PSRG/RICHARDSON HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSSE) FORUM – 2018
The 10th Edition of the Annual PSRG – RICHARDSON HSSE Forum themed “EFFECTIVE HSSE MANAGEMENT: THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY” was held on the 25th & 26th of September, 2018 at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.
The Forum kicked off with an Opening prayer, led by the Chairman, Richardson Oil and Gas, Mr. Bode Osunkoya. This was immediately followed up with the Safety Moment which was led by Mr Dele Olawoye in which he enlightened the audience on a few safety precautions on how to effectively maintain automobile tires.
The Welcome remarks were taken by Mr. Akin Osuntoki, Managing Director/C.E.O, Richardson Oil and Gas Limited, who informed the participants that the forum is part of the Company’s initiative which is centered at building an Organization that will Create, Acquire, Interpret, Transfer and Retain Knowledge; and Channel such Towards Creating Distinguishing Values for its Stakeholders.
The Forums Objectives were;
- Bridge the Knowledge/Human Capital Gap that exists in the Gulf of Guinea in the Practice of HSSE
- Invest in Research & Development Towards the Improvement of Nigerian Content Development
- Establish a Global Entity; ready to Explore and Exploit Opportunities in Africa and Middle East Regions
- Transfer Skills and Competences useful in Processes Upgrading Structures/Internal Business Processes in Clients’ Organizations
DAY 1: Tuesday, 25th September 2018
Session 1: EFFECTIVE HSSE MANAGEMENT: THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY
The event Chairman, Mr. Tony Attah, Managing Director Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) commenced his opening remarks by applauding Richardson Oil and Gas Limited and Process Safety and Reliability Group – USA (PSRG) for the sustained success of organizing the annual forum. While laying emphasis on the importance of a healthy HSSE practice in the workforce in Nigeria especially in the Oil and Gas sector, he described a scenario that captures the heart breaking loss of a young company driver who was involved in a car accident as a result of anxiety and lack of experience. He introduced the audience to a slogan (If you see something, say something) which was aimed at improving the cautiousness immediate environment.
The Executive General Manager, Operations Support Services, Deep Water District Total E&P Nigeria Limited, Mr. Alex Aghedo (Representing The Deputy Managing Director, Deep Water District, Total E&P Nigeria Limited – Mr. Ahmadu-Kida Musa) delivered the Goodwill Message and lauded the initiative upon which the Forum was initially founded. He also affirmed the contiuous support from Total E and P towards the sustainability of the forum.
Dr. Amadi Amadi Manager, HSEQ, Nigeria LNG Limited, kicked-off the session with the first presentation of the conference titled: EFFECTIVE HSSE MANAGEMENT -THE KEY TO SUSTAINABILITY.
He briefly explained the importance of an effective HSSE Management System as well as what it entails. He proceeded by enlightening the audience on some tips of sustaining an Effective HSSE Management System which includes: ensuring the commitment of senior management, conducting gap assessment analysis, auditing the existing HSE proceduresand practices, setting-up an implementation team, clarifying the roles and responsibilities, getting employees and contractors involved and testing the effectiveness of the plan on an ongoing basis. He also buttressed the need for an effective HSSE Management System using various case studies as yardsticks.
Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, Professor and Head of Psychiatry, University College Hospital (UCH) took the Second presentation of the Conference, titled: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH - DEALING WITH THE EPIDEMIC.
She began her presentation by identifying some key terms that relates to the topic which are: substance abuse, mental health and epidemic. She proceeded by explaining the difference between substance use disorders and substance induced disorders with backed-up examples. Furthermore, she outlined some mental disorders common to the society while describing the Mental health of an individual. The troubles which are encountered with substance use in Nigeria were captured in her teachings and backed-up with case studies.
She concluded by stating a means of dealing the Endemic problem of substance abuse which involves developing a Coherent Legislative and Policy Context to address both the Control of Drugs (Psychoactive Drugs), and Interventions for People Who Use Drugs (Senate Kano Roundtable on Drugs and Substance Abuse).
Questions and Answers Session
- Q: What is NLNG’s involvement in promoting Bio-diversity in Fresh water environments which they occupy? (Addressed to Amadi Amadi)
A: NLNG occupies over 2.27 sq. Km of the Fresh water environment and has dedicated 1000 sq. meters to protecting wild life.
- Q: Does NLNG carry out continuous ambient air quality monitoring? (Addressed to Amadi Amadi)
A: NLNG sufficient air quality monitoring under the supervision of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)
- Q: What is the relationship between religion and mental health? (Addressed to Olayinka Omigbodun)
A: Religious groups help keep people in a good state of mental health. Most religious groups acts as support groups where people share their thoughts and ideas on pressing issues. In addition, the dancing session in most churches serves as a good form of stress relief.
- Q: Is there a relationship between economic crisis and exposure to drug abuse? (Addressed to Olayinka Omigbodun)
A: Armed robbers rely on the use of hard drugs to effectively carry out their operations. Robery occurs as a result of porverty and poor economic crisis. Therefore, there is a relationship between economic crisis and exposure to drug abuse.
Afterwards, special recognition awards were presented to the following eminent professionals in recognition of their support to Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) Management; and local content in Nigeria:
- Mr Ahmadu Kida-Musa, Deputy Managing Director (Deepwater District), Total E and P Nigeria Limited.
- Segun Ogunsanya, Managing Director, Airtel Networks Limited.
- Austin Avuru, Managing Director, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc.
The event proceeded with a short Tea-Break/Exhibition session which presented an opportunity to network, showcase and market products and/or services rendered by the various organizations present at the forum.
DAY 1: Tuesday, 25th September 2018
Session 2: HEALTH
Mr. Georgios Radoglou, Group Head HSE, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. commenced the afternoon session by giving a brief overview of Health. He proceeded by highlighting each of the topics to be discussed in the session.
Ms. Adesola Osuntoki, Associate Lawyer, SimmonsCooper Partners, delivered the first presentation of the afternoon session titled: PRESERVING THE RIGHTS OF PATIENTS A GUIDE TO ETHICAL EXCELLENCE. She described the vaious ways in which the rights of patients were preserved and how these preserved rights amounts to ethical excellence. She went on to narrate the vulnerability of doctors in making errors from the patient’s perspective and the illiteracy of patients in making the right decisions that patains to their health from the Doctor’s perspective. She proceeded by giving various examples to buttress her claim and explained the Patient’s bill of rights to the audience which is centered at protecting the rights of the audience.
As an addendum, she identified an effective method of preserving the rights of patients which is the provision of good medical practice through evidence based medicine while highlighting the benefits of evidence based medicine.
In conclusion, she stated the evolving nature of medice from the time when the 1948 Declaration of the Geneva Hippocratic Oath was formed and enumerated the need for embracing the need for change.
Ms. Arinola Adeniyi, Corporate Wellness Coach & Spa Director, Venivici Health Club & Urban Spa, delivered the second presentation of the afternoon session titled: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, DIETARY PATTERN AND IMPACT ON PRODUCTIVITY.
Questions and Answers Session
- Q: In the event of the unavailability of a patients preferred medical practioner, what rights does the patient have if he or she walks away? (Addressed to Adesola Osuntoki)
A: There is no right to choose a preferred medical practioner in the Patient’s Bill of Rights. Rather, a patient has the right to be treated in the case of emergency by any available medical practitioners.
- Q: According to the Hippocratic Oath, Patients have autonomy and Doctors have the rights to serve humanity. When a patient makes a wrong decision concerning his health, how is the doctor meant to react to this, taking into consideration the Hippocratic Oath? (Addressed to Adesola Osuntoki)
A: Doctors have the rights to state the effects of a medical procedure before administration. In the event of a patient’s refusal to get treated, the consequences of his or her actions should be described and a written undertaken stating the patients refusal of medical care should be duly signed.
- Q: How does a patient react if he or she is wrongfully billed? (Addressed to Adesola Osuntoki)
A: A formal report should be made to the hospital for wrongfully billing the patient, after which a complaint should be forwarded to the Consumer Protection Counsel.
Additional Comments
- Patients are not in the best position to make the right medical decisions for themselves. The Pros and Cons of each decision made by the patient should be properly stated by the medical personnel in charge of treating the patient (Made by a Practical Surgeon).
- It is wrong to believe that the patients are the victims and the doctors are the villians. Medical personnels are human and hence prone to behave in response to the immediate circumstances that surrounds them whenever a patient is being treated (Made by a Nurse).
To wrap it up, the raffle draw event began, where various prices were won by the audience who bought the raffle tickets. During the welcome address of the Chief Executive Officer, Richardson Oil and Gas, he mentioned that the revenues gotten from the sales of the raffle ticket would be donated to Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care & Treatment Home School (Modupe Cole Memorial) for mentally and physically challenged children, located at 1 Saint Finbarrs College Road, Pako Bus stop, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.
DAY 2: Wednesday, 26th September 2018
Session 1: SAFETY AND LOCAL CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
The program commenced with the opening prayer after which the Safety session ensued. The Safety session was chaired by Mr. Obineche Dick, Total E and P Nigeria Limited. In his opening remarks, he applauded the untiring efforts of the PSRG- RICHARDSON alliance in organizing the Forum.
Mr. Michael Ogunbiyi, HSE Supervisor, Procter and Gamble, rendered the first presentation of the safety session titled: TAKING OWNERSHIP OF SAFETY – MOVING BEYOND COMPLIANCE. He described the meaning of ownership in safety, the rudiments of owning safety and also narrated what it entails to move beyond compliance. He defined ownership in safety as taking personal responsibility of one’s safety. He proceeded by identifying some of the rudiments of owning safety which includes: good leadership skills, quality risk assessment abilities, continuous personal development through trainings, appropriate cultural behavior.
He concluded by introducing the audience to an acronym; S.A.F.E.T.Y. (Stop Accidents From Emerging Through You).
Mr. Akintunde Adelana, the Director, Monitoring and Evaluation, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), gave the second presentation of the day on: NIGERIAN CONTENT DEVELOPMENT – FAST TRACKING GDP GROWTH. He began by defining Nigerian Content as the quantum of composite value added or created in the Nigerian economy by a systematic development of capacity and capabilities through deliberate utilization of Nigerian Human, material resources and services in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry. He proceeded by highlighting some of the benefits of Nigerian Content and gave an example of a major project (i.e. Fabrication and Integration of the Topside Module of the Egina FPSO at Ladol) in which Nigerian Content Initiative was fully practiced.
He went on to describe the Impact of the Implementation of Local Content in the Oil and Gas Industry and also emphasized on the possibility of extending this Impact of the Initiative to other sectors of the economy.
Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), rendered the third presentation of the session, titled: AVIATION SAFETY IN NIGERIA – CHALLENGES, ISSUES AND SOLUTIONS. He commenced his presentation by describing Aviation Safety as the state of an aviation system or organization in which all the spectrum of risks (Danger, Injury, Loss, Incidents, Accident, etc.) associated with aviation activities in direct support of the operation of aircraft, are reduced and controlled to an acceptable level. He proceeded by highlighting some of the challenges of Aviation Safety in Nigeria while narrating real-life safety issues in Nigerian Aviation. As a solution to some of these impending safety issues, he proposed the strengthening of the safety Airline’s safety culture by Airline managers and the regularization of public sensitization on flight operations by airline operators.
He concluded by saying that safety is everyone’s responsibility and emphasized on the need to prioritize a high safety standard that is nurtured by strong and respected safety culture in the Aviation Sector.
Questions and Answers Session
- Q: Considering the exorbitant cost of maintenance/repairs, why can’t Nigerian airlines purchase new air planes to reduce the cost of maintenance? (Addressed to Fola Akinkuotu)
A: Due to the high cost of airplanes, airlines usually avoids the purchase of new airplanes. Rather, they acquire new planes through a leasing process. To buttress this, he mentioned an initiative of the Fedral Government to set-up a leasing company here in Nigeria.
- Q: Can concensionary rates be given for the purchase of airline tickets? (Addressed to Fola Akinkuotu)
A: The airline ticket rates usually depends on the current exchange rates of the economy. However, the question would be forwarded to the Minister of Aviation for further clarifications.
- Q: Are there measures in place to reduce cosmic radiations? (Addressed to Fola Akinkuotu)
A: Yes, there are measures in place of mitigating cosmic radiations which is experienced as airplanes operate at higher altitudes.
- Q: How do you plan to accomplich 70% contribution of the Oil sector to the GDP of the economy? (Addressed to Akintunde Adelana)
A: The percentage level of Nigerian Content contribution is used as a yardstick to measure the contributions of Nigerians to the Oil and Gas sector not contributions to the GDP of the economy. However, there are measures in place of accomplishing the 70% Nc level of the oil sector such as the Equipment Compenent Manufacture Initiative and the need to transcend beyond assembly of equipment to local manufacture of equipment locally.
- Q: How do we develop the technical level of Nigeria Local Content to compete on a global scale. (Addressed to Akintunde Adelana)
A: Local Content is not about indigenization, its about domestication. However, due to the lack of Local Technicality, experts are needed to train our indigenes to make them competitive globally.
Similar to the first day’s activities, the event proceeded with a short Tea-Break/Exhibition session which presented an opportunity to network, showcase and market products and/or services rendered by the various organizations present at the forum.
DAY 2: Wednesday, 26TH September 2018
Session 2: SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENT
The session’s chair, Mr. Victor Imevbore, Chief Executive Officer, Environmental Resources Managers Limited, kick-started the afternoon session with an opening remark. He expressed his profound gratitude towards the sustainability of the PSRG-Richardson HSSE Forum. He went on to give the audience an insight of what to expect from the presentations to be delivered.
The first presentation of this session was handled by Mr. Bharat Soni, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Group Head Information Security Group. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc. Nigeria, titled: CYBER SECURITY REGULATION: TACTICAL APPROACH TO CURB CYBER CRIME AND INTERNET FRAUD.
He commenced by defining Cybercrimes as a range of criminal activities carried out using a computer system and a network. He refered to these activities as cyber-enabled crimes. Mr. Bharat then proceeded by narrating the financial costs of Cybercrimes in the world today. He also highlighted some reasons for the need of Cyber-Regulation as:
- Increeased Reliance on Technology.
- To provide a coordinated response and enforce baselines on cybersecurity.
- To protect organization’s and nation’s critical data from theft and misuse.
- To enforce commitments of time and resources from stakeholders required to secure critical information assets.
In his concluding remarks, he addressed the c`hallenges of Cyber-Security in the society today and proferred the following as solutions to the challenges:
- Development of a co-ordinated cyber-threat intelligence effort.
- Cross-border sharing of cyber-intelligence data
- Regional & Global cybersecurity agreements and laws that effectively address cybercrime activities.
- Regulation to address cyber warfare, intellectual property theft and espionage.
Dr. Chinonye Nwankwo, Occupational Physician, Assistant National Secretary, SOEHPON, Nigeria took the second presentation of the afternoon session titled: OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INDUCING CANCERS: AN EYE OPENER.
She began her lecture by highlighting some of the basic reasons of recognizing cancer as occupational or environmental to help prevent prevent illness and reduce mortality through education, prevention of ongoing exposures, early diagnosis and adding to new knowledge. She went on to define cancer as malignant new growth due to DNA damage caused by hereditary or acquired insults resulting in cell proliferation , invasion of normal tissue , spread to distant organs and cell death.
Dr. Chinonye proceeded to discuss some of the common types of cancers in humans and also measures put in place by medical practisioners to tackle the prevailing issue of cancer in the society. She gave various case studies of patients with different forms of cancer ailment.
She concluded by stating that occupational and environmental factors inducing cancer are preventable through medical practice and regulatory enforcement of strategies focused on individual behaviours.
The final presentation of the PSRG-Richardson HSSE Forum was anchored by Mr. Ola Oresanya, Chief Executive Officer, Globetech Remedial Nigeria Limited titled: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT – TURNING WASTE TO WEALTH.
Mr. Ola began by defining waste as a variable of time and place and describing some benefits of waste management as:
- Preventative Healthcare
- Lowers environmental cost which in turn lowers economic cost.
- Job creation
- Instrument of social reform.
He went on to describe the current state of waste management in the country as well as its challenges. Some of these challenges include: lack of technology for conversion of plastic waste and lack of financial incentives for investments. He made emphasis on the development of local technology and the establishment of social investment framework as the major solutions to the challenges of waste management in Nigeria.
He concluded by recommending that the Government at al levels should note economic potentials in waste recycling business and develop social instruments to secure social investment in the recycling industry.
Question and Answer session
- Q: How safe is Internet Banking? (Addressed to Bharat Soni)
A: Internet banking is safe and measures are being put in plae to secure every customer’s banking details.
- Q: What is the Government doing to mitigate the issue of waste dump in our society? (Addressed to Ola Oresanya)
A: Some of the agencies responsible for waste management in the country have been under-performing dur to hierarchical changes. However, the Private sector has been actively involved with the waste management solution of the country.
- Q: Cancer was much less in the past, what’s happenening now? (Addressed to Chinonye Nwankwo)
A: With the current rate of urbanization, new chemical products are being manufactured on a daily basis as well as the identification of new carcinogens which forms the vital ingredient of these products. Hence, measures need to be put in place by the Government to identify these carcinogens and possible elimination methods.
Additional Comment
It is the moral and legal obligation of every employee to let their workers know the risks involved with what they do. Also, preventive, remedial and rehabilitation measures should be established and communicated likewise to these employees. It is of great importance that a proper risk assessment is carried out on every job required to be executed. (Made by Dr. Okon Akiba)
To wrap it up, the raffle draw event began, where various prices including the grand price of a Return Business class ticket to London were won by the audience who bought the raffle tickets.
