world, the oil industry generates polluted soils contaminated with crude oil or petroleum residues. Dealing with these contaminated materials has become an increasing concern and requires innovative technologies able to remove the pollution but offering as well guaranties on the efficiency and safety of the treated material.

This paper proposes the assessment of a bioremediation process of polluted soils contaminated by oil. In partnership with scientists from INPL/INRA (French National Research Institute for Agronomy) and CNRS (French National Scientific Research Center) specialized in organic pollutants chemistry, agronomy and pedology, TOTAL E&P carried an experimental on a biopile process over 15 months. Thirty cubic meter of polluted soil (24 tons) were engineered on three concrete basement plots (3.2 x3 m) covered by a black tent to avoid meteoric water infiltration. In order to optimize bioremediation effects, fertilization was carried out, consisting of supplying agricultural fertilizers to reach a C/N/P ratio of 100/9/1. The soil was mixed with straw (15% v/v) to increase air diffusion, stimulate micro-organisms growth and improve the soil structure. Moreover water was periodically added to keep moisture content between 80 to 100 % of the water holding capacity of the soil. The treatment was assessed not only on the base of the total contaminant concentration but also on a fine chemical characterization and on an ecotoxicological point of view. The evolution of the composition of the pollutants was assessed through the 15 months of the experiment and completed with toxicity measurements on both leachates (Microtox®) and soil (plant germination and growth tests).

Results showed that the total contaminant concentration was decreased by 72%.

The main outcome of this experiment is to determine the ratio between the biodegradation rate of low molecular weight organic molecules and the one of macromolecules, which are significantly more difficult to biodegrade.

The experiment also aimed at generating 30m3 of partially treated soil to evaluate its impact on the environment.

The final objective is optimal re-use of soils polluted by hydrocarbons after treatment, in view of sustainable management of the soil resource.
Chad-Cameroon Oil Development and Pipeline Project—Contribution to Local Company Success
Authors: Gruat Jacky , Bichara Mahamat
Published: April 2008

In the early stages of Project in 2001, there were no Project-approved companies involved in management of restricted waste in Cameroon. The Project's landfills were still under construction and wastes were stored in shipping containers.

In 2002, the Cameroon Oil Transportation Company (COTCO) decided to engage with a qualified local company which had just recently started up, BOCOM, to provide restricted waste handling services in accordance with the Project business opportunity plan. This plan is designed to recognize qualified, competitive, local and national businesses that can supply high quality goods and services. BOCOM was then approved by COTCO as they met local laws and regulations.

Initially, COTCO was the only company supplying waste (oily debris, expired chemical products, medical waste, etc.) for incineration to BOCOM.

By 2006, BOCOM had grown to thirty one customers and COTCO's volume represented only 6% of the total wastes managed by the company.

In just five years of existence, BOCOM's operating capital has grown from five million FCFA/year ($10,000) to approximately four billion FCFA/year ($8 million).

The company operates both nationally and internationally and has received three awards worldwide. The company has invested in additional facilities and has diversified its activities to include a used battery recycling unit which exports lead to the world market.
Minimizing Environmental Impacts in the Arctic: 30 Years of Oil Development on the North Slope of Alaska
Authors: Platt Janet D.
Published: April 2008

Over the last 30 years, oil development on Alaska's North Slope has evolved to incorporate new practices and technologies that continue to help reduce the impacts of BP's operations on the environment. BP's commitment to "no harm to the environment" means we are continuing to seek ways to reduce our emissions to air and water, better manage our waste, reduce our footprint on the land, and prevent our operations from negatively impacting wildlife. Technology improvements, new BP environmental requirements for new projects, and enhanced environmental management systems will help us continue to improve performance and continually drive down environmental impacts of our oil and gas operations.

Adaptations that have helped BP reduce our overall footprint on the North Slope tundra include the use of ice roads, eliminating surface reserve pits, and enhancements in drilling technology including directional drilling. These practices have allowed us to reduce our footprint for a typical pad development by 30% from the original designs of the mid-1970s. Re-injection of wastes has allowed us to eliminate surface impacts from managing newly generated drilling waste and oily solid wastes from pipelines and vessel cleanouts, and to reclaim old storage pits used during the early years of development. BP continues to test cleaner air technologies to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from gas turbines and is studying ways to reduce or reuse greenhouse gases in future developments.

BP continues to participate in research to better understand the effects of our operations on the environment and to seek new ways to design and operate our facilities of the future. Because we have integrated environmental protection into the earliest company planning process for new projects, decision makers are able to consider design attributes that will continue to reduce environmental impacts of future development.
Human Factors in Drill and Well Operations—The Drillers’ Work Situation
Authors: Heber Hilde , Wiig Siri , Enoksen Arne M.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this paper is to present the results from a questionnaire conducted as a part of a Human Factors project within drilling and well operations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS). The main purpose of conducting the project and the survey has been for the drilling contractors themselves to gain insight into risk factors associated with the drillers’ work, and to set their own priorities for implementing improvement measures. The project was managed by the Petroleum Safety Authority, Norway (PSA), and assisted by the Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This paper reports the results from a survey of the drillers’ work situation.

The PSA project related to Human Factors in drilling and well operations started in 2005. The initial work revealed that the work pressure on the driller could be unreasonably high. The PSA started working on Human Factors in drilling and well operations in 2005. As a result, the PSA developed a questionnaire regarding the drillers work situation. A total of 187 drillers on 34 facilities responded to the questionnaire. As a vital aspect of the study, the PSA requested each of the drilling contractors to write a summary of the questionnaire responses and to prepare a short presentation of potential measures identified by the company to follow up.

Several factors influencing the drillers’ work situation were revealed in the survey. The drillers reported positive feedback regarding the interaction between management and drillers; and between colleagues. Results demonstrated challenges regarding the drillers’ work situation related to managerial aspects; workload and responsibility; competence and understanding of risk; procedures; physical design of the drilling area; drilling system design and alarm management.
Energy Efficiency Assessments—Just a Paper Exercise?
Authors: Speirs K. A.
Published: April 2008

Drivers behind improving energy efficiency at any industrial site include environmental legislation, company policy, process optimization, cost reduction and not least the need to control the generation of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Energy efficiency assessments were carried out at a number of Total E&P UK Limited (TEPUK) sites, on and offshore. The assessment of each site followed a set format which include certain key steps; project kick off, full site survey and discussions, with operations and support staff. The assessments allow site specific action plans with short and long term improvements to be formulated and implemented. Analysis of cost, operability, maintainability, environmental impact, safety and security of supply has been used to justify and prioritize actions to be implemented. Recommendations for improvement differ greatly between sites, however there is a re-occurring recommendation to calculate and monitor energy performance indicators for each facility. Development of this indicator gives an operational baseline to measure process changes and improvements against. Close monitoring of changes against baseline provides additional feedback for process and cost optimization strategies.

The value of energy efficiency assessments with regards to cost effective operation and process optimization should not be overlooked. Significant energy savings are achievable through detailed investigation – approximately 3-5% fuel savings are achievable through implementation of the "quick win" changes. Benefits are not only visible in process and associated costs. Environmentally, the reduction of energy consumption has a positive effect on GHG emissions and reduces the overall environmental impact of operations.
Pilot Project on Rehabilitation and Protection of Tugai Forests
Authors: Askerov Faig
Published: April 2008

Tugai forests are a threatened ecosystem in Azerbaijan. These forests currently occupy approximately 18,000 Ha, less than 10% of the extent of just a few decades past. A first of its kind in Azerbaijan, BP's Regional Biodiversity project established a sustainable model for the rehabilitation and protection of this national resource. The project was implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources (MENR), NGO's, Academic Societies, and Local Authorities. The project was guided by a Steering Group composed of BP, Baku-Tiblisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, and MENR representatives, and implemented by an Executive Group nominated from the Steering Group. The causes of Tugai forest decline are varied and include: i). lack of access to energy resources (use as firewood); ii) lack of environmental awareness; iii) agricultural encroachment; iv) socio-economic drivers at the local population level. Other causes include flooding caused by the construction of dams for reservoirs and power projects without adequate ecosystem compensation programs. The project consisted of a Preparation Stage and an Implementation Stage. The preparation stage was carried out during 2003-2004 and included selection of a Pilot Area, baseline surveys, environmental awareness training, the study of societal aspects of the area and the development of an Action Plan for project implementation. The Implementation stage, 2005 – 2007, included the development of a planting design by the "Soyug Bulag" NGO, planting of 40,000 trees in a 12 Ha area and preparing a further 150 Ha to encourage natural Tugai regeneration, carried out by the "Gulul – 318" NGO. The project was notable for its 100% National content, both within BP and its partners, and implementation with support from local organisations, experts, and community representatives. The project also raised the safety culture and environmental awareness of national contractors through provision of HSE training and a fully implemented BP HES Policy and Contractor Management system: there were no injuries, accidents, or negative impacts to the environment during project implementation. In addition to achieving its primary goal of developing a model for restoring Tugai Forests, and the actual forest area restored, the project was also successful in transferring knowledge on structured and cost effective management practices to local contractors. Several environmental awareness publications have been published including a short film on the project. A longer documentary is currently being developed.
Emerging Issues in Produced Water Management: TOTAL E&P NORGE's Approach
Authors: Goud Pierre , Helland Stig , Goldszal Alexandre , Moltu Ulf E. , Pinturier Laurence
Published: April 2008

The Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) is subject to stringent requirements regarding offshore discharges. Focus has previously been on dispersed oil concentration (OIW) in produced water (PW) discharge, but management tools like the calculation of the Environmental Impact Factor (EIF) have also shown the important contributions of naturally occurring dissolved components and production chemicals. Even if the legislation seeks a balance between technical feasibility and economic cost, it is believed that regulators may wish to move to requirements where dispersed oil concentration is not the only parameter to be considered.

Furthermore, recently developed water treatment technologies are currently being installed on the NCS. In relation with the various water management actors (operators, manufacturers, researchers, authorities), Total E&P Norge's R&D department is strongly involved in the issues related to installation and operation of these technologies. The work described in this study was performed in order to set guidelines to define strategy regarding R&D future directions within water management, foreseeing worldwide more restrictive legislation.

The paper presents a methodology, based upon experience from the NCS, to help to meet upcoming issues in produced water management. Efficiency and operating window of various produced water treatment technologies have been defined according to water inlet quality and field characteristics. The results are presented through a database to compare and rank performances and to set up a global vision of water treatment capabilities. The requirements of offshore facilities, operating criteria, etc. are also taken into consideration and are recorded in the database. By use of the database, combined with the EIF approach identifying, the most harmful compounds of a produced water discharge and quantifying the potential environmental benefits of PW management actions, the most appropriate technologies can be selected on a given field. Fewer field trials will have to be performed and new technologies will be installed more efficiently in the produced water treatment line. This methodology has been validated by Total E&P Norge on several cases on the NCS where new technologies have been implemented.
Meeting Expectations: A New Model for a Just and Fair Culture
Authors: Hudson Patrick , Vuijk Margot , Bryden Robin , Biela Dominika , Cowley Charles
Published: April 2008

The paper first discusses the problem of non-compliance in high hazard industries, as these constitute the most frequent type of dangerous activities in terms of accident outcomes. Evidence is drawn from aviation and the petrochemical sectors. The causes of non-compliance are found to form a ‘lethal cocktail’ of i) the expectation that rules will have to be bent, ii) the feeling of powerfulness, iii) the existence of opportunity and iv) poor planning of work. Non-compliant behaviour can be seen as a natural response of motivated and competent individuals, often selected for their ability to show initiative, in the face of poor planning and the existence of alternative ways to get the job done. Six distinct types of non-compliance are identified, two unintentional – failures of Understanding and Awareness -, Situational, Exceptional and one for Company Benefit and one type for Personal Benefit. The issue of reckless non-compliance is discussed, together with the difference that must be considered between one-off and routine non-compliances. A previous model for the management of non-compliance, the Just Culture, is analysed and found to have a number of shortcomings, including a sensitivity to the manner of implementation, the implicit messages it sends about the importance of punishment as a way of managing non-compliance, and a lack of explicit recognition of managerial accountabilities. A new model, Meeting Expectations, is introduced in which all the distinct types of non-compliance are recognised, as well as non-intentional human error and expected and exemplary behaviours. For each of these types of behaviours there is a set of consequences defined for both the individual and their line managers.
Carriage of Drilling Fluids and Brines—Implications for the Offshore Industry
Authors: Walker Kirsty , Macrae David , Ronald Paul
Published: April 2008

The MARPOL Convention is the principle International Convention covering Prevention of Pollution from Ships. Annex II of the Convention, "Regulations for the Control of Pollution by Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk" applies to all vessels, including Offshore Support Vessels, when carrying chemicals listed in the "International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)."

Offshore Support Vessels (OSVs) carrying Noxious Liquid Substances (NLS) in bulk must comply with the requirements of "The Guidelines for the Transport and Handling of Limited Amounts of Hazardous and Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk on Offshore Support Vessels (LHNS)" Guidelines Resolution A673.(16) as amended. These Guidelines apply to vessels constructed on/after 19 April 1990 and are intended to permit limited quantities of these hazardous and NLS to be transported in bulk with minimum risk to the vessel, its crew and the environment. For OSVs built prior to 19 April 1990, A.673 (16) still applies but to a lesser extent, and to the satisfaction of the relevant National Administration.

For OSVs a Certificate of Fitness is required to be issued by the vessel's flag state when carrying NLS in bulk in ships tanks. For the bulk liquid chemical suppliers, their products must be assessed and listed in Chapters 17 or 18 of the IBC Code, MEPC.2/Circ and/or in Appendix I of the LHNS Guidelines and the Certificate of Fitness for the vessel.

Two major issues have arisen – the first issue being the lack of understanding of the identification process for NLS in bulk, in particular the pollution category and ship tankage required. The second issue being the potential implications to drilling operations if all products used within the offshore industry could not be shipped offshore unless they have undergone GESAMP/EHS assessment prior to 1 January 2007.

There have been several cases of major oil companies experiencing difficulties when trying to ship routine drilling fluids and brines in bulk using their regular OSVs. This is due to vessels not having a certificate and/or the products not being assessed in accordance with the requirements of MARPOL Annex II. Consequently, significant lost rig time could have resulted if the issue had not been resolved.

The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness within the offshore oil industry of the International requirements when shipping NLS in bulk on OSVs and to provide guidance for the assessment of NLS, and in particular, the pollution category and ship tankage required. The authors hope that this paper can reduce the potential implications to drilling operations from bulk liquid products which cannot be shipped.
Measuring Return on Environment
Authors: Marshall Jessica M. , Serwinowski Mark A. , Duong Thomas M. , George Gregory R.
Published: April 2008

Organizations, no matter the size or industry, have stakeholders. Those stakeholders, internal or external, have expectations for a tangible return on their investment. Measuring a Return on Environment (RoE) is about generating and executing the strategy and associated metrics to build the business case for EHS investments. Outcomes such as sustained shareholder return, increased stakeholder value creation, mitigated compliance risk, and improved stakeholder reputation all contribute to the ability of an organization to maintain its "Social License to Operate". Measuring that RoE is about transforming corporate culture to no longer simply view environmental health & safety (EHS) performance as a necessary cost center, but using tangible metrics to provide an opportunity to actually improve its position in the competitive market. By moving beyond simply reactively "managing" EHS performance, corporations have been able to carve a competitive position in their industry by leveraging their proactive culture to generate tangible outcomes for their stakeholders.

So how do organizations transform their corporate culture and become an industry leader? The answer lies in their ability to manage and report their key EHS performance indicators. This paper describes a study of publically available reporting trends in the upstream, midstream, and downstream. The study found that even if organizations do track the key metrics, many fail to publicly report them. Failure to report is a statement in itself. Fewer than 30% of the metrics deemed "essential" by international industry standards are commonly publicly reported. This leaves a significant gap for any industry leader to capitalize on. This paper will review the: Challenges & Benefits of ReportingTrends in the IndustryA Review of Utilizing Database Tools to Accurately Track & Report MetricsMetrics Throughout the Organizational Strategy to Generate Organizational Effectiveness

Knowing and reporting the key EHS performance indicators can add significant value to the organization. By defining the paybacks the corporation seeks, and knowing the associated metrics to track and report, organizations can actually achieve operational excellence.
Regulatory Compliance Challenge in Countries with Emerging Economies and Developing Legislative Systems
Authors: Zaytsev Yuliy Y. , Mattson Gregory A.
Published: April 2008

BP operates, on behalf of its partners, oil and gas exploration, production and transport businesses in Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Oil and gas produced in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea is delivered to the Sangachal Terminal in Azerbaijan, and is then transported by pipeline to destinations on the Black and Mediterranean Seas.

The environmental, health, safety and social performance of each business entity is governed primarily by Host Government Agreements (HGAs), Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs). In addition to these, most entities have also committed to complying with specific World Bank and IFC guidelines. Finally, all business entities are subject to corporate HSSE standards and requirements.

This paper reviews and discusses the challenges posed by commitments to comply with a complex and diverse set of requirements, and considers the lessons of recent experience in finding a practicable and constructive way forward.
HRA Exercise—PETRONAS Experience in Sudan
Authors: Mydin N. , Zainudin A. , Usul Hj M. H.
Published: April 2008

PETRONAS, the national oil company (NOC) of Malaysia is implementing Health Risk Assessment (HRA) across its operations. As part of the Group HSE Risk Management strategies, an assessment of health risks in one of the PETRONAS Carigali joint operation in South Sudan was carried out between 1st –7th November 2006. The assessment team comprised of PETRONAS Group HSE, PETRONAS Carigali Corporate HSE and site HSE personnel.

The assessment focused on the accommodation complex, field surface facilities, central processing facilities, export pipeline and central power plant.

The HRA (Standard) as per the PETRONAS Technical Standard was used as the guideline for the assessment. Site assessment and interviews with various groups of personnel were in place. Various types of health hazards were identified, assessed and their existing control measures were evaluated. The most important tools in the Methodology are the application of Risk Assessment Matrix (RAM) and Control Chart in deciding the risks levels and prioritizing the remedial action plans respectively.

A total of 20 assessment units have been assessed and relevant hazard inventories were developed. Besides identifying various risks, among others are bloodborne pathogens, vector (insects) borne disease and work-related stress due to working in high security risk area, we acknowledged the challenges and limitations of our operations in south Sudan compared to elsewhere such as in Malaysia. The Management is able to develop the remedial action plans based on the levels of priorities.

The findings have shown that health hazards in Sudan are different from the operations in Malaysia, which means different mitigating measures to be employed. It shows that HRA is a powerful tool to assist Management in setting up its Occupational Health program, minimizing workers’ health risks and consequently securing healthy workforce.

(Accepted for Oral Presentation on 6th August 2007)
Managing Major Incident Risk – Balancing Key Drivers of Success
Authors: Cseh Bela , Prajer Christophe , Soloman Peter
Published: April 2008

The paper describes the findings from an implementation project of process safety management (PSM) in the MOL Group based in Hungary. The findings focus on some items that make process safety management successful, sustainable and robust in an organisation. The insights from the implementation are examined: Introduction. Why the implementation is so important - and difficult.Creating access and flow of knowledge. The PSM Network - utilising the collective knowledge of technical experts in the company to improve the data made available during decision making.Focussing implementation effort on critical management systems. The PSM element champions – driving ownership into the operational leadership through systematic action and visible responsibility in key areas.An external conscience and stimulation. A positive improvement focussed 2nd party audit process. Pushing the organisation to take a step back and to understand the effectiveness of implementation of systems, then, critically examine the current action plan for opportunities to refocus effort.Creating the effective balance of action to maintain long term improvement Leadership review, visibility and tolerance of defects - changing the view of leadership from "a valid initiative" to "an essential value".
Using the Last Several Years of HSEQ Data to Improve the Next Several Years of HSEQ Performance
Authors: Stough Joe , Ritchie Rod
Published: April 2008

Have you found the Leading Indicators for which continued execution TRULY does result in fewer injuries, less spills, and generally better HSEQ performance? If so, can you prove it? If not, is it something you wish to do?

This paper will dive into the increasingly hot topic of "Leading Indicators" and how combining a large global data set with some fundamental statistical methods can result in both finding those factors which TRULY affect performance outcomes and the mathematical support to prove it.
Praising for Safety: The Next Step in Behavioural Safety
Authors: Breitsprecher Kathryn
Published: April 2008

It is widely accepted that a large amount of accidents and incidents are caused by unsafe behaviours. As a result the use of behavioural safety programs has increased in occupational safety. The behavioural approach has proven to be effective in reducing accidents and incidents. This paper describes a different application of the psychological principles of behaviour and demonstrates the results of this approach by illustrating a case study.

The principles of behaviour used in this case study were applied differently in comparison to a ‘traditional’ behavioural safety program. The methodology described here followed the traditional approach in that the observation of safe and at risk behaviours as well as feedback relating to these observations was crucial to accomplish behaviour change in safety. However, the importance of positive and negative consequences along with immediate feedback by work colleagues was emphasised. Furthermore, in this approach each participant acted as an observer as well as an observee, which is a further methodology difference to a ‘traditional’ approach.

The procedure of the program involved work teams to decide on a number of work related behaviours that have potential to be performed unsafely and to observe each other on these behaviours. Rather than just recording the safe and at-risk observations made the team members were encouraged to give praise for observed safe behaviours and to intervene in at risk behaviours. The amount of praise and interventions was recorded as well as safe and at risk observations. Goal-setting methodology was used to promote increases in safe behaviours.

The case study illustrates the benefits of giving emphasis to praise as well as interventions in a behavioural safety program. Results have shown an increase in safe behaviours in a short amount of time. However, additionally, results demonstrated an increase of communication within the team as well as between teams and supervisors leading to a safer work environment as well as increased morale. Furthermore, the participants of this program demonstrated greater ownership of issues relating to their safety resulting in greater engagement in creating a safe work place.
Paleoseismicity, Ecological Change, and Prehistoric Exploitation of Anadromous Fishes in the Salmon River Basin, Western Idaho, USA
Authors: Davis Loren G.
Published: April 2008

By the middle Holocene, Native American groups developed semi-sedentary villages in the Columbia River basin of the Pacific Northwest. The economic basis for these villages is thought to have been predicated on the acquisition of bulk food resources, such as salmon and camas, for delayed consumption during the winter. In Idaho's lower Salmon River canyon, semi-sedentary pit house villages are absent until after 2000 14C yr BP. Floodplain geochronology shows channel incision and terrace formation occurred at ca. 2000 14C yr BP, caused by fluvial response to neotectonic displacement along a normal fault. The delayed appearance of pit house sites and other markers of the Winter Village Pattern in the canyon is argued to be directly related to neotectonically-induced changes in fluvial conditions after 2000 14C yr BP, which significantly improved aquatic habitats for anadromous fishes and led to the development of a predictable, productive salmon fishery.
The World Price of Earnings Opacity
Authors: Bhattacharya Utpal , Daouk Hazem , Welker Michael
Published: April 2008

We analyze financial statements from 34 countries for the period 1984–1998 to construct a panel data set measuring three dimensions of reported accounting earnings for each country: earnings aggressiveness, loss avoidance, and earnings smoothing. We hypothesize that these three dimensions are associated with uninformative or opaque earnings, and so we combine these three measures to obtain an overall earnings opacity time-series measure per country. We then explore whether our three measures of earnings opacity affect two characteristics of an equity market in a country: the return the shareholders demand and how much they trade. While not all results are consistent for our three individual earnings opacity measures, our panel data tests document that, after controlling for other influences, an increase in overall earnings opacity in a country is linked to an economically significant increase in the cost of equity and an economically significant decrease in trading in the stock market of that country.
Determinants of Customer Loyalty and Financial Performance
Authors: Smith Rodney E. , Wright William F.
Published: April 2008

Recent research in accounting advocates nonfinancial measures of company performance, such as customer satisfaction and loyalty, as useful indicators of aspects of firm performance. But what are the drivers of customer satisfaction and loyalty? We provide an integrated causal model of company performance in the personal computer (PC) industry that simultaneously tests links between product value attributes resulting from business process performance, customer loyalty, and financial outcomes. Our results extend prior accounting research (e.g., Banker et al. 2000; Ittner and Larcker 1998) in two directions: (1) by explaining the determinants of customer loyalty, and (2) by clarifying the relation between customer loyalty and measures of financial performance. We report that product value attributes directly and differentially impact levels of customer loyalty as well as prevailing average selling prices. Furthermore, measures of customer loyalty explain levels of relative revenue growth and profitability, and relatively high customer loyalty engenders a competitive advantage in the PC industry.