Ekanem redefines safety in oil and gas design

Innocent Ekanem, MSc (Eng), CSP, NEBOSH IDIP, and PMP, is an internationally recognized expert in Process Safety and Loss Prevention Engineering, as well as Environmental Health & Safety (EHS). Renowned for his rare combination of occupational and process safety expertise, Ekanem excels in integrating safety into design, engineering, construction, and production processes throughout the project lifecycle, a capability few safety engineers possess.

Introduction

The oil and gas industry is inherently high-stakes, with its intricate operations, massive infrastructure, and complex supply chains. Ensuring health, safety, and environmental (HSE) considerations in facility design is crucial, often determining the success or failure of projects. Today, we speak with Mr Ekanem, an industry pioneer with over 15 years of experience. Having held roles like HSE Engineer, Hazard and Effects Management Process (HEMP) Engineer, and Loss Prevention Engineer, he has redefined HSE practices in oil and gas engineering.

BusinessDay: Thank you for joining us, Mr Ekanem. Could you explain what HSE in design means?

Ekanem: Thank you for having me. HSE in design involves embedding health, safety, and environmental considerations into engineering decisions from the earliest stages. Typically, safety is addressed later in project cycles, but my approach identifies hazards and assesses risks during design. This ensures we can eliminate or minimize risks, safeguarding workers, the public, and the environment throughout a facility’s lifecycle.

BusinessDay: Why is this approach critical in the oil and gas industry?

Ekanem: The oil and gas sector is inherently complex, involving high pressures, hazardous materials, and interdependent systems. Coupled with strict regulations and the potential for catastrophic incidents, it’s essential to integrate HSE proactively. Doing so reduces the likelihood of major accidents, protects the environment, and ensures the safety of workers and nearby communities.

BusinessDay: How do you implement HSE at the early stages of design?

Ekanem: It begins with structured frameworks, such as hazard identification (HAZID), environmental identification (ENVID), and risk assessment during the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase. Studies like HAZOP, Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA), and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) assignments are conducted. By systematically analyzing “what-if” scenarios—such as equipment failures or chemical leaks—we integrate safety into the design instead of retrofitting it later.

BusinessDay: Can you share specific tools or strategies you’ve developed to enhance HSE outcomes?

Ekanem: A key tool I’ve enhanced is the Action Tracking Register (ATR). Recommendations are generated to mitigate identified hazards during technical safety workshops—such as HAZID, HAZOP, or Quantitative Risk Assessments (QRA). The ATR logs each recommendation, assigns responsibilities, and tracks progress. I developed an advanced ATR with features like sorting, analyzing actions, and generating customized reports. It also automates reminders for pending actions, ensuring accountability.

Additionally, I’ve created standardized Terms of Reference (TOR) for technical safety studies, outlining methodologies and expectations. These ensure consistency and adherence to best practices across projects.

BusinessDay: How do you ensure collaboration across different disciplines?

Ekanem: Collaboration is vital. HSE reviews bring together process engineers, automation specialists, civil and mechanical engineers, and others. Workshops facilitate discussions on potential design issues, fostering creative problem-solving. For instance, if a piping team identifies a high-temperature area near a walkway, we collaboratively explore solutions like relocating the equipment or adding barriers. This approach ensures safety becomes a shared responsibility.

BusinessDay: Tell us about your role in the Nigeria LNG Train 7 Project (SCD JV-NLNGT7) and its impact.

Ekanem: The NLNG Train 7 project is one of Nigeria’s largest energy ventures. As an HSE and Loss Prevention Engineer, I developed Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) deliverables, facilitated technical safety reviews, and implemented a HEMP register to document and manage Major Accident Events (MAEs). This live document evolved through design, construction, and operation, providing continuous safety management insights.

I also ensured that critical recommendations from the SELECT and FEED phases were addressed before construction. This closed-loop system reduced surprises during later stages and ensured a safer, more efficient project execution.

BusinessDay: How do you balance regulatory requirements with practical engineering constraints?

Ekanem: Compliance is non-negotiable, but regulations often provide a baseline, not a complete solution. I strive to exceed these standards by integrating advanced risk assessments and practical solutions. For example, if a regulation’s minimum equipment distance is inadequate for thermal radiation safety, we exceed it. It’s about combining compliance with real-world effectiveness.

BusinessDay: Could you share an example of how your proactive approach prevented a potential issue?

Ekanem: On a recent project, storage tanks were initially placed near the site boundary. A Construction Safety in Design (CSID) review revealed potential risks in case of a leak. We recommended relocating the tanks and adding containment measures. Though this incurred upfront costs, it prevented future retrofits and safeguarded nearby communities and the environment.

BusinessDay: What is the future of HSE in design?

Ekanem: The future lies in digitalization. Tools like 3D modelling and virtual reality allow teams to identify hazards in virtual environments before construction. Real-time data from sensors can dynamically adjust safety measures. Continuous improvement, driven by technology, will push the boundaries of safety performance.

BusinessDay: Any advice for aspiring HSE professionals?

Ekanem: Focus on continuous learning and developing both technical and soft skills. Understanding processes is essential, but so is effective communication and leadership. Safety must be viewed as integral to engineering. By addressing it early, you create value for projects and protect lives.

Conclusion

Ekanem’s groundbreaking contributions to HSE in oil and gas design underscore the importance of integrating safety into every project phase. Through innovative tools like the ATR and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, he exemplifies how prioritizing safety leads to resilient and efficient projects. His work inspires a new generation of professionals to make safety a cornerstone of engineering excellence.