Atlas, the leading international learning and skills provider, has worked in partnership with OPITO to develop the online technology and deliver IMIST globally.

IMIST online is being rolled out across thirty countries worldwide, including Abu Dhabi, Iraq, Malaysia, and the United States over the next two years. Together, OPITO and Atlas have successfully trained more than 50,000 oil and gas workers in the UKCS since 2009 to the MIST United Kingdom standard.

IMIST online is an eLearning program that ensures that anyone working in the oil and gas industry has the appropriate training, skills, and competency to minimize safety hazards and risks. The course, now available in four languages, assesses basic safety knowledge in nine subject areas, including risk assessment, asset integrity, the use of hazardous substances, working at heights, and mechanical lifting among other subjects.

John Rowley, chief executive officer of Atlas says, "A global standard provides companies with the assurance they need that the people they have working for them, whether directly or via contractor, meet the same basic level of safety and competency to avoid risk."

A not-for-profit industry body, OPITO is committed to improving safety and reducing risk for people, assets, and companies in one of the most hazardous working environments. The organization works with governments, national oil companies, multi-nationals, and contractors to provide independent advice and guidance on effective management of workforce skills development, emergency response, occupational standards, qualifications, and quality assurance of training delivery.