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DNV GL, the global provider of risk management services, is extending a unique offshore safety training programme which aims to advance the critical role of elected safety representatives (ESRs) in minimising the risk of accidents and improving safety.

The course, which is accredited by OPITO, will now be available at DNV GL’s Manchester offices from October to complement and add capacity to the training already provided in its Aberdeen office, following significant demand from ESRs. DNV GL is the only accredited provider of this training, which was started last year and is available to more than 2,000 ESRs working across the industry.

It is the first recognised standard applied to any safety representative training since the creation of the basic course, introduced in 1989. It accompanied the “Offshore Installations (Safety Representatives and Safety Committees) Regulations 1989” (SI971) introduced in late 1989, as a consequence of the Piper Alpha disaster.

The advanced standard aims to support more productive workforce involvement by giving ESRs access to training that helps them develop their effectiveness and confidence when dealing with major hazard related issues. Independent of management, the functions and powers of ESRs include investigating potential hazards, dangerous occurrences, complaints and the causes of accidents, as well as the inspection of installations.

Fiona FitzGerald, a Senior Consultant with DNV GL, said: “The popularity of this training means we are fully booked on the Aberdeen courses for the remainder of the year. We are pleased to now offer training from our Manchester offices, starting in October, and the location of the training will better serve those working in the Southern North Sea, Central North Sea and East Irish Sea.

“This training supports the aims and objectives of the Health & Safety Executive strategy and we have had excellent feedback from safety representatives who have been able to apply what they have learned on the course into their day-to-day work offshore.”

The drive for the new courses came from the Offshore Industry Advisory Committee’s (OIAC) Workforce Involvement Group, strongly supported by the Health and Safety Executive, Trade Unions, Oil & Gas UK and Step Change in Safety. The standard was developed with ESRs themselves and is fully accredited by the industry skills body, OPITO.