Q&A with Tom Theriot and Ali Rashid Al-Jarwan

As program committee chairpersons for the Eighth International Conference on Health, Safety, and the Environment, can you offer some highlights of this year's event? Al-Jarwan: This conference will be one of the biggest events in the global oil and gas industry focusing on the current challenges and opportunities associated with HSE. The main objective of the conference is to share all best practices in our industry to support sustain-ability of HSE performance. Theriot: Certainly the location in Abu Dhabi is a highlight in itself, as is the outstanding technical program, which has a global reach. What were your objectives in putting together the technical program? Theriot: One objective in putting together the technical program is to provide a high-quality program that will inform and motivate while covering a range of relevant and practical HSE-related topics. A second objective is to promote networking and interaction among the participants. This is the eighth such conference. What is the most significant difference in how the oil and gas industry views HSE issues now compared to how it viewed them at the time of the first conference? Al-Jarwan: During the last 10 years, the HSE performance of the oil and gas industry has been generally good, showing continuous improvement mainly because of the application of management systems, compliance with rules and regulations, and by implementing audits to find gaps for further improvements. To sustain HSE performance further, the drive should come from the entire workforce. A truly positive cultural change in behavior will be needed to sustain performance. Theriot: One significant difference is the increased awareness by industry that strong HSE performance is essential to overall business success. Said differently, sustained business success starts with success in HSE, and it is this realization that has led to improved HSE management approaches across the industry. This realization also emphasizes the value to industry of sharing and collaboration, and the importance of global conferences such as this one. How is this event different from other HSE events? Theriot: The worldwide scope and participation, including a strong senior leadership presence from many companies and organizations, and the breadth of the technical program make this conference unique. Al-Jarwan: This conference will capitalize on the central location of Abu Dhabi and the rich diversity of the oil and gas industry in the Middle East. The various technical and panel sessions will be diverse and cover the latest HSE success stories and challenges. What is the next great stride the industry must make regarding HSE issues? Theriot: The next great stride must be in improving execution. Numerous tools, practices, and systems are in place, and it is essential that all employees and contractors effectively exe-cute in all phases of their activities to promote continuous HSE improvement industry wide. Al-Jarwan: The oil and gas industry is truly on a long journey in both HSE and business improvement while meeting increasing challenges in E&P developments. But this journey is generating a wealth of experience. For example, during the last 10 years, quantified risk assessment and safety installation have improved to prevent major accidents.