About Chad

 

Centurion Risk Management was established by Chad A. Buford, a seasoned HSE/Risk Management/Safety and Compliance Leader with over 20 years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Exploration & Production (E&P) sector. As a Board Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Chad has a proven track record in developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive safety and compliance programs that align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

A critical event occurred during Chad's senior year in high school when he witnessed a fatal car accident. His involvement in the response, alongside the paramedics, exposed him to the world of traumatic injury management.

After serving in the United States Air Force during Operation Desert Storm, Chad's career in safety and compliance began in 1998, serving as a paramedic with Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. where he developed critical medical case management skills.  This deep understanding of managing severe injuries enabled Chad to apply his knowledge directly to medical case management.  His dedication to safety led him to roles at Total Safety and Fire & Safety Specialists, Inc. (FSS), where he advanced from a Lead Safety Technician to Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Manager. In these positions, Chad developed a deep understanding of how safety works for contract companies in the oil field.  While at FSS he was instrumental in securing Incumbent Worker Training Grants, developing training programs, obtaining American Bureau of Shipping and Det Norske Veritas type approval, maintaining exceptional safety records and programs which eventually led to the acceptance of FSS into OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program.

In 2017, after earning a bachelor's degree in Occupational Safety and obtaining the premier occupational safety certification in the United States, Chad joined Talos Energy, an Oil & Gas Upstream Exploration and Production company. Starting as an HSE Advisor, Chad progressed from fieldwork to eventually serve as the HSE Manager for Contractor Management & Training. In this role, he led and supported numerous projects and new initiatives, including:

  • Implementing the iCAN learning management system and a competency assurance/skills and knowledge verification process.
  • Developing and implementing KPIs and qualifications for contractor HSE performance.
  • Introducing a safety performance variance MOC process.
  • Launching the ISN check-in process and contractor management platform for evaluation and qualifications documentation.
  • Establishing training requirements for employees and contractors.
  • Initiating contractor SEMS audits and a qualification process.

Chad is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance in the workplace. His professional philosophy centers on proactive risk management and continuous improvement. Connect with Chad to explore opportunities for collaboration, discuss industry best practices, or learn more about his approach to safety and compliance.