Missing H in HSE

Most of industry's health, safety, and environment initiatives focus on the safety aspect or the environmental aspect, reported speakers at the International Association of Drilling Contractors HSE conference in Houston this week.

But the health aspect of HSE either is sometimes overlooked or is sometimes the last element to be addressed by HSE managers and top executives.

Doyle R. Galloway, Shell International Exploration and Production Inc. operational HSE manager, noted that companies talk about occupational health and about the well being of their workers. But individuals need to be motivated to take care of themselves and to exercise, he said.

Although many corporations offer wellness programs, Galloway suggests that these companies question themselves about whether their existing wellness programs work long-term in encouraging employees to stay fit and healthy.

Statistics from Partnership for Prevention show a $5.93 to $1 savings-to-cost ratio for companies that provide voluntary wellness at work programs. Once a sedentary employee becomes fit, statistics indicate an average 28% decrease in sick leave, which translates into corporate cost benefits.