Energy sector professionals have urged the European gas industry to increase investment in its safety practices, according to a poll conducted at the Gastech Exhibition and Conference in London.

85% of participants said that the sector should increase its spending on health, safety and the environment (HSE), while only 15% said the industry was devoting enough financial resources to this critical area of operations.

The Industry Snapshot Poll was conducted on the first day of Gastech by global independent technical advisor to the oil and gas industry, GL Noble Denton. Senior professionals from across the industry also took part in the poll online.

Martin Layfield, GL Noble Denton’s Vice President for Gas Consulting, said: “The golden age of gas is firmly upon the energy industry, and European governments are looking to the resource as a low-carbon, cost-effective fuel to help meet CO2-reduction goals. It is critical that the growing credibility of the gas industry is not tarnished by avoidable safety incidents.

Tags: Gastech 2012