Ryan Batten
Kratovo,North Macedonia
Summary
HSE Superintendent and Client HSE Lead with more than 20 years of oilfield and energy industry experience, including over 15 years in formal HSE and safety leadership roles supporting international drilling, workover, LNG commissioning, construction, and production operations. Holds superintendent-level authority for HSE governance, contractor oversight, and regulatory compliance across complex, high-consequence project environments. Demonstrates sustained effectiveness leading HSE teams and partnering with operations, construction, and commissioning leadership to support safe, compliant, and uninterrupted execution. Career history includes superintendent and client-side roles overseeing multi-rig drilling programs, large contractor workforces, basecamp operations, facilities construction, and commissioning activities across Canada, the Middle East, Africa, and offshore locations.
Technical Abilities: Advanced practitioner in HSE management systems aligned with ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO 9001, and operator-specific governance frameworks. Experienced in technology-enabled safety programs including digital HSE reporting, electronic permit-to-work systems, audit and inspection tracking, training matrix administration, and compliance documentation control. Regularly evaluates inspection findings, incident data, and contractor performance trends to strengthen risk controls and support continuous improvement within large, multinational project environments.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
HSE Superintendent
CNPC Bohai Drilling
Bazargan Oilfield, Iraq
03.2025 - 11.2025
- Held primary HSE decision authority across four active drilling rigs, two workover rigs, and associated service operations.
- Directed HSE execution and performance accountability for rig-based HSE teams operating under continuous drilling activity.
- Acted as the escalation point between client and contractor leadership for safety-critical decisions affecting drilling continuity, work sequencing, and risk exposure.
- Enforced HSE management system requirements through field verification, intervention, and corrective action where deviations occurred.
Commissioning HSE Representative
Kent
LNG Canada, Kitimat, Canada
05.2024 - 09.2024
- Held HSSE authority for electrical, instrumentation, HVAC, and commissioning scopes during live facility start-up.
- Controlled high-risk commissioning activities through direct oversight of permit-to-work, isolations, and lockout requirements during energizing and testing.
- Challenged JSAs and work plans for critical-path activities, including extended Liquid and Vapor Flare system troubleshooting.
- Directed onboarding, workforce readiness verification, and safety training coordination during phased system handover and gas-in preparation.
Client HSE Area Lead
CNPC International
Logone Occidental, Chad
09.2018 - 12.2023
- Held client-side HSE authority for turnkey oilfield operations involving 30+ international and local contractors.
- Exercised control over HSE execution across drilling, workover, production facilities, pipelines, power infrastructure, construction works, and basecamp operations.
- Set enforcement expectations for contractor leadership and intervened directly where performance introduced unacceptable operational risk.
- Led audits, inspections, and investigations to drive corrective action and prevent recurrence across contractor work scopes.
- Maintained operational continuity and workforce protection during prolonged COVID-19 response in remote field environments.
HSE Superintendent
CNPC Bohai Drilling
Halfaya Oilfield, Iraq
07.2017 - 08.2018
- Held superintendent-level responsibility for HSE performance across five drilling rigs, four workover rigs, service departments, and basecamp operations.
- Directed HSE supervisors and enforced compliance across simultaneous drilling and workover activities.
- Executed formal audits, inspections, and spot checks to identify systemic risk and performance drift.
- Led emergency response preparedness, H2S response, firefighting, and rescue capability across rig and camp environments.
- Developed and enforced HSE procedures aligned with ISO 18001, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards.
Client HSE Representative
Glencore International
Logone Occidental, Chad
09.2014 - 03.2015
- Exercised field-level HSE authority over contractor drilling and service operations.
- Controlled permit-to-work and lockout authorization for rig and camp activities.
- Supported commissioning readiness and ERP updates for new drilling rig deployment.
HSE Supervisor
Black Diamond Group
Pelican Lake, Canada
07.2014 - 07.2014
- Enforced site safety compliance through daily safety leadership, hazard reviews, confined space oversight, fall protection control, and worksite inspections.
HSE Advisor
Ensign Energy
Leduc, Canada
04.2014 - 06.2014
- Conducted inspections and investigations across active drilling rigs with authority to stop unsafe work.
- Coordinated corrective actions with rig management and service providers following high-potential events.
Client HSE Representative
Total
TABK Offshore Production Complex, Abu Dhabi, UAE
12.2013 - 02.2014
- Provided HSE oversight for jack-up barge and hydraulic snubbing unit operations on an offshore production complex.
- Reviewed and enforced client bridging document requirements and HSSE standards.
- Verified contractor compliance with permit-to-work systems and critical safety documentation.
- Supported SIMOPS planning and risk controls during concurrent offshore activities.
- Assisted with emergency response planning and site-specific safety briefings.
Client HSE Representative
HKN Energy
Kurdistan, Iraq
06.2013 - 11.2013
- Managed contractor HSE performance on active drilling operations.
- Monitored permit-to-work compliance and safe work practices across drilling and service activities.
- Reviewed emergency response plans and coordinated emergency drills with response teams.
- Conducted camp hygiene inspections and verified personnel access controls.
- Identified and documented deficiencies and followed through on corrective actions.
Lead Safety Advisor
Canadian Natural Resources
Horizon Oil Sands, Fort McMurray, Canada
03.2013 - 05.2013
- Supported confined space planning and execution during facility shutdown activities.
- Conducted atmospheric testing for hazardous gases and substances prior to vessel entry.
- Reviewed permits and monitored contractor compliance during maintenance operations.
- Coordinated with operations and maintenance teams to address safety risks during shutdown work.
Client HSE Advisor
Nexen / CNOOC (United Safety)
Long Lake Oil Sands, Fort McMurray, Canada
09.2012 - 12.2012
- Oversaw safety and regulatory compliance for core drilling rigs, lease construction crews, and mud treatment facilities.
- Provided HSE guidance to supervisors and contractors on site-specific requirements.
- Reported incidents and supported corrective action implementation.
- Identified equipment and process deficiencies that presented elevated safety risk.
Safety Coordinator
Hopkins Construction
Lacombe, Canada
04.2012 - 08.2012
- Ensured compliance with Alberta OH&S legislation across active construction sites.
- Conducted worksite inspections, hazard assessments, and safety orientations.
- Audited and updated HSE documentation and site safety programs.
- Managed safety training coordination and worker onboarding.
HSE Auditor
Comprac Holdings
Johannesburg, South Africa
01.2011 - 09.2011
- Conducted audits and inspections of commercial and industrial construction projects.
- Verified contractor compliance with the South African Construction Act.
- Issued contravention and prohibition notices for unsafe conditions.
- Supported investigations following serious workplace incidents.
Safety Officer
Burgan Drilling
Ratqa Oilfield, Kuwait
11.2009 - 12.2010
- Supported HSE compliance across multiple drilling rigs operating in active oilfield environments.
- Conducted daily toolbox talks and field safety coaching.
- Performed routine inspections and maintained site safety records.
- Delivered inductions for new personnel and visitors.
Hands-on
FIELD EXPERIENCE
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Floorhand & Motorman, Akita Drilling
- Floorhand, Phelps Drilling
- Leasehand, Jade Drilling
- Rig Supply Yard Laborer, Ensign Energy
- Pipeline Heater and Coater, Parkland Pipeline
- Hydrovac Operator, Bluenose Hydrovac
Education
Some College (No Degree) - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
University of New Brunswick
Skills
- Compliance Management
- Management Systems
- Remote Operations
- Root Cause Analysis
- Stakeholder Coordination
- Client Representation
- Incident Prevention
- Field Compliance
- Emergency Preparedness
- International Projects
- Drilling Operations
- Operational Risk Management
- Hazardous materials management
- Training delivery
- Data analysis
- Policy implementation
- Root-cause analysis
- Program development
- Multi-Site Management
- Workover Operations
- Worksite Authority
- Site Supervision
- Commissioning Support
- Facilities Operations
- Safety Governance
- Audit Oversight
- Operational Assurance
- LNG Commissioning
- Field Enforcement
- HSE Leadership
- Construction Oversight
- Contractor Oversight
- Project Oversight
- Safety Culture
- Operational Readiness
- Regulatory Interface
- Team Leadership
- Risk Controls
- Contractor safety management
- Behavior-based safety
- Hazard identification
- Electrical safety
- Transportation safety
- Chemical safety
- Confined space entry
- Incident investigation
- Accident prevention
- Safety training development
- Emergency response planning
- Environmental monitoring
- Industrial hygiene
- Permitting processes
- Workplace inspection
- Fall protection
- Workplace inspections
- Safety audits
- Contractor management
- Traffic management
- Safety program development
- Emergency response plans
- Safety training
- Risk assessment
Websites
Accomplishments
- Maintained continuous oilfield operations across a multi-site drilling program in Chad during the COVID-19 period by implementing workforce segregation, health screening, and camp control protocols supporting 30+ international and local contractors.
- Led HSSE oversight for critical-path LNG commissioning activities at the Kitimat facility, directing extended Liquid and Vapor Flare system troubleshooting through revised gas-in JSAs, disciplined permit controls, and isolation verification.
- Prevented high-potential equipment failure and personnel exposure at the Long Lake facility by identifying a malfunctioning programmable logic controller and initiating immediate isolation and corrective control measures.
- Commissioned five 1,500 HP drilling rigs for Kuwait Oil Company operations by leading pre-operational inspections, safety audits, emergency response validation, and contractor readiness reviews to achieve operational approval.
- Protected client interests following a serious electrocution incident in South Africa by conducting a formal investigation, validating site access controls, and supporting accurate root cause determination and regulatory reporting.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
NEBOSH International General Certificate
National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO)
Health and Safety Administrator
Construction Safety Administration
Petroleum Safety Training
Pipeline Construction Safety Training
Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
Electrical Safety Training System (ESTS)
Fall Protection Awareness
Confined Space Entry & Rescue
Personal Gas Monitor Training
Breathing Air Systems Training & Fit Tester
SCBA and SABA Training
H2S Alive
First Aid
WHMIS / GHS Train the Trainer
Transportation of Dangerous Goods Train the Trainer
Flag Person Train the Trainer
Auditor Training Program
OH&S Legislation Awareness
Workers Compensation Board Employer Awareness
Workers Compensation Board Returning to Work
Alberta Health Services Food Safety Certificate
Principals of Health and Safety Management
Basic Instructional Techniques
Prime Contractor
Personal Information
Citizenship: Canadian
Residence: North Macedonia
Timeline
HSE Superintendent
CNPC Bohai Drilling
03.2025 - 11.2025
Commissioning HSE Representative
Kent
05.2024 - 09.2024
Client HSE Area Lead
CNPC International
09.2018 - 12.2023
HSE Superintendent
CNPC Bohai Drilling
07.2017 - 08.2018
Client HSE Representative
Glencore International
09.2014 - 03.2015
HSE Supervisor
Black Diamond Group
07.2014 - 07.2014
HSE Advisor
Ensign Energy
04.2014 - 06.2014
Client HSE Representative
Total
12.2013 - 02.2014
Client HSE Representative
HKN Energy
06.2013 - 11.2013
Lead Safety Advisor
Canadian Natural Resources
03.2013 - 05.2013
Client HSE Advisor
Nexen / CNOOC (United Safety)
09.2012 - 12.2012
Safety Coordinator
Hopkins Construction
04.2012 - 08.2012
HSE Auditor
Comprac Holdings
01.2011 - 09.2011
Safety Officer
Burgan Drilling
11.2009 - 12.2010
Hands-on
FIELD EXPERIENCE
01.2004 - 01.2009
Some College (No Degree) - OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
University of New Brunswick