The ultimate goal of ADCO is to protect its employees, contractors and the public at larger from harm due to our activities. It is the duty of every conscientious organization to ensure that the risk to its employees is effectively managed. In addition, we conduct activities in a manner that prevents pollution, minimizes the negative impact on the environment and contributes to sustainable development. We also strive for continuous improvement in environmental performance, meeting or surpassing all established annual environmental key performance indicator (KPI) targets.

The main objectives of the HSE Division are to:

• Set overall HSE corporate policy, guidelines, and standards.
• Develop relevant HSE procedures and systems, including emergency response plans.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with HSE policy guidelines and standards by ADCO and all its service providers.

HSED plays an advisory and governance role, whilst also developing programs to enhance safety and environmental protection throughout the organization.

Some of the key focus areas are to:

• Conduct Health, Safety and Environmental Impact Assessments (HSEIA) for existing assets and forthcoming projects and close out shortfalls.
• Improve Process Safety Awareness
• Ensure Compliance with ADNOC CoPs.
• Reinforce and improve Road Safety performance.
• Implement ISO 14001 & OHSAS 18001 requirements and attain certification
• Implement the updated HSE training matrix and improve training quality.
• Improve contractor HSE performance by implementing a new management of contractor HSE procedures & improve the Health & Welfare of Contractors.
• Implement Occupational Health programmes.
• Continue with environmental flare and emission reduction efforts.
• Implement Crisis Management & Preparedness programs and exercises.

The past few years have been remarkable years for HSE:

On the Safety side we are pleased to report that there have been no work-related fatalities from 2005 to date, and we endeavor to continue programs to ensure the safety of our employees and contractors. Our Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) for 2005 and 2006 has been the lowest recordable in ADCO history, 0.16, which is a world class performance. This year, 2008, our current LTIF (July) is at 0.19.

Road Safety has been one our greatest challenges, however due to the implementation of In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) and ADCO Integrated Road Safety System (AIRSS), we have been able to change the behavior of our and our contractor’s employees. Seatbelt usage has increased and speeding violations have decreased resulting in a decline in the severity of incidents. Driver behavior has been targeted in a variety of training programmes, and with continued efforts, we aspire to change the habits of drivers to make safe driving second nature to them. The number of Lost Time Injuries related to Road Safety has also decreased and the Vehicle Accident Frequency Rate is maintaining a downward trend.

ADCO took specific measures to ensure contractors managed their HSE in line with ADCO’s requirements and policies. ADCO Contractors were given guidance for the development of their HSE plans, and through workshops, ADCO’s HSE requirements and contractual obligations were clearly communicated. Working together with our contractors will ensure a better relationship, increased HSE awareness and compliance with HSE requirements.

ADCO has incorporated the new HSE Management System (HSEMS) and has carried out the Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) in accordance with the newly developed “SAQ Compliance Matrix” in order to make the assessment process more objective than subjective. The SAQ results show ADCO’s steady and continuous improvement towards the maximum performance score of 4.0.

ADCO conducts many HSE training courses for its employees and contractors to ensure that people are aware of the job hazards and risks, and the necessary precautions to avoid injury. In addition, many HSE e-learning course such as HSE induction, Emergency response ,Permit To Work, Gas Testing, Environmental Awareness, Task Risk Assessment, etc have been developed to provide relevant background and essential safety-related information to employees and contractors working at any ADCO location.

ADCO has incorporated an Occupational Health unit within HSED to manage occupational health issues associated with oil exploration and production through the systematic identification and assessment of health risks, combined with sound industry standard controls. In line with the revised ADCO HSE policy, as well as emerging ADNOC Codes of Practice and national legislation, occupational health management practices are being continuously enhanced to maximize health performance. Programmes for Radiation Protection, Prevention of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), Food & Water Sampling and Premises Inspections, Biological Hazards Programme are ongoing.

ADCO has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection by successfully meeting all environmental Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) – flaring, gaseous emissions, and discharges since 2004. Its efforts to minimize environmental impact have also been recognized by prize-winning entries in both the Environmental and Innovation Categories of the ADNOC HSE Awards. Significant progress has been made in important target areas, from environmental data management and e-learning awareness training to marine oil spill response capability and assessment of historically contaminated sites. In order to maintain this progress, environmental focal points continue to work closely with the Engineering and Major Projects Division to ensure that all environmental requirements are addressed throughout the life cycle of each new ADCO project.