Supplementary Memorandum by the Confederation
of British Industry (HSE 17(a))
During the inquiry, Mr Donohoe asked for further
information which I am happy to provide below.
In his questioning, Mr Donohoe referred to the
North Sea and I have thus restricted my answer to BP Amoco oil
and gas exploration facilities and terminals in the UK. This area
of our business has approximately 300 safety representatives.
The figure covers both elected and Trade Union appointed representatives
and includes contractor-employee representatives, as we do not
seek to distinguish them from BP Amoco employees. All these individuals
have other functions in addition to being a safety representative.
Our standard for training safety representatives,
was developed by the BP Amoco UK Safety Representatives Forum
and applies to BP Amoco and Contractor employees throughout the
UK-based oil and gas exploration and production operations of
BP Amoco. Our safety representatives attend a five-day BP Amoco
course. Trade union-appointed reps also attend union-sponsored
courses.
Within three months of assuming post, a newly-elected
representative will undertake core training with attendance at
an appropriate course covering the role and function of safety
representatives, relevant legislation, basic accident investigation
and workplace inspection.
Suitable core training courses are available
within BP Amoco and may be booked directly through the company
Intranet. Alternatively, we are happy that training can be provided
by a suitable external provider approved by the Trade Union.
Representatives who continue in post longer
than two years undertake refresher training to update their core
skills and knowledge at two year intervals.
In addition to this, safety representatives
undertake mandatory skill development training within one year
of election or appointment in post. For example:
— Accident and Incident Investigation
and Reporting
— Advanced Safety Auditing
Safety representatives are also encouraged to
take part in specific health and safety training initiatives organised
by the operating facility.
BP Amoco takes its health and safety responsibilities
very seriously and our safety representatives have a key role
in maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.
Roger Alesbury
Director, Occupational Hygiene
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