Informal Approach to Training: The Case of Zarubezhneft-Dobycha Kharyaga

One of the seven golden rules of the international Vision Zero concept, which Russia officially joined at the Ministry of Labor level, states: "Improve qualification and develop professional skills."

This rule establishes the need for continuous education and professional training of employees. In addition to state requirements, Zarubezhneft and its subsidiaries have adopted their own internal regulations (VND) aimed at ensuring safe work performance. Consequently, the volume of theoretical material is quite large and often difficult to perceive, yet essential for mandatory study and understanding. Difficulties often arise for employees of contracting organizations as well. Furthermore, a formal approach to training in educational centers has been noted, necessitating the organization of high-quality internal training on previously covered topics.

To optimize this process within the group of companies, constant work is underway: training presentations, videos, compact briefings, and memos are being developed. Therefore, our company has implemented additional internal training for both workers and engineering and technical specialists, including those from contracting organizations. The training is based on internal regulations aimed at ensuring safe work performance, taking into account the specifics of Zarubezhneft-Dobycha Kharyaga production facilities. These are called safety standards; they include requirements established at the company's facilities in addition to the mandatory requirements of Russian legislation and are mandatory for study and understanding by both company employees and contractors.

Training is conducted on a regular basis by specialists from the field HSE Service for all employees newly arriving at the Kharyaga field and consists of three modules, at the end of each of which the trainees undergo testing.

The training program is designed for three days and includes 11 sections in the areas of "Production System," "Industrial Safety," "Occupational Health and Transport Safety," and "Environmental Protection."

During the training, specific examples of hazards and risks that may arise when performing various types of work are analyzed. Employees are told about the specifics of production facility operations in the field and the requirements that must be observed, taking into account the following determining factors: high hydrogen sulfide content in the oil produced at Kharyaga, the presence of equipment operating under overpressure, natural features of the Arctic region, and more. Participants can ask the mentor questions and receive immediate feedback.

All safety standards are approved by orders of the General Director and are included in the list of requirements mandatory for execution, forming an integral part of contracts with contracting organizations.

Conducting induction training on the company's safety standards for employees arriving from other facilities and other regions of the Russian Federation is of great importance. This is an effective practice aimed at communicating safety requirements adopted at a specific facility or field, taking into account hazardous production factors and regional climatic features. This is a safety barrier that allows newly arrived workers to immerse themselves in safe work issues from day one, more thoughtfully assess risks during planning and execution, and pass on the knowledge gained to their subordinates. The result of such training is a reduction in the likelihood of incidents.