The Use of Safety Audits: A UK Sector Operator's Experience

It is now widely recognised that implementation of an effective safety policy must include arrangements for auditing and feedback to the policy maker. In the E&P industry safety audits should cover the whole range of activities, from exploration to production, and including the specialist contractors widely employed. Audit schemes can be developed internally, or purchased as a "package". The development of a comprehensive audit policy is described, and a range of audit techniques are reviewed. The use of these techniques is described with special reference to drilling, diving and offshore construction in the UK sector of the North Sea.