Our Story Step Change in Safety was founded in 1997 by the oil and gas industry trade associations, with a bold ambition: to reduce the UK offshore injury rate by 50%.That target was achieved in 2004 - a powerful example of what can happen when an industry comes together with a shared purpose.Since then, both the sector and our membership have evolved. As the energy landscape has diversified, so too has Step Change in Safety. Our growing and varied membership brings broader experience, fresh insight and new perspectives - strengthening the work we do and expanding the ways we support safer workplaces.We have embraced new technologies, widened our programme of events and initiatives, and continued to champion leadership, collaboration and workforce engagement as the foundations of lasting safety improvement.Today, our mission remains clear: to prevent incidents and injuries across the energy industry. As the sector continues to change, we will continue to adapt - ensuring safety and wellbeing remain at the forefront of everything we do. Timeline Explore the key milestones that have shaped Step Change in Safety since our founding in 1997 1997 Step Change in Safety launched Deliver a 50% improvement in industry safety performance over the next three years Green Hat policy 1998 OIM Network 1999 Support team established ESR Network Safety Leadership training syllabus Safety Culture expectations Look this Way – safety observations system guidelines Health and Safety Management Systems Interfacing guidance 2000 Changing Minds guidelines Vantage POB piloted Best Practice guide to Handling Tubulars 2001 SADIE launched SPAN Network OIM Guidance for Offshore Rota and Rest Periods Leading Performance Indicators guidelines 2002 The UK is the safest place to work in the worldwide oil and gas industry by 2010 Focal Point Network Green Armband policy Best Practice guide to Manriding Understanding SI971 Safety Reps guidance “Silence is Consent” 2003 Employee Company Induction launched Fatality Report Loading Lifeboats during Drills guidance Leading Performance Indicators updated Health and Safety Management Systems Interfacing guidance revised 2004 Original target of 50% improvement in industry safety performance was achieved “It’s Your Choice" 2005 Personal Responsibility for Safety launched Lifting and Mechanical Handling guidance Design and Handling of Cargo Baskets guidance Design and Handling of Chemical Tanks guidance “Skeleton Sid” 2006 Boots on for Safety launched Understand SI971 Safety Reps guidance updated Asset Integrity Toolkit 2007 Step Change in Safety fully funded via membership Leadership Expectations guidance Green Hat policy revised Task Risk Assessment guidance updated “Consequences” and “Martin’s Story” 2008 Making the UK the safest place to work in the worldwide oil and gas industry Coaching for Safety guidelines Safety for Wireline Operations guidance Step Change in Safety, what you need to know “Hydrocarbon Release Reduction” 2009 Hydrocarbon Release Reduction Toolkit Minimum Industry Safety Training (MIST) launched 2010 50% HCR Reduction Target established Strategic Plan 2010-2015 established Human Factors, First Steps guidance Workplace Health workbook 2011 SI971 Reps on SCLT Control of Work, Performing Authority standard Lifting standards updated 2012 Workforce Engagement Toolkit Assurance & Verification Suite Mechanical Joint Integrity guidance 2013 Marine Transfer of Personnel guidance Guidance on Hydrocarbon Release Reduction Plans “Remembering Piper 25” 50% HCR Reduction Target established Joined-up Thinking launched 2014 Launch of Human Factors toolkit 2015 Tea Shack News launched Joined-up Thinking 7Cs packs launched 2016 Introduction of Safe Working Essentials tools MAH e-learning 2017 WEST webinars launched Standardised clothing policy for offshore helicopter travel 2018 Launch of Mental Health Awareness courses Boots on for Safety Safe Working Essentials version 2 introduced Competency guidelines Major Accident Hazard Awareness campaign Lifting Forum re-established 2019 Steve Rae appointed Executive Director Safety Rep Essentials launched Largest ever ESR event held on the 30th anniversary of the SI971 legislation Major Accident Hazards Understanding workgroup wins Energy Institute Award for Health & Safety Safe Working Essentials online observation card (E-OBS tool) launched Eye safety campaign rolled out across industry Launch of revised Lifting Guidelines Establishment of Lifeboat Familiarisation workgroup 2020 Re-establishment of OIMs Network Increased program of Mental Health Champions course 2021 Introduction of Quarterly Safety themes OIM Network publishes Shutdown/TAR Season resources Publication of five mental health awareness films
4 Mar 2026 Cross-Sector Leadership Engagement Visits Strengthen Safety Learning Across the Energy Industry