MMS Names SAFE Program Winners in Gulf of Mexico Region

The Interior Department's Minerals Management Service announced today the 2008 District Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) winners for the Gulf of Mexico Region. The SAFE Program recognizes those operating companies that conduct their operations in a safe manner, adhering to all regulatory requirements, employing trained and motivated personnel, and enhancing safe operations.

"The MMS Gulf of Mexico Region is focused on having the safest and most environmentally sound operations on the Outer Continental Shelf," said MMS Regional Director Lars Herbst. "We take great pride in recognizing those companies that choose to be safety and environmental leaders, setting the example for others to follow."

The SAFE award program was established by MMS in 1983 to recognize and honor companies that make a concerted effort to train and motivate their employees to conduct offshore operations in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The agency recognizes two categories for production: high OCS activity and moderate OCS activity. Drilling and production contractors with exemplary OCS performance are also recognized. Winners are selected by each District office on the basis of their safety performance and compliance with applicable regulations within the District during the rating period.