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.
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.