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The rigorous application of Health, Safety and Environmental
standards integrated to the business is the basis of HOCOL’s operating practices.
It is an essential element of HOCOL´s role as
a responsible corporate citizen.
HOCOL has conducted its operations
in line with its policy, principles, and own HSE Management System, which are
applied in line with international standards. However, management
leadership and commitment provide the most important
characteristic of excellence.
Leadership has been demonstrated by a strong, genuine,
continuous, and personal commitment to safety in company,
contractors and community.
Due to the Company’s commitment in HSE, the Company’s Lost Time Injury Frequency (LTIF) has greatly improved beyond the International E&P average. Some key success factors that contributed to these results are:
- Measurement of not only performance indicators but also proactive actions and preventine initiatives.
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- Involvement and ownership of training programs shared with contractors and other operators.
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- Generating sense of ownership and self-care within workers and operators
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- Giving priority of human factors in managing HSE integrated to operations.
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In terms of environmental performance,
HOCOL maintains its operations with zero discharges
to surface water bodies. HOCOL has also adopted internally Norm “ Clean Operations” by
which practices like waste reduction, minimization of the use of chemicals and products, reduction of water consumption and recycling of wastes are now mandatory for company and contractors. HOCOL continues actively participating in regional emergency response plans and innovative waste management solutions.
Assets life cycle includes responsible hand-over and abandonment of facilities. Since 1994, HOCOL pioneered the implementation of cutting-edge technology for contamination remediation in Colombia with the introduction of the “Risk-Based Corrective Action” methodology. At present, facilities are subjected to a thorough assessment to minimize future liabilities.
The Company also developed self-sustaining agricultural and forestry projects upon returning the Neiva -540 concession to the Colombian Government on termination of its 30-year E&P contract. Similar projects have been developed in other areas like Tello and Tolima with fruits and natural fibres.
Traditionally HOCOL has operated in tropical environments integrating biodiversity conservation into upstream oil and gas development. E&P operations have been carried out in areas where previous human activities have reduced and affected biodiversity. Long term actions are introduced for improvement, conservation and restoration of areas with the leadership of universities and conservation groups.
For all projects, integrated environmental and social
impact assessment studies are conducted with participation of community, authorities and all interested parties.
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