Beluga field gets safety award

In mid-March the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development recognized ConocoPhillips Alaska’s Beluga River gas field in the Cook Inlet basin for top-notch safety and health management programs. The facility was awarded Star designation in the Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Voluntary Protection Program in a ceremony at the company’s Beluga River Unit facility.

The award recognizes not only ConocoPhillips’ Beluga employees, but also those of contractor Peak Oilfield Service Co., which has a significant presence at Beluga. Both ConocoPhillips and Peak staff implemented the OSHA VPP process at the worksite in 2005.

VPP recognizes and promotes effective safety and health management. VPP sites are removed from general scheduled enforcement inspections for the approved period of time (from 18 months up to 5 years). Participants have also reported reduced Workers’ Compensation costs.

VPP is one of several consultation programs offered by Alaska Occupational Safety and Health. At a company’s request, health and safety consultation officers visit the work site to help employers identify and correct hazards in the work place, and train their workforce in safe work practices. The company then has the opportunity to address potential violations before an official inspection occurs.