How to Be HSE Manager, Oil and Gas - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 16, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The demand for oil and gas has seen a significant increase in recent years, leading to an increased need for HSE Managers in the industry. With this rise in demand comes a greater need for safety compliance and risk management, as well as a heightened focus on ensuring the safety of workers and the environment. HSE Managers are responsible for developing strategies, policies, and procedures to reduce workplace risks, as well as monitoring the compliance of employees and contractors with safety regulations.

Their role is essential in helping protect the health, safety, and well-being of workers, while also helping to reduce workplace accidents and incidents, thereby increasing productivity and profitability. Furthermore, a HSE Manager is also responsible for ensuring that any potential environmental risks are identified and managed effectively.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. To become an HSE manager in the oil and gas industry, individuals must first obtain a bachelor's degree in a field such as safety engineering, environmental engineering, or occupational health and safety.
Complete HSE Training. Many employers will require additional training in the areas of health, safety, and environment. This can include courses in hazardous materials, hazardous waste management, and fire safety.
Get Certified in HSE. Obtaining certification in health, safety, and environment is also important for advancing in the field. The International Board of Environmental, Health and Safety Managers (IBEM) offers a variety of certifications for individuals seeking a career in HSE in the oil and gas industry.
Obtain Work Experience. Work experience is essential for becoming an HSE manager. This can include volunteer or paid positions in the oil and gas industry, such as a safety inspector or environmental consultant.
Pursue an Advanced Degree. Pursuing an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate in safety engineering or occupational health and safety, can help bolster an individual's credentials and increase their chances of securing an HSE manager role.
Network and Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations, such as the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), is a great way to build relationships and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the oil and gas industry. Additionally, networking with peers can be a great way to find out about job opportunities.

The success of the oil and gas industry relies heavily on the management of health, safety and environmental (HSE) issues. Having an experienced HSE Manager on board is essential for any organization in this sector to ensure the safe and successful operation of a business. An ideal and qualified HSE Manager should have a proven track record in leading safety initiatives and developing/implementing safety procedures; have knowledge of all applicable national, state, and local regulations; possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills; be able to act as a role model and mentor; and have a proactive approach to safety.

they should be able to identify potential safety risks, recommend solutions that reduce or eliminate the risks, and provide training to personnel on safe work practices. All of these qualities, when combined, ensure that the HSE Manager can effectively protect the health and safety of personnel, public, and environment in the oil and gas industry.

You may want to check Maintenance Engineer, Oil and Gas, Mineralogist, and Geochronologist for alternative.

Job Description

Manage the health and safety of personnel, contractors and visitors in an oil and gas facility
Oversee the development and implementation of health and safety policies, procedures, and strategies
Monitor and audit health and safety performance
Research, develop, and communicate new safety initiatives
Ensure compliance with relevant industry regulations, standards, and legislation
Investigate accidents, incidents, and near misses
Develop health and safety training materials and deliver health and safety training courses
Monitor the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Prepare reports on health and safety performance
Liaise with external organizations such as regulatory bodies, safety consultants, and insurers

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of oil and gas industry regulations and standards.
Ability to develop, implement, and maintain health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs.
Ability to analyze and interpret safety data and metrics.
Knowledge of risk management principles, hazard identification, and risk control methods.
Ability to develop and deliver safety training to personnel.
Ability to develop and oversee safety auditing programs.
Knowledge of occupational health and safety principles and practices.
Familiarity with emergency response procedures and protocols.
Ability to lead and manage HSE teams.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

The HSE Manager in the oil and gas industry must possess a wide range of skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of workers and the environment. One of the most important skills a successful HSE Manager must possess is risk assessment and mitigation. This involves assessing potential hazards, evaluating the potential for harm or injury, and taking steps to minimize or mitigate the risk.

They must also have a solid understanding of applicable regulations and standards, and be able to develop and implement effective safety programs. they should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills, to ensure that employees are aware of the potential risks, and able to intervene should a hazardous situation arise. In order for the oil and gas industry to remain safe and compliant with regulations, HSE Managers must have the necessary skills to identify and address potential risks.

Glacial Geologist, Tectonic Geologist, and Exploration Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in HSE management in the oil and gas industry?
How do you ensure safety regulations are followed and health and safety risks are minimized?
Describe an incident where you had to make a quick decision to resolve a hazardous situation.
What have been your biggest successes and challenges in HSE management?
How do you ensure compliance with applicable HSE regulations and standards?
What strategies do you use to educate and motivate staff to practice safe working habits?
Describe your experience in crisis management and emergency response planning.
How do you ensure that contractors follow HSE policies and procedures?
Describe how you use data to identify potential safety problems before they occur.
How do you ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Risk Assessment Tool. A tool used to identify, assess, and prioritize risks to an organization's operations. (eg: BowTie Risk Management Software)
Quality Management Tool. A tool used to ensure an organization meets its desired level of quality. (eg: ISO 9000 Quality Management System)
Compliance Tool. A tool used to ensure that an organization complies with applicable laws and regulations. (eg: GRC Platform)
Maintenance Management Tool. A tool used to manage preventative maintenance of equipment and facilities. (eg: Computerized Maintenance Management Software)
Asset Management Tool. A tool used to track and manage physical assets. (eg: Asset Management Software)
Incident Management Tool. A tool used to record and respond to incidents, accidents and emergencies. (eg: Safety Incident Reporting System)
Environmental Monitoring Tool. A tool used to monitor environmental conditions such as air quality, water quality, and noise levels. (eg: Environmental Data Management Software)
Occupational Health and Safety Tool. A tool used to ensure the safety and health of workers in an organization. (eg: Occupational Health and Safety Software)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam (IAPWS)
Oil and Gas Producers Association (OGP)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
International Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP)
American Oil & Gas Historical Society (AOGHS)
Energy Institute (EI)
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE)

We also have Seismic Geologist, Procurement Manager, Oil and Gas, and Stratigraphic Geologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). A set of regulations and standards that aim to protect workers against potential risks in the workplace.
Risk Assessment. The process of evaluating the potential risks posed by a given situation or activity, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate them.
Incident Investigation. A method of analyzing an incident in order to identify the root cause and take corrective action.
Emergency Response Plan. A plan outlining the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency or accident.
Hazard Identification. The process of recognizing potential hazards in the workplace.
Risk Management. The process of managing risks in order to minimize or eliminate their impact on operations.
Regulatory Compliance. Meeting the legal requirements for health and safety in the workplace.
Environmental Management. The process of managing environmental impacts and risks associated with operations.
Workplace Inspections. Periodic checks of the workplace to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Clothing or equipment designed to protect workers from workplace hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary responsibility of an HSE Manager in Oil and Gas? A1: The primary responsibility of an HSE Manager in Oil and Gas is to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment by implementing and enforcing health, safety, and environmental standards and protocols. Q2: What qualifications are required to become an HSE Manager in Oil and Gas? A2: Qualifications that are typically required to become an HSE Manager in Oil and Gas include at least a bachelors degree in safety engineering, environmental science, or a related field, plus several years of experience in a related field. Q3: What are some common risks associated with working in the Oil and Gas industry? A3: Common risks associated with working in the Oil and Gas industry include chemical exposure, noise pollution, dangerous machinery, fire hazards, and physical hazards. Q4: What type of safety equipment is typically used to protect workers in the Oil and Gas industry? A4: Safety equipment that is typically used to protect workers in the Oil and Gas industry includes hard hats, safety goggles, respiratory protection, protective clothing, gloves, hearing protection, and safety harnesses. Q5: How often should HSE Managers in Oil and Gas conduct safety audits? A5: HSE Managers in Oil and Gas should conduct regular safety audits at least once every three months.