EP4 – What’s new

The Equator Principles (EP) is a risk management framework, adopted by several financial institutions since 2003, for determining, assessing and managing environmental and social risk in project finance.

EP4 is the latest update of the framework. EP4 applies to a broader range of financial products, reduces inconsistencies between “developed” and “developing” countries, and renews focus on climate change, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples.

More at https://lnkd.in/eRi6hX9

Sostenibilidad, seguridad y reputación en tiempos de desafíos económicos

Sostenibilidad, seguridad y reputación - HSE International

La caída de los precios del petróleo ha provocado que algunas empresas reduzcan sus inversiones y algunas incluso reduzcan sus gastos. La seguridad industrial, la salud de los trabajadores, el medio ambiente y la reputación de la industria son motivo de preocupación ya que las empresas reducen costos durante las caídas. Los accidentes continúan ocurriendo, lo que indica que los riesgos ambientales y de seguridad, así como los retos del ciclo de vida del petróleo y el gas, continuarán independientemente de los precios del petróleo.

La industria ya ha atravesado varias veces por cambios significativos en los precios del petróleo y por eventos globales críticos, y deberíamos aprender de las lecciones pasadas. Los riesgos y desafíos de seguridad industrial y ambientales incrementan con los bajos precios del petróleo. De hecho, la situación ahora ha aumentado significativamente debido a la pérdida de puestos de trabajo y los impactos económicos más amplios inducidos por la volatilidad económica asociada al COVID-19.

Los precios más bajos y la volatilidad económica a menudo se traducen en recortes de empleos y bajas en mantenimiento; algunos trabajadores se distraen con la posibilidad de perder sus puestos de trabajo y otros pueden comenzar a correr más riesgos para preservar sus puestos. La situación puede verse agravada por comunicaciones conflictivas provenientes de la alta gerencia de mantener la producción y al mismo tiempo reducir los costos.

De cara al futuro, la demanda mundial de energía seguirá creciendo, pero a un ritmo más lento debido a una mayor eficiencia, un crecimiento demográfico y económico más lento y tecnologías nuevas y mejoradas. Y aunque se necesitará más energía con menos carbono, la industria petrolera seguirá desempeñando un papel importante en la cartera de energía y los hidrocarburos seguirán aportando aproximadamente la mitad de la demanda energética total en el 2050.

La actual desaceleración de la inversión se traducirá en una caída de la producción, lo que requerirá la perforación de más pozos para mantenerse al día con la demanda próxima futura.

El recurso más importante y valioso de la industria es su gente. El mensaje de la gerencia a los trabajadores en el terreno debe ser el de prestar mucha más atención que nunca a la seguridad, la protección del medio ambiente y las operaciones responsables, mientras se realizan operaciones más eficientes y se mantiene el enfoque en la integridad operativa. El mismo mensaje debe transmitirse a las empresas de perforación y servicios, especialmente cuando se renegocian contratos y precios.

En resumen, es necesario, imperativo, mantener el enfoque en la seguridad, el medio ambiente y las operaciones responsables, independientemente del precio actual del petróleo. El mensaje y las acciones que provienen de los líderes y ejecutivos deben ser claros y fuertes en todo momento: avanzar con HSE (abreviación en inglés) como la prioridad número uno continuando las operaciones de una manera muy eficiente y responsable.

HSE International es una firma de consultoría innovadora que proporciona servicios de gestión de riesgos y asesoramiento estratégico a industrias, inversores e instituciones en todo el mundo.  A medida que los proyectos y desarrollos se conceptualizan, diseñan, construyen y operan, ayudamos a garantizar que se adhieran a altos estándares ambientales, sociales, de gobernanza y de salud ocupacional y seguridad industrial. www.hseinternational.com

Sustainability, Safety and Reputation during economic challenging times

The decline in oil prices has resulted in some companies decreasing investments, and some even cutting back expenditures. Safety, the environment, and the industry reputation are of concern as companies cut costs during declines.  Accidents continue occurring, indicating that the safety and environmental risks – and challenges of the oil and gas life cycle will continue regardless of oil prices. 

The industry has already gone through significant oil and gas price swings and critical global events several times, and we should learn from past lessons. HSE risks and challenges increase with low oil prices. In fact, the situation now is significantly augmented due to the job losses and wider economic impacts of the COVID-19 induced economic volatility. 

Lower prices and economic volatility often translate into job and maintenance cuts; some workers get distracted with the prospect of potentially losing their jobs, and others may start taking more risks to preserve their positions. The situation may be increased by conflicting communications coming from the top to maintain production while cutting costs.

The industry has already gone through significant oil and gas price swings and critical scenarios several times, and we should learn from past lessons. 

Looking forward, global energy demand will continue to grow but at a slower pace due to greater efficiency, slower population and economic growth, and new and improved technologies. And although more energy will be needed in a lower carbon way, the oil and gas industry will continue to play an important role in the energy portfolio and hydrocarbons will still account for just about half of the total energy mix in 2050. 

The current slowdown in investment will translate into falling production, requiring the drilling of more wells to keep up with upcoming future demand.

The industry's most important and valuable resource is its people. The message from management to the workers on the ground must be one of paying much more attention than ever to safety, environmental protection, and responsible operations while running more efficient operations and maintaining focus on operational integrity. The same message must be passed on to drilling and service companies, especially when contracts and prices are renegotiated. 

Bottom line, it is imperative to maintain focus on safety, the environment, and responsible operations regardless of the present price of oil. The message and actions coming from the top leadership at all times must be loud and clear: moving forward with HSE as the number one priority continuing operations in a very efficient and responsible way.

Renewables and the Circular Economy - DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE

Renewables and the Circular Economy - DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE

Landfills are taking a significant increase of wind and solar farm wastes, such as turbine blades and hubs, and solar panels. Those pose an environmental and financial hurdle for many cities and locations worldwide. 

Although there are initiatives by private companies to reuse / recycle wind and solar components, such as breaking down old blades and turning them into pellets and fiberboards to be used for walls and flooring, that is not enough in view of the growth pace of renewables.

It is necessary to consider more design input now, so it’s easier to find ways to reuse and recycle materials from old wind and solar farms in the future.

COVID-19: People and Business

COVID-19: People and Business

Since the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the end of 2019, the virus has now spread worldwide to more than 195 countries and infected over 375,000 people as of today’s data (24 March 2020[1]). 

A question that should be continuously asked: what can we do to minimize the risk to people and businesses poised by the virus? 

It is imperative organizations show due diligence and complete risk assessments specific to the COVID-19 and how they relate to the business as a base to implement policies and procedures to protect people and businesses from the virus. 

COVID-19 Risk Assessment

A risk assessment includes the following steps and should be conducted by a competent professional to ensure compliance with local regulations and best international practices. 

·  Assess the CONTEXT and Identify the HAZARDS

Consider all potential areas (site, building areas, off-site facilities) and tasks people are completing in those areas, equipment being used, and personal protective equipment (PPE) currently provisioned and used. This should give you a general idea of the hazards posed by a potential COVID-19 infection.

·  Identify WHO may be affected and HOW

Based on the information gathered above, identify the people who would be affected (who and how) by the hazard of COVID-19 being present – both in your onsite and offsite operations or activities. Consider individuals who are at a higher risk due to their existing health conditions, age structure, and tasks they carry out.

·  Assess the RISKS and CONTROL them

Assess how each risk is likely to occur, its potential severity, and consequences. Establish how to control each risk in a reasonable manner. Devise control measures specific to the risk(s) and appropriate to your organization and activity. Establish the procedures to implement the controls that have been determined. 

·  COMMUNICATE the findings and DOCUMENT

Document findings and develop and share key messages resulting from the steps above through inductions and other means to all personnel. Ensure the communication reaches and is understood by workforce, and visitors. Keep a record of everyone that has acknowledged receiving the information.

·  REVIEW

As more information is learned about COVID-19, hazards, assessments, controls, and communications should be reviewed and updated to reflect any learnings or changes. Documents and key messages need to be re-distributed and acknowledged by all relevant people.

If you need support conducting any of the steps above, we are here to help you. It’s important to us that everyone gets the assistance they need. Due to the present situation it is preferable you initially communicate with us by email: solutions@hseinternational.com.

HSE International, LLC – mail: 1321 Upland Dr. #5500, Houston, TX 77043, USA - (+1) 281.971.5909 - solutions@hseinternational.com  - https://www.hseinternational.com

[1] https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019