The audit was conducted from 7 to 10 April 2026.

Background

The 2026 letter of allocation stipulates that the Havtil shall prioritise risk-based monitoring of framework conditions that affect safety and the working environment.

Framework conditions in this context means the factors that affect the practical opportunities available to an organisation, organisational unit, group or individual to maintain control of major accident risk and working environment risk. This can also influence the level of HSE through indirect and complex mechanisms. In the petroleum industry, it is largely the operating companies who set the framework conditions and the contractors who follow them. Providing guidance and information on the risks involved in performing work are therefore key factors in managing safety and the working environment.

The audit focused on Equinor as the operator, Veidekke Entreprenør as the contractor and Bergen Rørteknikk as the subcontractor for the project to build a new water treatment plant at the Sture Terminal.

Objective

The objective of the audit was to monitor the participants’ fulfilment of their own HSE responsibilities in relation to employer obligations, the preparedness of the companies and their personnel, and the exercise of supervisory responsibilities in connection with the project.

Result

The audit identified four non-conformities in the following areas:

  • Deficiencies in the design of procedures (Equinor)
  • Missing information on risks in the performance of work (Equinor)
  • Deficiencies in the management of working environment risks during the construction phase (Equinor)
  • Deficiencies in the arrangements for employee participation in the project (Equinor)

In addition, we observed two factors that we have chosen to categorise as improvement points. These concerned:

  • Deficiencies in the follow-up of other participants (Equinor)
  • Deficiencies in the identification and risk assessment of working environment risks associated with equipment and work operations in the project (Veidekke)

What happens now?

We have asked Equinor to report on how the non-conformities will be addressed, and for their assessment of the improvement points observed. The second improvement point concerns Veidekke Entreprenør, and we have asked them to provide us with their assessment of this. The deadline for feedback is set at 6 July 2026.