HSE Annual Report 2010 (English) - WINTERSHALL

In the past years contractor incidents were reoccurring
events. What do you think is the reason?
We believe the sharp increase in demand for skilled
workers is having a negative impact on the qualification
and experience of staff and thereby on safety.
That’s why we have to work with our partners to
achieve a high standard of training once more in the
oil and gas industry. In addition, we will rigorously
enforce our contractor management processes,
i.e. assess the HSE performance of external companies
before awarding contracts to them and
conduct information and training events.
The “E” in HSE stands for environment. What are
the challenges here?
Wintershall increasingly explores for new reserves
in areas that are ecologically or culturally sensitive.
That’s why we analyze the effects on people and
the environment precisely beforehand and define
measures to minimize the impact. That also includes
preserving the cultural heritage. Protecting the
environment also means efficient use of natural
resources. That’s why we constantly strive to
improve the energy efficiency of our facilities.
Wintershall minimizes health risks at work. It also
offers events providing information on health and
cancer prevention. Isn’t that the employees’ own
business?
No. We want to keep our staff’s health at a high level.
Prevention and information play a vital part in that.
In the case of cancer of the intestine, for example,
experts attribute the large number of people with
this disease to a lack of knowledge about prevention
and early screening. And the same with exercises:
We want to motivate our employees to walk
8,000 to 10,000 steps a day to avoid being overweight
and the related illnesses.