Major challenges in safety industry is regularizing the entire systems- Adebola Bada, Society of Petroleum Engineers S103 Chairman.
Mr Adebola Bada is a veteran HSE Expert who has worked in the energy Industry for more than 20 years in Drilling, Well Services, Production, Sub-surface Engineering and HSE systems.
He also worked as a HSE Advisor in various offshore platforms coordinating HSE process safety best practices, emergency preparedness and HSE Management systems.
He is the current Chairman of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Section 103 (Port Harcourt) where several innovations are being undertaking.
In this interview with HSENations, Bada talks about issues bordering on the industry, the ISPON leadership tussle and the much anticipated Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Section 103
Virtual Conference & Exhibition Sponsored by Agoll Ltd.
Excerpt:
Can you tell us why this conference
The Society of Petroleum Engineers, Port Harcourt Section, at the start of this board year had focus on feedbacks from our members. During the Q1 2021 HSSE Webinar, we found several unanswered questions and areas of engagement with members and the public. Therefore, we decided to take the webinar to a journey of personnel engagement, making it a full blown conference with opportunity for exhibitions. The feedback has been great and the section board are set to make it an annual event.
What should people look forward to?
You can be sure that the expectations would be a mountain top of knowledge where attendees would unlearn to relearn the elements of the COVID19 Pandemic. The Agenda line up and resource persons are of diverse profession from Health, Safety, Environment and Security. It would be two-days of excellence and inclusiveness
What is the conference primary focus? Is it just for SPE members or those in the oil and gas / energy field?
The conference is primarily to discuss and engage on preparing and responding to Global Pandemics. The focus will be to learning lessons and how to progressively use it as basis for future issues. Many practical cases of what worked and did not work would be analyzed. The conference would be for everybody as the issue of health is common. However, most of the discussions would project the energy industry.
What are the modalities for registration?
We would like to thank our major sponsors and other well-wishers that supported to ensuring that this conference is FREE to all attendees. However, there is need to register at the zoom link provided. The value of a conference of this nature cannot be over-emphasized. Our believe is that, people recognize this as a one-time free and a must attend event!
You have been Chairman of SPE PortHarcourt for close to a year; can you highlight some of your achievements?
I really think it is pre-posterous to lay claim to achievements at this point. What I would say, is that, we promised excellence, engagement, e-technology and leadership; these four elements have been largely achieved and now part of our way of life. SPE activities is not really a destination but a journey and with this, there is need for consistency.
What are some of the challenges encountered and how are you dealing with it?
For an organization like ours: SPE, we are heavily reliant on sponsorship. So, picture any not-for-profit organization, the challenges are related. However, the value derived from SPE allows a gain of committed volunteers with an impacting value chain that spread around the world. Also, technical exchanges and networking is very nice with face-to-face but we have to make do with slight innovation to accommodate this during virtual events. Besides the dwindling sponsorship, we also have to do more meetings online either socially or technically. We cannot afford the menace of mental health dis-order that is a consequence of isolation. Most of our members are also working from home and this is another challenge during this ‘new normal’.
You are based in PortHarcourt Nigeria, what impact has your Organization made or making within the state in terms of safety awareness?
Infact, SPE PortHarcourt has its operational base in PortHarcourt but covers all the South-East and South-South States of Nigeria except Edo and Delta. We are also host to 12 University Chapters in Nigerian Eastern Zone and Cameroon. What this means is that, we are covering a large area and we have to ensure we spread the value across board.
The HSSE Study groups have conducted several webinars on topical issues and have ensured the students, young professionals and senior members benefit from this.
For example, the study group had a webinar on the OSH Policy signed into law last year September. Also, several engagement on COVID19 Pandemic and published guidelines to members on COVID19 protocol for our events.
What would you consider the greatest challenge in the safety industry and how can it be addressed?
I think one of the major challenges in the safety industry is regularizing the entire systems. Where there is no law, then, it is difficult for punitive measures to be in place. Therefore the harmonization of HSSE policy and systems would ensure participation and contribution from professionals.
Let’s talk about ISPON, we sure you aware of the challenges, how best do you think the leadership tussle can be solved as a member?
As you may be aware, I am a Fellow of ISPON. There is no way that I would not be interested in the development of ISPON bearing in mind its support mechanism to the industry. If factions exist, I would want them to amicably ease the tensions and let’s salvage the safety decadence. Professionals have waited for too long, to develop our country’s safety sector especially in line with the OSH Policy of 2020.
Finally, thank you for having me. I hope to see you all, at the conference and exhibition to engage and proffer solutions where necessary. The resource persons are all practicing professionals and this would bring an interesting aspects to COVID19 learning.