Lifting & Mechanical Handling

Chris has more than 25 years' experience within the energy sector having begun his career 'on the tools' and progressing into management positions. He has a comprehensive knowledge of rigging and lifting operations from technical aspects, competence requirements and project management.

Michael Laird is EnerMech's Technical Authority for Lifting Solutions with over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of cranes, lifting and material handling equipment for upstream oil and gas production, onshore mining and renewable facilities.

His career in industry commenced as a Graduate Engineer after award of a degree in Mechanical and Offshore Engineering from the Robert Gordon University and has gone on to hold various operational, management and technical positions ranging from Project Engineer, Senior Contract Support Engineer, Contracts Manager and Technical Manager working in UK, Middle East and Australia.

A key milestone in Michael's career has been the appointment as EnerMech Technical Authority for Shell UK in 2022, a role historically held in-house for over 40 years. This significant shift demonstrates the trust placed in him to manage this critical area of their business.

Beyond his primary role, Michael actively represents EnerMech at various industry forums, as well as Step Change in Safety which includes the Offshore Mechanical Handling Equipment Committee (OMHEC) and Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), advocating for safety improvements in cranes & lifting operations.

Glen brings over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of lifting equipment and operations.

His career in industry started within inspection as a Lifting Equipment Test Engineer at Chandlers International Aberdeen. After gaining all available Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Diplomas, Glen spent the next few years gaining practical experience on Stena Offshore Vessels leading to various operational and management positions within Inspection Companies mainly operating in the Middle East.

In 2005, Glen changed his career direction and joined North Sea Lifting as a Rigging and Lifting Instructor. A hugely rewarding career that led to travelling all continents experiencing different cultures and learning abilities culminating in the development and opening of a Rigging | Lifting Training Centre in Louisianna USA.

In 2008, Glen eventually joined Total E and P UK as their Onshore Lifting Superintendent providing coaching | mentoring for their LCP(s), and technical support for all offshore assets and logistics bases.

Glen actively represents TotalEnergies at various industry forums and OPITO Workgroups