Prevention and Management of Food and Waterborne Diseases

Abstract

Abstract The presentation aims to introduce the audience to the upcoming OGP/IPIECA guideline on Prevention and Management of Food and Waterborne Diseases. Food and Waterborne diseases are a major contributor to the global disease burden and as such, have a large potential health and economic impact on oil and gas projects and operations, from frontier E&P locations to retail operations and C-stores. In view of the health risks to project personnel and the public, a need for an industry specific document providing updated guidance on the prevention and mitigation was identified. Ethics, economics and social responsibility drive the need for the awareness of public health issues and communicable diseases that impact the oil and gas industry, particularly in frontier locations where the health infrastructure is likely to be extremely weak and in developing countries where the food preparation and supply chain may be informal. Food and water safety is of paramount importance to the effective functioning of the integrated oil industry businesses. The guidance document presents information that should reduce risk and exposure, save time and money, and provide a consistent, updated insight into these major health issues that can significantly impact upstream and downstream oil and gas projects and operations. This guide is aimed at corporate and project level HSE managers, operations managers, company physicians, clinic medical staff, occupational health and hygiene supervisors, and company, contractor and franchisee retail site managers and staff. The guidelinedocument describes the main diseases related to food and water, their modes of transmission, clinical presentation, strategies for illness prevention, and short and long-term treatment of those affected. Where good practice guidelines and programs are already established by industry, these programs will be referenced. The guideline will be an evidence based reference that scientifically and systematically describes: ➣Preventive measures➣The process for developing potential mitigation strategies The Guideline will aim to include generic programme templates, checklists, audit protocols, lay person guidance documents, web based resources, and evidence-based technical and scientific articles..