Working in partnership to improve safety remains central to our health, safety and wellbeing approach. We recently collaborated with the British Drilling Association, the Association of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Specialists Safety Working Group, and the Health and Safety Executive to develop and publish new joint guidance on managing the risk of encountering pressurised gas during drilling operations.
This guidance follows a significant industry-wide review, aimed at strengthening risk assessment processes and enhancing control measures for pressurised gas hazards during drilling operations. It reflects a shared commitment across the sector to proactively address safety risks and promote best practice.
We’ve applied this guidance at our own sites, including the Blidworth mine water monitoring borehole, where deep drilling was undertaken. Control measures incorporated spark arrestors (Chalwyn valves) and blowout prevention systems (Washington diverters), aligned with the guidance’s recommendations for high-risk scenarios. These measures were put in place to ensure safe operations and mitigate the risk of gas release.
By embedding best practices into our operations and sharing insights with partners, we continue to support safer working environments across the sector. Demonstrating our commitment to collaborative safety leadership and continuous improvement when managing high-risk activities.
How will we know we are succeeding?
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| Continue to make demonstrable progress in recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce reflective of the communities we serve across Great Britain, improving social mobility and providing opportunities for individuals who live in mining communities |
| Provide opportunities for our colleagues to grow and develop their skills and expertise including support for professional development, formal accreditation and apprenticeships |
| Demonstrate our ongoing commitment to the health, safety and wellbeing of the public, our colleagues and our partners and supply chain through external benchmarking |
| Strive to maintain an employee survey engagement score above 70% |