Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Committee

Overview

The SEG Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Committee helps ensure that HSSE is taken into consideration for all activities that SEG manages or sponsors.

Our mission is to promote a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation in geophysical practices through collaboration, representation, and contribution, while ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and industry standards.

The Committee will not duplicate the work that the International Association of Geophysical Contractors (IAGC) and International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP) do with HSSE for geophysical operations, but rather complement it and utilize, wherever possible, industry guidance already developed.

SEG is committed to prioritizing HSSE in all society-managed and sponsored activities to ensure the health, safety, and security of our members, employees, customers, and communities, while protecting the environment. We aim for continual improvement by providing resources for compliance with regulations and maintaining high HSSE standards.

The Committee supports the activities of SEG members and provides guidance and assistance when requested. The Committee does not have the power to implement policy and has no regulatory authority, nor is it intended to ensure that all SEG activities are conducted according to industry standard practices and procedures. Any advice provided by the Committee is used at the discretion of the recipient.

Objectives & Practices

• Assist in hazard identification and risk assessment for activities that SEG manages or sponsors

• Provide assistance in developing the required controls or actions, including guidance documents, policies, procedures, and processes for effectively managing risks associated with society activities

• Prioritize Society activities identified as the highest risk and develop action lists and response plans where appropriate

• Assign volunteers to work on highest-priority actions

• Provide periodic self-inspection for hazard assessment and senior management review of the safety program as it is implemented, when new worksites are established, and thereafter as appropriate to business operations, but at least annually

• Incorporate HSSE into society activities and promote awareness and involvement through exhibitions, field camps, conferences, and publications

• Provide comprehensive tools and information to staff, volunteers, and contractors to competently carry out assigned tasks while leveraging innovation and digitalization

• Develop emergency response plans where appropriate for society activities and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective and timely response in the event of an incident

• Incorporate sustainable practices and environmental considerations into society activities, with a focus on minimizing ecological footprint, conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development

• Check with sister societies for similar activities or interest in participating in the development of processes, procedures, and best practices

• Determine if companies are interested in donating safety training material, procedures, or other resources to accelerate the work of the Committee

• Contribute to the development of industry standards and best practices through collaboration and representation from diverse perspectives

Composition and Membership

The HSSE Committee consists of a Chair appointed by the President, a Vice Chair, and a minimum of five committee members appointed by the Chair. A Vice Chair is appointed annually by the Chair, after consulting with the President-Elect, Board liaison, and the committee members. Except for the Chair, committee members are not required to be Members of SEG. The Chair serves a two-year term that may be extended by the President an additional year under special circumstances.

The President shall appoint a member of the Board to serve as liaison to the HSSE Committee. The HSSE Committee reports directly to the Board through the Board liaison.

The SEG Executive Director shall appoint a Staff member to serve as Staff Liaison who represents the HSSE Committee within the SEG business office and the reverse.

Current Leadership (2026–2027):

Role	Name
Interim Chair	Kevin Bohacs
Board Liaison	Adriana Citlali Ramírez
Staff Liaison	Vanessa Medina

Policy and Procedures

The official SEG Policy and Procedures Manual section for this committee can be accessed here: → SEG Policy and Procedures Manual

Annual Reports

Below are recent annual reports submitted to the SEG Board:

{2024 Report}
2025 Report

Meetings

Although the HSSE Committee may meet as often as the Chair deems necessary, it generally meets two times per calendar year. One meeting is generally held in conjunction with the SEG Annual Meeting. Other meetings may be face-to-face or via conference call or Web meeting.