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View from the Chair

2 December 2010

Dear OG Member

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Tim Ingram and I recently took over, from Geoff Simpson, as Chairman of the IOSH Offshore Group (OG).

I think it’s fair to say that the offshore environment continues to remain both rewarding and increasingly challenging.  The recent events in the Gulf of Mexico exemplify the challenges.  We, as a Group, need to help each other face and meet these challenges and to provide a professional voice and to be a positive influence.

In order to update and rejuvenate the purpose of the Offshore Group we have reviewed and revised our aims as follows:

The aims of the Offshore Group are to:

  • support UK and international members in developing and sharing professional competences relating to offshore energy industry matters
  • provide technical support to IOSH and
  • work closely with other IOSH branches, groups and forums, industry regulators, representative bodies and relevant professional bodies

by:

  • holding and supporting networking and industry events
  • reviewing and commenting on key issues and
  • promoting best practice.

A key change of our aims is to undertake to support all offshore energy industries (not just oil and gas).  The reason for this is to recognise the expansion of offshore energy industries, especially the ‘renewables’ business. The ‘renewables’ is rapidly expanding and there are many shared offshore safety and health issues. We, in turn, should never be too proud to learn from those moving in to the offshore arena.

We have recently developed an outline programme of quarterly networking events scheduled throughout 2011 and 2012.  Event information will be available in due course on the Group’s website as soon as each event is confirmed.

The events comprise a mix of topical, professional and enjoyable safety and health topics and, while I’m confident that there will be something of interest to you, it would be good to hear of any further ideas for future networking events.  Equally, any offers of a presentation on a relevant topic would be particularly welcome.

We have adopted Kippie Lodge (Aberdeen Petroleum Club)  as our ‘home’, and this will be the usual venue for our Committee meetings and quarterly networking events.

This is already proving to be a popular venue, with over sixty people attending each of the first two events held since moving to Kippie Lodge.

If you have any questions about the role or activities of the Offshore Group please don’t hesitate to contact either myself by email, or our Group Networks Officer at IOSH, Nina Price.

I and the Committee very much look forward to welcoming you to future networking events and involving you in the Group’s activities.

Very best wishes for the approaching festive season.

Here’s to a safe and successful 2011.

Tim Ingram

Offshore Group Chair