Government Pushes For Stronger Safety Standards In Energy Sector
Government is prioritising safety standards in the local contracting community.
Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, Ernesto Kesar, said these standards aim to strengthen and modernise the industry.
As he addressed the American Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago’s multi-sector dialogue on contractor safety on Tuesday, he said the government’s plan to improve safety standards among contractors in Trinidad and Tobago is paramount to the future of the industry.
« We will strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that the laws and standards keep pace with the realities of the modern energy industry. We will support agencies responsible for inspection, compliance monitoring, emergency preparedness and incident investigation. We will encourage the adoption of stronger occupational safety systems, modern training standards and internationally recognised frameworks such as ISO1401 and ISO4501. »
Minister Kesar said a well-trained and strong contracting community will contribute to the national economy.
« This next phase of growth will demand expertise, speed, innovation and discipline. And once again contractors will be central to that mission. They will construct the new facilities, support the exploration campaigns. They will maintain the ageing assets, and they will retrofit the systems for efficiency. »
Minister Kesar said the government has adopted a no-nonsense approach when it comes to the safety of workers within the industry.
« If we are to expand production, attract investments and build further confidence in Trinidad and Tobago as the energy centre of the Caribbean, then we must also be known for our world-class safety standards. The government is clear in its position: no level of investment, no production target, no commercial gain can ever justify compromising the safety of workers. »
As he urged stakeholders to ensure safety standards are met, Minister Kesar recalled the lives lost in one of the most recent energy sector incidents, the Paria Diving incident, noting tragedies like these must never be repeated.
