STOW Communication Series

Welcome to our weekly STOW certification email series!

In this series, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Safe TO Work (STOW) certification process, ensuring you and your team are fully prepared. Each Thursday, we’ll dive into different aspects of the STOW programme, including key benefits, how to prepare for audits, renewal processes, and much more.

Why STOW?
STOW certification is more than just a business requirement. It’s a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) practices, ensuring safer work environments across Trinidad & Tobago’s energy industry.

STOW was built by the Trinidad & Tobago energy industry, for the Trinidad & Tobago energy industry and exceeds the international standards for contractor and service company prequalification.

We’re excited to share this journey with you, so stay tuned every Thursday for your STOW insights and tips!

If you have any immediate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team, ayanna@energy.tt ; chrystal@energy.tt; or keina@energy.tt
 
 

 

We’re introducing the team behind the scenes, that makes STOW certification possible - The STOW Implementation Board.

Who are they?

The STOW Implementation Board is the body responsible for developing and governing the STOW minimum HSE requirements. It operates under the auspices of the Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago and includes representatives from various operating companies in the energy sector who have signed the STOW Charter (more on this in future editions).

What do they do?

  • Set standards: They establish and review the HSE requirements that companies must meet to achieve STOW certification.

  • Monitor and review: The Board regularly monitors and reviews contractor performance to ensure these standards are upheld.

  • Certification authority: They are responsible for approving certifications based on audit results and ensuring the entire process remains transparent and fair​.

The Board's mission is to continuously raise contractors' global competitiveness by improving HSE standards. In future emails, we’ll cover more about how these standards benefit your business.

If you have any immediate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team ayanna@energy.tt; chrystal@energy.tt; orkeina@energy.tt
 

The STOW Implementation Board - Who are they and what they do.

Last week, we introduced you to the STOW Implementation Board—the body responsible for governing and maintaining the STOW Minimum HSE Requirements. Today, we’re excited to share more about the esteemed professionals who make up this Board.

Who are the members?

The STOW Implementation Board comprises 10 Senior HSE professionals from the Association of Upstream Operators of Trinidad & Tobago (AUOTT) and the Point Lisas Energy Association (PLEA) plus an independent member, currently from  Energy Chamber of Trinidad and Tobago. Both AUOTT and PLEA nominate an equal number of members, and their appointments are ratified during the Board's statutory meetings.

The Members of the STOW Implementation Board are as follows:

  • Chairman of STOW Implementation Board - Fitzroy Harewood - President, Point Lisas Nitrogen Limited

  • Independent Member - Dr. Thackwray Driver -  President, CEO, Energy Chamber of Trinidad & Tobago

AUOTT

  • Jerson Wattie - Health & Safety Manager, The National Gas Company of Trinidad & Tobago Limited.

  • Neil Persad - EH&S Manager, EOG Resources

  • Maria Cristina Legarza - Technical Services & HSE Manager, Partner Relations Manager, Repsol

  • Wendell Seecharan - Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Leader, Heritage Petroleum Company Limited

  • Clint Khan - Safety and Environment General Manager, Shell Trinidad & Tobago

PLEA

  • Lydia Lee Chong - Process Manager, Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited

  • Pramechan Nandlal - OSH/ENV Manager, PROMAN Trinidad & Tobago

  • Nalini Seeram-Rajpaulsingh - Assistant Manager HESQ, YARA Trinidad Limited

  • Premraj Dukharan - Head Health, Safety & Environment, The Power Generation Company of Trinidad & Tobago Limited

  • Mark de Freitas - Head - Health & Safety, National Energy Corporation of Trinidad & Tobago Limited


To know more about the STOW Implementation Board, please click here 


Why STOW Certification matters: Safer Workplaces and Better Business

The Benefits of STOW Certification Part 1:

This week we’re focusing on the first set of benefits that come with achieving STOW certification. These advantages go beyond just meeting industry standards—they can directly impact your business' safety and growth.

Let’s take a look:

  1. Improved safety records: STOW certification ensures that your company meets the minimum HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) requirements, creating a safer work environment for your team. This means fewer accidents, less downtime, and a better overall safety record. A strong safety culture not only protects your employees but also enhances operational efficiency.

  2. Enhanced business opportunities: Having a STOW certificate makes your company eligible to work with top-tier companies in Trinidad & Tobago’s energy sector. Many operating companies look for STOW-certified contractors as a requirement for bidding on projects. This gives your company a competitive edge, increasing your chances of winning new contracts and expanding your business. Please be reminded that other factors contribute to awarding contracts.

  3. Reputation boost: STOW certification signals to clients and partners that you are committed to high standards of safety and professionalism. It enhances your company’s reputation, making you a trusted partner in the industry. A positive reputation helps attract new clients while strengthening relationships with existing ones.

Stay tuned for next week’s email, where we’ll cover even more benefits of STOW certification, including long-term improvements and how the certification aligns with your company’s goals.

If you have any immediate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to  keina@energy.tt



Preparing for STOW Audits

This week, we’re focusing on what you need to know to successfully prepare for a STOW audit. A well-prepared audit process saves time and ensures your company maintains its certification without hiccups.

Here’s how you can get ready:

  1. Know your risk level and the services you wish to apply for. Your client can advise you if you are a low or high-risk company.

  2. Understand the STOW requirements: Before your audit, make sure you fully understand STOW requirements. The STOW audit will evaluate your company’s compliance with the STOW Minimum HSE Requirements. Review the STOW Contractor Guidance Manual to ensure that you are meeting the requirements for each element. You can access this manual here

  3. Gather necessary documentation: Ensure that all relevant documents (policies, procedures, records etc.) are up-to-date and readily accessible. Examples of these documents include your company’s HSE Policy Statement, risk assessments, accident & incident records, and training logs. Having these documents organized, can make the audit process smoother and faster for both you and the Assessor.

  4. Conduct a self-assessment: Performing an internal audit before your official STOW audit can help identify gaps and areas for improvement. Use the self-assessment to ensure your documentation is in order and that your HSE practices meet the STOW requirements​.

  5. Prepare your team: Make sure that key team members are aware of the audit schedule and their roles during the audit. This includes managers, HSE officers, and any other personnel who might need to provide information or demonstrate compliance. Clear communication can help avoid delays during the audit process.

  6. Schedule your audit wisely: Remember, it’s important to schedule your audit well in advance. This allows you to address any last-minute adjustments or requirements without the pressure of a tight deadline. If you need to postpone, be aware that there may be penalties for delaying a scheduled audit.​ Note that the application is valid for two (2) months from the date of submission of the application. The audit must commence within this timeframe and no additional time will be provided to fix any non-conformances.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to face your upcoming STOW audit with confidence.

Preparing for STOW Inspections

Now that you’re familiar with audit preparation, let’s talk about getting ready for the physical conditions tour. The physical conditions tour is an important part of the STOW Audit and ensures that your company continues to meet the high standards set by the STOW certification.

Here’s how you can get ready:

  1. Confirm the physical conditions tour schedule: Once the date and time are confirmed, make sure all necessary personnel are informed and available. This includes HSE managers, supervisors, and any other staff who might need to participate. This ensures a smooth process and allows Assessors to get the information they need.

  2. Prepare your facilities: Assessors will review your physical work environment as part of the process. Ensure that all areas, including meeting rooms and workspaces, are organized and meet safety standards. This includes checking for proper signage, functioning safety equipment, and well-maintained facilities.

  3. Review Safety Procedures: Before the physical conditions tour, go over your safety procedures with your team to ensure everyone is clear on the required protocols. This includes emergency response plans, equipment usage, and daily safety routines. Having a team that is well-versed in these procedures can make a great impression during the tour.

  4. Have key documents readily available: Like audits, the physical conditions tour often requires a review of key HSE documents. Ensure that documents like safety policies, incident records, and training logs are updated and easy to access. This will help to avoid delays and show that your company is organized and compliant.

  5. Be ready to demonstrate compliance: Assessors may ask for demonstrations of specific safety practices or equipment usage. Ensure that your team is prepared to show how they follow safety protocols in real-time. This helps to demonstrate that your company doesn’t just have procedures on paper but actively follow them.

By taking these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful physical conditions tour. Next week, we’ll dive into understanding the STOW re-certification process and how to stay on top of your certification timeline

How to navigate STOW Re-certification procedures

It’s time to talk about the STOW re-certification process. Renewing your certification in advance is crucial for avoiding disruptions and maintaining your status as a certified contractor.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the re-certification process:

  1. Start early: We recommend starting the re-certification process at least three months before your certification expires. This gives you enough time to gather any updated documents, complete the necessary internal audits, and address any issues arising during the process. Note that the application is valid for two (2) months from the date of submission of the application. The audit must commence within this timeframe and no additional time will be provided to fix any non-conformances.

  2. Look out for re-certification reminders: You will receive an automatic email reminder from the STOW Secretariat three months before your certification expires. This reminder will include details on the re-certification process and the necessary steps. Make sure your contact information is up to date, so you don’t miss these important notifications.

  3. Submit your application online: The application for re-certification can be submitted through the STOW database. Ensure that you provide all required documents, including any updates or changes to your HSE policies and procedures. Submitting a complete application helps avoid delays.

  4. Schedule your re-certification audit: The Assessor will contact you to schedule and confirm the audit dates. Make sure to schedule your audit well in advance, allowing time to prepare and address any recommendations from the previous audit.

  5. Stay in touch with the STOW Secretariat: If you have any questions during the re-certification process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the STOW Secretariat. Our team is here to support you and ensure a smooth re-certification process.