CREATING a safe working environment, enhancing employee well-being, and promoting secure operations are all primary focus areas of the oil and gas industry in Guyana.
Since the industry’s establishment here, there has been increased adoption of safety policies and practices, both by businesses looking for opportunities within the industry, and by companies and organisations outside of it. The result? Guyanese are benefitting from safer working conditions.

The Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD) in Guyana is playing a large role in promoting a culture of workforce safety here in Guyana by offering an array of Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) training. Through the support of the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) – a venture created by the Stabroek block coventurers – CLBD training plays a critical role in helping Guyanese companies understand and access increasing opportunities in the oil-and-gas industry while improving their overall competitiveness.

Apart from training, oil-and-gas companies hold many awareness activities to emphasise the importance of health and safety in the industry. Key activities such, as SBM Offshore’s recent Life Day, not only sensitised the public about HSSE policies and practices but also served to remind employees that their health and well-being are paramount.

Oil and gas workers in Guyana participated in SBM Offshore’s 11th annual Life Day last week. This global, company-wide “stand-down” from day-to-day work activities, brings SBM’s workforce together to focus on operational safety principles and reaffirm the value of human life. Life Day also prioritises employee health and well-being, offering health checks and wellness activities.

In Guyana, SBM Offshore held its Life Day observance at the Guyana Marriott Hotel with the participation of stakeholders from ExxonMobil Guyana, the Ministry of Labour, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

ExxonMobil Guyana’s Production Manager, Huzefa Ali, reinforced Exxon’s dedication to a safe working environment at the event. “I’d like to commend SBM Offshore for taking this initiative – focusing on safety ensures that our employees return home to their families each day. When we prioritise safety, we demonstrate our commitment to each person’s physical and mental well-being, reinforcing the trust of our workforce,” said Ali.

Representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Natural Resources also commended SBM Offshore’s commitment to safety and fostering a culture that prioritises employee health and well-being. Chief Occupational Safety and Health Consultant, Gweneth King, emphasised the importance of a joint responsibility system where safety and health at work are shared responsibilities among trade unions, workers, supervisors, and employers.

As part of the observance, workshops and interactive sessions were held to reinforce safety awareness. Beyond emphasising physical safety, Life Day also aimed to boost employee morale and productivity.

Events like SBM Offshore’s Life Day and training opportunities provided by the Centre for Local Business Development are pivotal for Guyana’s burgeoning oil and gas industry.

They underscore the industry’s unwavering commitment to safety, set higher operational standards, and foster a collaborative environment among key stakeholders.
These initiatives not only enhance the well-being and productivity of the workforce but also build local capacity and attract long-term investment, ensuring sustainable and responsible growth in Guyana’s oil and gas sector.