Society of Petroleum Engineers to discuss health and safety in the oil and gas industry at event in Doha

The continuous need to find and develop new oil resources has led oil and gas companies to look again at how they manage other resources - the human and environmental kind.

The challenges for developing a safe and secure working environment and improving the industry's operations to preserve the environment are increasing as quickly as the demand for oil and gas. Oil and gas companies now need to find new ways to develop and use natural resources in an environmentally sound manner while protecting the health and safety of employees and the public.

In its continuous efforts to equip oil and gas professionals with the knowledge required to meet the current challenges, the Society of Petroleum Engineers will organise its fourth Middle East Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Conference and Exhibition, taking place 20-22 Oct. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Doha, Qatar under the patronage of H.E. Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry.

"The event offers a very strong technical agenda, and industry experts will have the opportunity to find ways to improve the level of health and safety across the industry in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. These kinds of events are the most effective method by which to train and help professionals to learn more about the health and safety issues, regulations and concerns related to their job," said Saif S. Al-Naimi, director, HSE Regulations & Enforcement, QP, and conference chairperson.

Reflecting the priority that health, safety and environmental issues should have in the region's operations, the Middle East Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Conference and Exhibition brings together international and regional HSE experts in a landmark event where they can discuss and share ideas, gain insight and highlight major issues faced in the region.

With safety systems representing a small percentage of the well investment in the Middle East operations, there is always a threat that safety issues will be encountered as measures were not considered during any of the phases.

"We recognize our responsibility towards our members, and we take a proactive approach in meeting their demands and requirements. The Middle East Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Conference and Exhibition is a milestone that will highlight technical and regulatory aspects of the HSE field," said Waleed Refaay, managing director of SPE Middle East, North Africa, and India.

The event, with its international exhibition and 14 technical sessions, is dedicated to enhancing the operations levels of Middle Eastern, North Africa and Indian oil and gas organisations and providing oil and gas professionals with HSE information and insights about the latest technologies and best practices.