By Ambrose Gahene,
KAMPALA
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.
“In Oil and Gas industry , HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) the objective is to ensure we achieve zero harm , zero injuries, zero incidents, and zero environmental damage. It is a commitment to strive for excellence in managing and mitigating risks and protecting people, assets, and the environment,” 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.
Rosette Komugisha, National Content Lead at Total Energies 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.
