Risk management is a vital component of work organization at enterprises. The methodology of occupational risk assessment essentially aids in organizing risk assessments for the integrity of other operational activities. For instance, applying a risk-based approach strategy allows for ranking equipment by risk significance based on the analysis of risks and their consequences — i.e., identifying equipment critical for operation that requires a meticulous approach to ensuring its functionality and maintenance.
During equipment operation, studying the circumstances and causes of failures and personnel errors to learn from experience significantly helps avoid negative occurrences, allowing for the subsequent implementation of all necessary and sufficient measures to prevent their recurrence.
Regarding repair operations, today, the quality of repair is also one of the components of reliable equipment operation.
One of the most serious and difficult-to-predict risks is personnel error. Here, it is possible and necessary to systematize all errors — from minor oversights to serious mistakes — into a single database to understand the psychological causes of errors, the reasons for training deficiencies, and potentially other factors. Such a database will make it possible to anticipate the potential consequences of incorrect personnel actions, whether they might be critical or not.
For successful operations, it is always necessary to determine the required level of personnel competence, requirements for seniority, qualifications, experience, and even age. Experience is a crucial factor. If experience is lacking, a training method such as an internship is very effective, during which practical skills for the correct and safe performance of work are developed. An internship — as practical training — can be organized within the organization itself in a format of maintaining qualifications, such as on training grounds, simulators, or even on decommissioned equipment, prioritizing high-risk work.
Currently, the VR (virtual reality) training method is developing effectively. It is costly but efficient.
An important aspect of practical training is providing skills in self-control methods: the correctness and safety of work performance, the sequence of tasks, the assessment of work completeness, and the ability to evaluate the success of the work performed at each stage.
An employee can and must be taught this. When learning to ice skate, swim, or drive a car, everyone tries to find a good coach. To count on acquiring stable skills for the correct performance of work, a good mentor is needed. Personnel selection, qualification, and experience are components of safety during work.
A simple and accessible way to teach technology and safe behavior skills within the organization is the method of team training on a simulator or training ground, with each participant evaluating the correctness of actions or errors made during the training exercises. To ensure visibility, it is sufficient to organize video recording and a joint review of the footage upon completion of the practical part. Reviewing video recordings under the guidance of a mentor and analyzing all steps reveals both weaknesses and strengths. Furthermore, video materials allow for the identification of employees who think creatively, demonstrate self-analysis, and show leadership qualities, who can be considered for future personnel development and career growth plans.
Experienced, knowledgeable personnel are the key to the success and reliability of an enterprise. Reliable means safe.