This year’s Safety Expo is set to bring together thought leaders, QHSE professionals and passionate advocates in health and safety from across the region.
One of the most anticipated elements of the event is our Business Breakfast, featuring commercial diver Chris Lemons, whose story of survival has amassed global attention and is now featured in a Netflix documentary and film.
Stranded 300ft beneath the surface with just minutes of breathable air, Chris faced a situation few could survive, but thanks to the extraordinary skill and quick coordination of his dive team, he was brought safely back to the surface. The precision and focus under pressure turned a life-threatening situation into a powerful reminder of why safety protocols and teamwork are so vital.
We caught up with Chris ahead of his talk to get a glimpse into his story, the vital safety lessons it highlights, and why you should attend this year’s event.
Without giving too much away, what can audiences expect from your talk at this year's Safety Expo?
“I’ll be presenting what happened to me back in 2012. It’s quite well known now, especially around Aberdeen. Both a documentary and a movie have been released about it, but this will be my own version.
“Most importantly, I want to highlight the processes, teamwork and safety culture that enabled me to survive a seemingly impossible situation. It wasn’t luck or a miracle - it was remarkable people working together with a system that was built to handle worst-case scenarios.
“I hope people walk away with a positive message of resilience and an understanding that there is an end point to safety procedures, and that’s bringing people home to the ones they love."
How does it feel to be coming back to Aberdeen, where it all began and telling your story?
“I get to travel the world telling my story to a variety of industries, whether it’s a convention in Dallas one day or a pharmaceutical firm in Rio the next, but there’s something really special about coming back to Aberdeen and particularly engaging with the oil and gas industry. People in this sector understand the story on a deeper level - the procedures, the systems, the risks - it’s more relevant to their world.”
Why do you think it is important that safety is treated as a culture rather than just a checklist procedure?
"Because it is essential. When you boil my story down, it is about bringing someone home. Safety can often feel like a dry topic, just a list of checkboxes, but what made the difference in my case was the culture around it.
“A strong safety culture was ingrained in everyone present that night. As they faced unprecedented decisions, the drills and procedures made the right actions second nature – ultimately leading to my survival.
“There is much to be learnt from what happened,with lessons that can help improve safety practices and prevent future incidents. Though this happened 13 years ago, it is important to continue telling the story as a reminder that you cannot become complacent with health and safety procedures, as things can always go wrong."
Why are events like The Safety Expo important for the QHSE industry, and why shouldn’t people miss this year’s Expo?
“It’s about community. The lessons we learned from my incident resonate with people and professionals all over the world, across many industries. The important principles of safety are universal, so events like The Safety Expo bring people together to share knowledge and important lessons. It’s a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals in the region, share experiences, and ultimately work together to improve safety.”
Inspired by his compelling story? Purchase your ticket to our Business Breakfast here but hurry only a limited amount remain!