SMEs in Oil and Gas Sector Tasked to Observe Health, Safety and Environment Standards

Small and Medium Enterprises’ (SMEs) proprietors have been tasked to observe Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Standards if they are to win contracts and bids in the oil and Gas Sector.

The call was made by various speakers at a one day Suppliers Development workshop, held at the Industry Enhancement Centre in Kampala on Wednesday.

Mr. Jimmy Mugerwa, the Managing Director, Zoramu Consulting Group and former Managing Director, Tullow Uganda, told the SMEs proprietors in the oil and gas sector to value human lives in the cause of carrying out their businesses.

“Behind Health, Safety and Environment, there is an opportunity. It’s important we all use safety standards to ensure there are zero accidents”, he said.

He said SMEs owners should endeavor to protect peoples’ assets and environment, manage risks but not mitigate risks.

Mr. Adnan Okello, a Safety Audits and Contracts Expert, told SMEs Managers to endeavor to identify and mitigate risks associated with Health, Safety and Environment impact to prevent accidents.

“Regulatory compliance in Oil and Gas is strict on Health, Safety and Environment and avoids defaulters from facing penalties”, he added.

Mr. Okelo said SMEs that observe HSE guidelines stand the chances of building trust with all stakeholders in the Oil and Gas Sector.

“Adopting environmentally friendly and socially responsible practices contributes to overall sustainability goals”, he further said.

Ms. Komugisha Rossette, of the Industry Enhancement Centre, told SMEs Managers to make annual reports on Inspections, Audits and Safety measures, as a way of guaranteeing compliance on HSE requirements.

“Heath, Safety and Environment in Oil and Gas is very critical because an incident in the Sector causes a lot of revenue loss and sometimes lives of people”, she said.

The major objective of the workshop, according to organizers, was to provide essential insights and skills in Health, Safety and Environment to help Companies meet the requirements in the oil and Gas Sector, for successful bids and contracts.