I’d like to use the oil and chemical industries for my example, because I’m most familiar with those industries. I think there are four major drivers, all of which are interrelated. First, there’s the creation of huge companies through the "mega-merger". ExxonMobil, BP Amoco Arco, and Dow’s purchase of Union Carbide, are examples of those mergers. It should be of no surprise to anyone at this point, that a significant result of these mergers is the reduction of employees. Second, the oil and chemical industries are pushing hard to increase shareholder value; safety and emergency response departments are expected to participate. Third, many of the employees being made redundant, or otherwise accepting enhanced retirement packages, are the most experienced safety department and fire brigade members, leaving (in my opinion) significant experience gaps. Fourth, there is an industry-wide trend to "get back to core competencies" and outsource all non-core business activities (including emergency response).