DNV is to deliver new courses in offshore safety which aim to advance the critical role of elected safety representatives (ESRs) in minimising the risk of accidents and improving safety.

Following a series of successful pilot courses earlier this year, DNV is now accredited by OPITO to run courses which will be available to more than 2,000 ESRs working across the industry.

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

This new advanced standard aims to support more effective workforce involvement by giving ESRs access to training that helps them develop their effectiveness and confidence.

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.

Tags: DNV