Subsea 7 has become the first company to gain OPITO approval to deliver the new oil and gas industry Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) program to its personnel.

The MIST program was initiated by the UK's Step Change in Safety Leadership Workgroup and developed in conjunction with OPITO - The Oil & Gas Academy. It includes nine modules designed to ensure that the quality of training developed and offered by individual companies achieves recognized industry standards.

Approval for the program was given by the Academy, the industry's focal point for skills, learning and workforce development. It involved an in-depth review of Subsea 7's management systems, physical systems, staff resources and training and assessment processes, including a two day observation of the delivery of the program at Subsea 7's dedicated training facilities at its offices in Westhill.

The MIST program covers areas such as understanding the Risk Assessment Process, Tasks that Require Permit to Work, Controlling the Use of Hazardous Substances Offshore, Knowledge and Practices of Working at Height and Being Aware of Mechanical Lifting Activities.

Robin Davies, Subsea 7's Vice President of Business Improvement said, "I am delighted that Subsea 7 is the first company to have obtained accreditation to the new MIST program. This initiative is part of Subsea 7's continuing drive to maintain our industry leading safety performance. Great credit should be given to OPITO for developing such a comprehensive assessment programme to ensure that companies maintain the highest standards of training delivery possible."

David Doig, Chief Executive of OPITO - The Oil & Gas Academy said, "The introduction of MIST in April was a significant milestone for the industry in terms of establishing a standardized and consistently high level of basic safety training for offshore workers across the UK Continental Shelf. By being the first individual company to meet those standards, Subsea 7 has demonstrated its commitment to training, reinforcing the importance that the oil and gas industry as a whole places on the health and safety of its workforce."

Tags: Subsea 7