Implementing the Vision Zero Concept: Zero Harm

Social Significance of the Project: Improving the quality of life and preserving the health of the Company's employees and contractors.

Objectives: Developing and enhancing an effective industrial safety culture. Preventing workplace injuries.

Project Implementation Regions: Moscow, Usinsk (Komi Republic), Naryan-Mar (Nenets Autonomous Okrug).

Systemic Nature and Project Development: Implementation of programs and key tasks to achieve the set goals.

Brief Project Description:

Vision Zero, or the zero harm movement, is a concept developed by the International Social Security Association (ISSA). It is a global movement and campaign.

Its goal is to influence mortality and injury statistics in the workplace and eliminate a formal approach to occupational health and safety. It encompasses environmental, industrial, and fire safety, production control, and HSE.

The foundation of the concept is the "Seven Golden Rules," which contain the basic principles of occupational health and safety in the workplace.

The Seven Golden Rules of the Vision Zero Concept

1. Take leadership – demonstrate commitment
2. Identify hazards – control risks
3. Define targets – develop programs
4. Ensure a safe and healthy system – be well-organized
5. Ensure safety and health in machines, equipment and workplaces
6. Improve qualifications – develop professional skills
7. Invest in people – motivate by participation

AO Zarubezhneft became the first company in the Russian fuel and energy sector to join the Concept in March 2018, launching its full-scale implementation across all projects in Russia and abroad. Cascading communications of the Seven Golden Rules to subsidiaries and contractors began in June 2018, and by November of the same year, the "Unified Program for Implementing the Vision Zero Concept in the Zarubezhneft Group for 2018 – 2021" was adopted.

A key aspect of the activities to achieve the "Goal Zero" was that for each rule and within each function, a priority was identified as an opportunity for improvement, and specific measures were defined.

Workplace accidents and occupational diseases always have underlying causes. Typically, these include employee negligence, violations of HSE requirements, unsatisfactory conditions of buildings and structures, or breaches of internal labor regulations. Most often, accidents occur due to the impact of moving objects, falls from height, or traffic accidents.

To involve employees in HSE processes by observing working conditions and safety at work sites, and as part of the Unified Program for implementing the Vision Zero concept, a Safety Observation Methodology using "STOP CARDS" was developed.

The safety observation methodology using stop cards (hereinafter referred to as the Methodology) is an integral part of the HSE Management System and the Vision Zero concept.

The Methodology is a process based on involving all employees in HSE by observing their actions during production tasks, as well as monitoring the state of working conditions and safety at work sites.

The Methodology is designed to identify unsafe acts by company and contractor employees, prevent them where possible, and eliminate them. Unsafe acts include violations of HSE, industrial, electrical, and fire safety requirements, including those that threaten the life and health of workers or could damage production equipment, technical devices, buildings, and structures.

The Methodology is aimed at:

• reducing injuries, incidents, and associated costs;
• strengthening industrial discipline and enhancing the industrial safety culture;
• forming a conscious attitude toward safety;
• forming skills to identify hazardous conditions and unsafe behavior;
• changing employee mindsets and perspectives on safety.

The goal of the Methodology is to eliminate incidents and injuries by instilling the skills necessary to change the safety culture, reinforcing safe behavior, and preventing unsafe work practices. The Stop Card workflow algorithm is shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 1

Quantitative and Qualitative Indicators: The concept contains 7 Golden Rules; by following them, employers reduce industrial injuries and occupational diseases. Contractor ratings also show improved performance for organizations that have joined the Vision Zero concept.

Effectiveness of Applied Methods: As part of AO Zarubezhneft joining the international Vision Zero concept and implementing the Unified Program for 2018 – 2020, the management of LLC SK RUSVIETPETRO (hereinafter referred to as the Company) took personal commitments to implement the "7 Golden Rules" within the Company. Every employee has been familiarized with the Practical Guide for implementing the Vision Zero concept, which includes the seven "Golden Rules." Implementing the Vision Zero prevention strategy requires the active contribution of every employee. Success or failure in implementing the Vision Zero strategy ultimately depends on the commitment of senior management, the motivation of middle management, and the vigilance of employees.

Thanks to the participation of all LLC SK RUSVIETPETRO employees, the Vision Zero concept is being implemented and maintained at the proper level. By joining the concept, the Company demonstrates its commitment to the policy of prevention and the reduction of workplace injuries and occupational diseases. The "Golden Rules" ensure comfortable working conditions at every workplace.

The Vision Zero concept is used as a tool to ensure the functioning of the HSE Management System within the Company.