result of illness, quarantine, travel restrictions, other impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic or due to changes in the perception of oil and gas companies, could cause a shortage of workers or put increased pressure on wages, which could increase the Merged Group’s capital and operating costs and otherwise adversely impact the Merged Group. Additionally, a considerable period of training and time may be required before new employees and contractors are equipped with the requisite skills to work safely and effectively. Any inability of the Merged Group, or of its key contractors, to obtain, motivate and retain workers could cause a labour capacity shortfall within the Merged Group’s business, threaten the Merged Group’s ability to deliver on its objectives and have an adverse effect on the Merged Group’s business and financial condition.
Similarly, interference with the availability of labour due to industrial action could also impact negatively on the Merged Group’s business performance. Any unionised part of the Merged Group’s workforce could expose the Merged Group to industrial action (including strikes and work bans), the occurrence of which could disrupt the Merged Group’s operations and adversely affect its financial condition and operating results.
1.13 | Information technology systems |
The Merged Group will be reliant on information technology systems and these may be subject to intentional or unintentional disruption, which could adversely impact the Merged Group’s business and operations.
In general, the oil and natural gas industry has become increasingly dependent upon digital technologies to conduct day-to-day operations, including certain exploration, development and production activities. Both Woodside’s and BHP Petroleum’s operations rely on a number of information technology systems, applications and business processes utilised in the delivery of business functions.
This will expose the Merged Group to risks originating from adopting or implementing new technologies, or failing to take appropriate action to position the Merged Group for the digital future, which may impact the capabilities it requires, the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations and its ability to compete effectively. These risks, if realised, could lead to operational events, commercial disruption (such as an inability to process or ship products), corruption or loss of system data, a loss of funds, unintended disclosure of commercial or personal information, enforcement action or litigation. An inability to implement new technology may also adversely affect the Merged Group’s licence to operate, reputation, results of operations or financial performance.
The Merged Group will use digital technology to estimate quantities of oil, LNG and natural gas reserves, process and record financial data, manage customers and to communicate with employees and third parties. The Merged Group’s production facilities and operations will be dependent on the reliability and integrity of information technology systems. A breach or failure of information technology systems due to intentional actions, including attacks on cybersecurity, negligence or other reasons, or due to programme or system malfunctions, could result in the loss or misuse of data or sensitive information, injury to people, harm to the environment or the Merged Group’s assets, legal or regulatory breaches, legal liability, disruption to its operations, interruptions to its services and processes, erroneous processing of third-party instructions and/or damage to its producing assets. Any intentional or unintentional disruption of the Merged Group’s network security, information technology systems and any lack of availability of backup facilities may adversely impact its reputation, business and operations. The nature and timing of any disruptions will be unpredictable and largely outside the Merged Group’s control.
Additionally, the Merged Group’s information and operating technology systems and networks may be subject to, or be the target of, cyber-attacks, computer viruses, malicious code, phishing attacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorised release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information, or may otherwise disrupt the Merged Group’s, or its customers’ or other third parties’ business operations or adversely impact safety.
1.14 | Natural disasters or acts of terrorism |
The Merged Group may encounter natural disasters or acts of terrorism (whether physical, cyber or otherwise), that may result in diminished production, additional costs or substantial loss.
Woodside and BHP Petroleum are, and the Merged Group will be, subject to operating hazards associated with the exploration for, and development, production and transportation of oil and gas. Natural disasters, inclement weather, acts of terrorism, operator error, disruption to supply chain or other occurrences can result in adverse events, including, without limitation, injury or loss of life, damage to or destruction of property (including oil and
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