Enform Canada (Enform) and Oil Sands Safety Association (OSSA), announced on Oct. 2 they have completed the merger between the two safety associations. The new organization is called Energy Safety Canada.
鈥淭he merger of these two organizations signals a new day for our industry,鈥� said John Rhind, Energy Safety Canada's CEO. 鈥淓nergy Safety Canada will combine the knowledge and benefits of both organizations to improve oil and gas safety performance. As a unified entity, our vision is to be a globally-recognized authority. Now is the time for industry in Canada to work together and build a world-class reputation for safety.鈥�
Rhind has worked for more than 30 years in the industry, including serving as Shell Canada鈥檚 vice-president, oil sands, and he has played a central role in shaping the vision and benefits of a merged safety association since it was proposed in 2015. Rhind will lead the new organization along with Murray Elliott, who will serve as president. Elliott is a former member of Enform's board of directors and former general manager for Shell Canada's Greater Deep Basin. He also served as vice-president, health, safety, environment and sustainable development for Shell鈥檚 Heavy Oil division.
鈥淥il and gas safety in Canada is changing for the better. The new organization is focused on creating standards to help industry arrive at one clear, simple and agreed-upon way of doing things,鈥� said Elliott. 鈥淭hrough collaboration with a broad range of stakeholders, including a soon-to-be-established senior industry advisory body, Energy Safety Canada will share data analysis and safety expertise to accelerate the improvement of safe work performance. Our goal is the same as industry鈥檚 鈥� zero injuries, zero incidents.鈥�
As the organization works through the transition, workers鈥� training and certifications will remain valid, and the services offered by Enform and OSSA will continue, business as usual.
