Yesterday some of the most respected voices in process safety, including Piper Alpha survivor Steve Rae and Craig Wiggins, CEO of Step Change in Safety, joined senior leaders from across the energy sector in Aberdeen for Empirisys Live. The event brought operators, safety professionals and industry influencers together to examine how stronger leadership and better use of data can accelerate meaningful progress in process safety.
Hosted by Aberdeen-based process safety specialists Empirisys, the event showcased the company’s 360 approach combining risk insight, digital capability and behavioural leadership to support organisations in driving meaningful, lasting improvement. Attendees took part in practical, scenario-based sessions demonstrating how data-led decision-making and confident leadership can strengthen both safety culture and operational performance.
A key focus of the day was the role of AI and data analytics in enhancing human judgement. Delegates saw firsthand how Empirisys’ digital tools BOOST and SENSE identify hidden patterns in safety data, explain the drivers behind them and translate complex information into clear, actionable insight. The demonstrations highlighted how the technology helps leaders detect risk earlier and subject matter experts focus on the issues that matter most. Crucially, the platforms showcased are supported by Empirisys’ process safety specialists and data experts, ensuring insights are shaped by robust analysis and deep industry experience.
The event also featured a guest presentation from respected industry executive and Piper Alpha survivor Steve Rae. Steve is a vocal advocate for embedding safety leadership at every level and demonstrated how choices and consequences reinforce learning through real scenarios.
The programme concluded with Gus Carroll chairing a panel discussion featuring recognised industry voices including, Steve Rae Director Fortitude, Pete Sueref Co-Founder & CTO Empirisys, Carla Riddell, CTO Serica Energy and Craig Wiggins CEO of Step Change in Safety, examining the role of data and leadership in sustaining risk-based improvement.
Gus Carroll said: “We created Empirisys Live to help industry leaders share insight and challenge the status quo in their safety journey. Events like this are vital in bringing the right people together to help experts turn under-used information into action that genuinely improves the safety of our workforce.”
Craig Wiggins, CEO of Step Change in Safety, added:
“What resonated today is the value of practical, data-driven tools in elevating safety performance. Our collaboration with Empirisys on E-Obs Boost demonstrates how combining real operational insight with advanced analytics can turn everyday observations into earlier warnings and stronger decisions. That’s the kind of risk-based thinking that helps prevent incidents and keeps our workforce safer.”
Attendees also heard real-world case studies from operators including Bluewater and NEO Energy, highlighting practical examples of risk management supported through the Insight 360 platform. In the leadership and competency session, Empirisys consultant Roger Berriman and Associate Darren Oliver, shared their expertise in developing capability, using real operational scenarios to demonstrate how leadership learning can be more impactful and relevant.
