UAE’s Minister of Energy Suhai Mohamed Al Mazrouei is set to open a gathering of more than 400 delegates including oil and gas operators, contractors and supply chain, in Abu Dhabi, UAE in November.

The Opito Safety and Competency Conference (OSCC 2014), under the theme ‘Leading from the front-line,’ will take place on November 4 at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel, said a statement.

The gathering, which will also include training organisations, will examine how to improve standards of safety and competency that will protect the workforce and the industry’s reputation, it said.
 
The Energy Minister will join former army officer and commentator on conflicts – Bob Stewart, inspirational mountaineer – Karen Darke and globally recognised motivational speaker - Peter Cohen as keynote speakers in discussing this year’s theme. The event will be chaired by Gordon Ballard, chairman of Opito and Schlumberger UK.
 
“The safety of those working in the energy industry is an absolute priority and it is vital that we continue to discuss how we continually improve the standards of safety and competence,” said Al Mazrouei.

“Opito have provided the industry and all stakeholders with a highly valuable platform and we are delighted they continue to run this event in the UAE. I urge as many people from the industry in our region to attend and demonstrate their commitment to the safety of their workers,” he said.
 
The event will explore the dynamics of effective leadership and change management on human behaviours in relation to safety, said the statement.
 
Opito, as leaders in the safety revolution and proponents of change, will outline how the industry can support a safer and more competent workforce, from the North Sea to Oman, Iraq, Malaysia and beyond.
 
David Doig, group chief executive of Opito, said: “This year’s conference will provide delegates with valuable lessons on the impact effective leadership and change management can have on workplace safety.

Shell is the headline sponsor of the event which is also supported by IHRDC, Maggie Braid Associates, Petrofac, SEFtec Group, Atlas, and Gulf Technical & Safety Training Centre. - TradeArabia News Service