Performance-based regulation of HSE and the role of regulatory guidance

Abstract

In recent years there has been a growing debate related to the robustness of different regulatory approaches for preventing accidents in the oil and gas industry. A common topic in this debate is related to the advantages and disadvantages of two different regulatory approaches; the prescriptive approach and the performance-based approach. The aim of the present paper is to examine the role that regulatory guidance has within the performance-based approach, which is characterized by placing a full responsibility for identifying, choosing and evaluating solutions that fulfils the goals of the regulations on the companies themselves.The paper is based on a qualitative interview study with representatives from companies within the regulatory regime of the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway.