Business Challenge

A major upstream producer in the Lac la Biche region underwent rapid expansion across drilling, production, and supporting activities. The existing HSE Management System was no longer adequate for the increased scale, complexity, and regulatory obligations. The client required a complete overhaul of its HSE framework, as well as subject matter experts to support implementation, ensure compliance, and strengthen environmental and process safety governance.

Objectives & Success Criteria

The client soughtto:

• Redevelop and modernize the HSE Management System.
• Ensure integration across safety, environment, regulatory, and process safety domains.
• Deploy experienced personnel to assist in implementation and operational oversight.
• Improve visibility on HSE trends, KPIs, and training needs.
• Strengthen issue reporting, investigation, and closeout processes.

Success was measured by improved system usability, enhanced field-level adoption, increased operational understanding of HSE performance, and effective system rollout.

PMO Solution (What We Did)

PMO assembled a multi-disciplinary team spanning Health & Safety, Environment, Regulatory, Emergency Management, and Process Safety Engineering. The team redesigned the HSE Management System to align with operational needs, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices. PMO developed new documentation, procedures, standards, and tools, then seconded experienced HSE and environmental personnel to support field implementation. These professionals delivered training, reinforced hazard assessment processes, supported contractor engagement, and strengthened the integration of HSE practices across the operation.

Key Components / Activities

• Full redevelopment of the HSE Management System
• Creation of procedures, standards, and supporting documentation
• Deployment of HSE and environmental field personnel
• On-site training and rollout support
• Process Safety Engineering review and integration
• Regulatory compliance and assurance support
• Enhanced issue reporting and closeout practices
• Identification of HSE performance trends and training needs

Outcomes & Impact

PMO delivered a fit-for-purpose HSE Management System tailored to the client’s expanded operations. Through system redevelopment and embedded specialist support, the client improved operational consistency, strengthened regulatory compliance, increased visibility on HSE performance, and enhanced its training and competency programs. The combined support contributed to improved governance and operational reliability.

Lessons Learned / Challenges Overcome

Supporting a rapidly expanding operation while overhauling its HSE framework required strong coordination, clear communication, and hands-on change management. PMO overcame these challenges by embedding senior professionals who could bridge system design with practical field implementation. A key lesson learned was the value of simultaneous documentation updates, training, and field coaching to ensure adoption and effectiveness of the new HSE management system.

Value Proposition Summary

PMO provided a comprehensive, integrated suite of HSE, environmental, regulatory, and process safety services to the client during a critical period of growth. The modernized HSE Management System and embedded support personnel improved operational consistency, regulatory alignment, and overall safety performance. This engagement demonstrates PMO’s ability to deliver both strategic system development and practical implementation support for rapidly expanding upstream operators.