More than 80 delegates and exhibitors were informed, educated and entertained at the fifth E-Reps Forum in Aberdeen.
With a theme of Back to Basics, the all-day event focussed on key environmental issues facing the industry through a series of seminars and interactive workshops at the Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport.
Bob Egan, of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), highlighted the need for environmental representatives to be part of a broader safety picture through dedicated workforce engagement programmes.
In addition, Andrew Taylor, of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Rog Thompson, of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), updated attendees on the latest regulatory requirements in the environmental sector of the oil and gas industry.
Former Royal Marine, explorer and marine biologist Monty Halls, best known for presenting the BBC series Monty Halls’ Great Escapes, was this year’s guest speaker. He enthralled the audience with his take on culture, leadership and how to avoid “morale hoovers” in the workplace.
Jill Rennie, founder and director of the E-Reps Forum, said: “I’m delighted this year’s E-Reps Forum took place against a backdrop of a very challenging period for the industry. It’s vital we keep the environment on the agenda and without the support of sponsors, exhibitors, delegates and everyone else connected to the event this simply would not have been possible.
“Monty Halls was engaging and one of the best speakers we’ve had at the E-Reps Forum, while the HSE reminded everyone to communicate and be aware of the industry’s environmental responsibilities. The event was a tremendous success and we’re already planning for next year.”
Andy Lang, crisis and environmental response manager at Petrofac Training Services, highlighted the multi-agency challenges faced during the onshore response to an offshore environmental incident.
The Joint Nature Conservation Committee gave a presentation on offshore protected sites and the change in regulations which introduced the requirement to identify major environmental incidents.
The E-Reps Forum is aimed at offshore environmental representatives (e-reps) and energy professionals with a strong interest in the environment. This year’s sponsors included Shell, Petrofac, TAQA, hazardous waste management firm Augean North Sea Services and Aberdeen communications and marketing business Engage PR.
For further information about the E-Reps Forum visit www.erepsnetwork.com