|
|
SEL News from IMCA
Welcome to the latest information from IMCA's Safety, Environment & Legislation (SEL) core activity.
February 2008- Safety exellence in a global environment - IMCA seminar a success in Abu Dhabi
Over 120 delegates gathered in Abu Dhabi for the first major IMCA safety seminar to be held in the region. A packed two-day programme featured a variety of presentations and discussion sessions on good practice, covering both safety and environmental performance, as well as driving home the personal lessons learnt from incidents. Members displayed and discussed their own successful safety initiatives and ideas through a 'share fair' session. A CD of the proceedings has been issued, with a full report on this website.
January 2008- IMCA updates guidance on basic safety training and vessel induction for non-marine personnel
IMCA has updated its Guidance on basic safety training and vessel induction for non-marine personnel working offshore, including this revised title. Such personnel can include project and technical staff not normally based on a vessel but onboard to fulfill the needs of a given project. The guidance offers examples of topics to be covered in basic safety training programmes in a checklist form that can be adapted for the workforce, vessel and operations to be undertaken.
- New safety posters address ladder safety and dropped objects
IMCA has published two new safety posters, entitled Working at height: safe use of ladders and Avoiding dropped objects. This adds to the growing range of IMCA safety promotional materials, which includes DVDs, fifteen pocket cards and the existing (2006) posters on manual handling and preventing slips, trips and falls. Members can also download the commercial printing files to enable incorporation of their own logos, names and references.
November 2007- Registration opens for IMCA safety seminar 2008
Safety Excellence in a Global Environment is the theme for the 2008 IMCA safety seminar, which will take place in Abu Dhabi on 12-13 February. A packed programme has been developed featuring presentations, discussions sessions, a safety share fair and more. The event aims to attract onshore and offshore management responsible for safety together with operational personnel, to share a wide range of experience and opinions.
October 2007- Changes to IMCA publication pricing
IMCA has changed its pricing policies and issued a fully reviewed and updated publications catalogue, with many prices changed, often to a lower level. This website reflects all of the changes, with the updated catalogue also available for downloading - please download the new version and replace any earlier copies you may have.
- IMCA publishes new guidelines for lifting operations
Lifting is a key part of almost all offshore and subsea operations. It can range from lifting of stores and spares handling through to complicated and heavy lifts and there could be as in excess of 200 different lifting operations on a vessel. Each lift brings with it the possibility of injury to people and damage to equipment, but with proper planning hazards can be identified and risks reduced or eliminated. New guidelines produced by IMCA show essential components that should be in included in company procedures for lifting operations and to offer advice on the steps within a lifting operation process that will promote safety.
February 2007- Keeping Safety Personal - IMCA safety seminar a great success
Over 130 delegates gathered at Liverpool FC's Anfield stadium on 1-2 February for the fifth annual IMCA safety seminar. A packed programme, with presentations, discussion sessions and even some magical interjections, prompted much thought, debate and ideas for future work by IMCA. The proceedings CD has now been distributed to delegates and other IMCA members, with a report available on this website.
January 2007- IMCA assists members ensure security with new threat risk assessment procedure guide
Threat risk assessment enables companies to identify actual or perceived threats with a view to initiating and recommending countermeasures and mitigation strategies to detect and deter threats and reduce vulnerability to potential incidents. The IMCA Security Task Force has therefore produced a procedure which sets out a simplified risk-based method of undertaking such assessments. In addition to improving security and safety, such an analysis can also be a valuable aid in allocating resources, forward planning, contingency planning and budgeting.
- IMCA publishes ISPS Code guide
IMCA members want to provide a safe and secure working environment for all of their workforces and fully endorse the International Ship & Port Facility Security Code (the ISPS Code). However, whilst vessel crews will be familiar with the code, other parties visiting the vessel or company port facility might not be. This new publication has been developed to aid those other parties with understanding the code and the reason for its implementation. It may also be useful as a general reference for all personnel.
- New guidance on investigation and reporting published
IMCA has published a new guide to assist companies in developing and enhancing procedures for incident investigation and reporting. The guide is useful both to those charged with determining the root causes of offshore incidents as well as the broader workforce - any offshore worker can benefit and enhance the incident reporting and investigation through a fuller understanding of the processes involved. This guidance aims to reflect current practice for setting up incident investigation and reporting procedures and, primarily, to examine how these may be improved to help identify root causes.
- Latest pocket card provides a safety guide to hazardous substances
IMCA's series of safety promotion materials continues to expand, with the publication of the fifteenth pocket card - Hazardous Substances Safety Guide. The card addresses planning, precautions to be taken before, during and after use and actions to be taken in case of spills . Available in printed form and downloadable by members for printing with company logos, references, etc., the cards help offshore personnel keep key safety messages to hand and in mind in a variety of work situations.
November 2006- New guide to verification of third-party security personnel
Ships, whilst in port or operating within certain geographical waters, regularly require additional protective security to counter threats that may stem from a variety of local factors. Such requirements may also apply to IMCA members' port facilities. The IMCA Security Task Force has published a new guide to assist members when selecting security companies, setting out basic guidance and a providing straightforward audit checklist covering the various factors to be considered.
- Keeping Safety Personal - registration opens for 2007 IMCA safety seminar
An exciting programme has been published and online registration is now open for IMCA's 2007 safety seminar. Taking place at Liverpool Football Club's Anfield stadium, the event will bring together onshore and offshore management responsible for safety as well as representatives of the on-site workforce. A packed two-day event features a variety of presentations, discussion sessions and more.
September 2006- IMCA contributes to industry guidance on malaria prevention
IMCA has been part of a cross-industry workgroup under the auspices of OGP (the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers) and IPIECA (the International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association) which has now published A Guide to Malaria Management Programmes in the Oil and Gas Industry. Further details available from OGP - www.ogp.org.uk
June 2006- First IMCA safety posters now available
IMCA has published the first in a series of safety posters, entitled Watch Your Back and Slips, Trips and Falls. The posters feature specially commissioned illustrations to present important safety messages in an eye-catching way. Available for purchase in sets, members can also download files for commercial printing incorporating their own logos, references and other relevant information.
- Latest safety pocket cards cover personal security and eye safety
IMCA has published two more safety pocket cards. Personal Security relates the key points from the recently published IMCA guidance on travel security. Keep your Eyes on Safety similarly lets offshore workers keep important safety messages to hand.
- IMCA publishes guidance on travel security
The IMCA Security Task Force, formed in 2005, has delivered its first guidance document. Already receiving excellent reviews, the guidance covers topics such as pre-travel planning, medical advice, precautionary tips and steps to be taken in emergency situations. A safety pocket card on the same subject is to follow shortly, helping keep the key points to hand.
February 2006- IMCA seminar gets the safety message across
Over 120 delegates gathered at Murrayfield international rugby stadium in Edinburgh, UK, for the fourth major IMCA seminar dedicated to onshore and offshore personnel responsible for safety. Over two days, a packed programme of presentations and discussion sessions brought home the importance of continuing to focus on the zero-injury goal, considering aspects from culture to procedures along with lessons learnt from incidents which have occurred and personnal accounts of the profound effects an incident can have on individuals' lives. The proceedings CD has now been issued to delegates and members.
January 2006- Technical work programme for 2006 underway
The six core and divisional IMCA committees have set out their work programmes for the current year. As always, the programmes feature a number of ongoing initiatives highly valued by members world-wide, liaison with third-party organisations on areas of common interest and a number of new work items to address current issues and technological developments.
December 2005- IMCA safety seminar - 9-10 February 2006
The fourth major IMCA safety seminar - Safety Where it Counts: At the Sharp End - takes place on 9-10 February 2006 at Murrayfield international rugby stadium, Edinburgh, UK. Building on previous successful events in Manchester, Newcastle and Amsterdam, the seminar majors on the various elements which together can help ensure a safe offshore working environment. Its packed programme features presentations about best practice and successful initiatives which have improved offshore safety, plus reports and discussion on incidents which have occurred and the lessons which have been learned from them.
October 2005- Three more pocket safety cards published
The latest additions to the series of IMCA pocket safety cards have been published. Entitled 'Confined spaces can be deadly', 'Workplace safety self assessment' and 'Stay safe at the wheel: Cutting and grinding safety', they add to the growing catalogue of safety promotional materials available from IMCA. As usual, the print files are available for downloading by members, with space set aside for inclusion of company names, logos and references.
- IMCA encouraging reporting of lifting incidents
IMCA has reviewed and reissued its lifting operations incident forms as it seeks to develop a database on offshore lifting incidents. The intention is to perform regular analysis of such data to identify particular issues and lessons that can be learned, to help avoid repeat incidents in the future. The industry is being encouraged to make the small additional effort of completing the short IMCA report, which will be recorded anonymously, when incidents occur to help with this ambition.
- IMCA encouraging reporting of lifting incidents
IMCA has reviewed and reissued its lifting operations incident forms as it seeks to develop a database on offshore lifting incidents. The intention is to perform regular analysis of such data to identify particular issues and lessons that can be learned, to help avoid repeat incidents in the future. The industry is being encouraged to make the small additional effort of completing the short IMCA report, which will be recorded anonymously, when incidents occur to help with this ambition.
September 2005- New DVD addresses slips, trips and finger nips
While the oil and gas industry has become very much safer through the dedication of contractors and their personnel over the years, the target is zero injuries and we're not there yet. A new IMCA DVD available in PAL and NTSC formats with subtitles in nine languages, addresses what are now two of the most frequent remaining causes of injury to those working offshore - 'slips and trips' and injuries associated with crushing and pinching.
- New DVD addresses slips, trips and finger nips
While the oil and gas industry has become very much safer through the dedication of contractors and their personnel over the years, the target is zero injuries and we're not there yet. A new IMCA DVD available in PAL and NTSC formats with subtitles in nine languages, addresses what are now two of the most frequent remaining causes of injury to those working offshore - 'slips and trips' and injuries associated with crushing and pinching.
April 2005- Latest pocket card says 'Watch your hands ...
... You've only got one set'. The eighth IMCA pocket safety card has been issued, addressing the subject of hand safety. It notes that hands are "the best set of tools you'll be ever be issued with and the only ones you can't replace" and sets out key safety pointers in a convenient format for use offshore, with dos and don'ts and a simple 'Think, Check, Stop' checklist.
February 2005- Updated working at height DVD features subtitles
IMCA has updated and re-released its popular DVD-based guide to the hazards associated with working at height to include subtitles in eight languages.
- Latest IMCA safety seminar breaks new ground
IMCA's third major safety seminar - Elements for Safety sought to 'complete the health and safety jigsaw', by bringing together delegates from around the world to hear presentations and share experience on successes in improving safety and to learn the lessons from recent incidents. A variety of formats, including a surprise drama, helped demonstrate the various ways of getting the safety message across and brought good feedback from delegates.
December 2004- Registration Opens for 2005 IMCA Safety Seminar
Elements for Safety: Completing the Health and Safety Jigsaw? is IMCA's third major seminar dedicated to onshore and offshore personnel responsible for safety. Taking place on 3-4 February 2005 at the Ajax Amsterdam Arena, the member-only event aims to build on the success of previous seminars at Old Trafford (Manchester) and St James' Park (Newcastle) and focuses on the various elements which together can help ensure a safe offshore working environment. Members should register now and spread the word to their colleagues.
- New Guidance Addresses Wire Rope Maintenance
which rely on them is vital. To this end, a broad-based IMCA workgroup has, together with wire rope manufacturers, developed guidance on the inspection, testing, storage, transport, maintenance and general care of wire ropes not already covered by industry guidance.
November 2004- Latest Pocket Card Addresses Drug and Alcohol Misuse
Following on from guidance documents covering drug and alcohol policies (The Collection of Samples (IMCA SEL 008, Apr 2003) and Breath Testing (IMCA SEL 011, Feb 2004)), IMCA's latest pocket safety card helps bring awareness of the real effects of drug and alcohol misuse to hand for offshore personnel.
April 2004- More pocket safety cards now available
Four more pocket cards - Toolbox Talks, Lifting Operations, Lifting Equipment and Working at Height - have been distributed to members, with bulk sets available for purchase and the print files available for download, enabling incorporation of company logos and references.
February 2004- Breath Testing Guidance Published
The second IMCA guidance document relating to drug and alcohol policies is now available, addressing the complicated issues and sensitivities associated with testing and outlining the procedures required for and breath testing, plus summaries of other types of test.
January 2004- First IMCA Pocket Safety Cards Now Available
IMCA has been developing a series of pocket safety cards, which aim to make key safety messages readily available for offshore personnel. The first two cards, entitled 'Manual handling safety guide' and 'Preventing slips and trips', have been distributed to members and are available for purchase. The print files are also available to members for customisation with company logos, names and references. A number of other cards are being progressed - more details soon.
- IMCA objectives for 2004 published
IMCA's technical work programme for 2004 has been agreed by the Overall Management Committee, setting out the projects to be undertaken by the core activities and technical divisions over the coming year. Also published on this website are the strategic objectives enshrined in the revised IMCA Constitution, which was adopted in December 2003.
December 2003- Recent Safety Flashes Now Available for Download
In a demonstration of its commitment to improving offshore safety, IMCA Safety Flashes for the most recent twelve months are now available for downloading from this site, enhancing their spread through the offshore sector. These flashes disseminate the key information relating to incidents, including what went wrong, in terms of equipment, procedural and other human failings and the recommendations and lessons learned. All companies are encouraged to use the system by sending their incident reports to IMCA, which will duly anonymise and seek authorisation from contributors before issuing its flash.
November 2003- Working at Height DVD Now Available
Despite the offshore industry being a leader in developing safe practices and working systems, falls from height are still a serious problem world-wide, causing death and serious injury. IMCA has produced a DVD to promote the need for safety awareness when working at height. Various hazards are discussed, with real-life demonstrations of what to do and what not to do.
- Major IMCA Marine & Safety Seminar a Hit in Houston
The third major IMCA safety event, combined for the first time with an IMCA Marine Division annual seminar, drew over one hundred delegates discuss the operational experiences, hear about the latest technological developments and share new ideas and best practice to help raise offshore safety around the world. The event included a range of presentations, panel discussions and workshops, together with an exhibition by IMCA members supplying equipment and services to the sector and a safety share fair - with stands from some of the world's leading offshore contractors sharing their safety initiatives.
August 2003- Major IMCA Marine and Safety Seminar goes to Houston
Deepwater: Marine Operations & Safety brings the annual Marine Division seminar to Houston, USA while adding a further dimension with the inclusion of a third major IMCA safety seminar. Taking place on 5-6 November, the seminar will bring together key operational and managerial personnel from across the industry and around the world to participate in a wide range of sessions. The key themes for the event include DP operations and compliance/ enforcement issues in the Gulf of Mexico; vessel security and emergency preparedness/ response; DP system reliablity and safety; and improving contractors' safety performance.
- Members-Only Seminar Addresses Security Issues
IMCA's new Europe & Africa Section, together with the SEL core committee, is holding a one-day seminar on 25 September in Paris, France, to tackle security issues. These are a major concern for contractors, particularly those working offshore West Africa, and forms part of the section's ongoing work programme. Speakers include experts working in the region, senior managers and specialist security consultants to present a range of security/ operational/ health management topics with discussion sessions after each.
April 2003- Guidance on Drug and Alcohol Policies Published
IMCA has published the first of two guidance documents providing guidance on drug and alcohol policies. The document aims to help guide members on the complex issues involved in testing personnel for drug and alcohol abuse. They describe the issues that are likely to arise and this volume, in particular, gives guidance on the collection of urine samples.
March 2003- IMCA's Objectives for 2003 Finalised
At its recent meeting, IMCA's Overall Management Committee agreed a comprehensive work programme for the various technical committees in the coming year. As ever, the Association's widely adopted guidance in various technical areas is being reviewed and updated as necessary to maintain and enhance its usefulness to companies operating in the marine contracting sector. This year also sees a number of new initiatives in every area which aim to tackle key issues faced by members world-wide in 2003. Click above for more information, or see areas of the website relevant to your own work to find out just what IMCA is doing in for you.
February 2003- No Harm: What's the Problem? - Offshore Safety Moves Forward
Over eighty delegates from around the world gathered at St James' Park in Newcastle, UK to hear thought-provoking presentations on various aspects of offshore safety and to participate in enthusiastic group discussion sessions. A new feature of this second major IMCA seminar was a 'safety trading' session, where delegates could share in the experiences and safety initiatives of a number of IMCA's contractor members. The proceedings of the two-day event will be made available shortly to IMCA members with a summary report now online.
November 2002- No Harm - What's the Problem?
The second annual IMCA safety seminar has been announced, aiming to review progress since the 2002 event and moving strongly forward, with additional sessions in a variety of formats, addressing how to meet the zero-injury goal and sharing in best practice and new initiatives. Join us at Newcastle United's football ground in February 2003.
- Americas Sub-Groups Off to an Enthusiastic Start
The newly-formed Americas Deepwater Section is already making its presence felt and adding a strong new dimension to IMCA's international activities. Regional sub-groups have been formed and are having their first meetings already, tackling local issues directly and providing valuable input into the work of IMCA's world-wide committees.
October 2002- IMCA Americas Deepwater Section Established
The first meeting of IMCA's latest regional section was well attended and saw an extensive work programme initiated and enthusiastic sub-groups formed to deal with various technical areas. The new section has a remit to maintain, promote and exchange information on good practice - click above for full details on how your company can get involved and reap the benefits.
August 2002- IMCA Newsletter available for download
From Issue 24 (July 2002), the IMCA Newsletter will now be available for download from the members-only website, enabling a wider distribution than ever before. Click above to get it - and pass it on to your colleagues.
May 2002- New Chief Executive at IMCA
Hugh Williams - formerly of Heerema, Noble Denton and Global Maritime - has joined IMCA as Chief Executive, taking over from Tony Read who will be retiring, following a three-month handover period, after leading the Association for the past five years. For full details, please read the press release.
April 2002- 2002 Objectives finalised
A wide and varied programme confirmed addressing all sectors of members' operations in the offshore industry - click above for the full list of objectives, which are also available via each divisional and core activity homepage.
January 2002- Successful Working Safer Offshore seminar draws praise from delegates
Over eighty delegates from around the world gathered at Old Trafford in Manchester to hear thought-provoking presentations on various aspects of offshore safety, leading on to enthusiastic discussion sessions. The proceedings of the two-day event are summarised in a document now available to IMCA members, with a summary report available online.
November 2001- Working Safer Offshore - SHE in Marine Contracting
The finalised programme and registration details are now available for this key event in IMCA's calendar for 2002 - a seminar aimed at operational offshore personnel looking at various aspects of safety, health and the environment in marine contracting through a variety of presentations, discussion sessions and multimedia displays.
August 2001- Record Output from IMCA Safety Flash System
By August 2001, IMCA has already issued more safety flashes in 2001 than in any previous year. More member companies than ever are contributing their own safety alerts, which are then anonymised and distributed through the IMCA membership, helping to pass on lessons learned from incidents and prevent repeat occurrences. Not being complacent, IMCA has re-emphasised the strengths of the system and urged all members to add the secretariat to their safety alert distribution lists. Click above for information on the system, including a full listing of recent safety flashes issued.
July 2001- Basic Safety Training for Non-Marine Personnel on Specialist Vessels
IMCA has published new guidance aimed at addressing the concerns of IMCA members who have faced, in a number of parts of the world, sub-contractor personnel coming onto their vessels who have had no basic safety training. The guidance has been designed to be fully consistent with IMO recommendations and its adoption is seen as a potential major advance in contractor safety.
June 2001- Safety, Health and the Environment 2002
IMCA's SEL Committee is organising a two-day workshop in January 2002 aimed at bringing together both managerial and offshore personnel to facilitate presentations, discussions and learning on a number of key topics in SHE matters for marine contractors. For further information as it becomes available, click above.
May 2001- Safe Transfer of Personnel by Basket on the UK Continental Shelf
The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has published its revised safety notice on this topic, which references the IMCA/IADC guidelines published in March as good industry practice.
- Setting Performance Indicators Workshop
Members have been circulated with the details of this workshop, which provides members with the opportunity to discuss various aspects of leading and lagging health and safety and also environmental performance indicators, one of the SEL Committee's major areas of current activity.
March 2001February 2001- Special Message from the President on Safety Flashes
One of the primary objectives of IMCA is to strive to raise health and safety standards across our industry to provide the safest working environment possible for our member companies and their employees. A key tool in this effort has been the use of IMCA for the prompt distribution of safety flashes across the industry of incidents that pose a latent hazard to other members.
|
