How to Organize an HSE Day at a Production Facility?

There is at least one day in the year that every HSE specialist is involved in and can consider their professional holiday. This is World Day for Safety and Health at Work, or a day of remembrance for workers who died or were injured on the job.

Since 1989, April 28 has been observed annually in more than 100 countries worldwide. On this day, campaigns and events are held to draw public attention to various issues related to occupational safety. Russia is no exception. Under its current name, World HSE Day was first celebrated in 2003 at the initiative of the International Labour Organization (ILO). By officially establishing this day, the ILO aimed to draw attention to the scale of the problem. According to the organization, 5,000 – 6,000 people die at the workplace every day worldwide, and this figure increases by approximately 10% annually. It is not uncommon for these casualties to result from an employer's desire to reduce production costs by partially or completely ignoring safety requirements. At the same time, the ILO has never accepted the employer-friendly claim that industrial accidents and occupational diseases are an "inherent part of the job."

Having joined the ILO's "Vision Zero" concept in 2018, ZARUBEZHNEFT-Dobycha Kharyaga believes that zero industrial injuries are truly achievable if every employer sets such a goal, implements measures to achieve it, and allocates the necessary resources. World HSE Day is one of these events.

Planning for the event at ZARUBEZHNEFT-Dobycha Kharyaga begins with budget formation a year in advance. It includes costs for informational and motivational banners, posters, and souvenirs. Venues for World HSE Day are identified at the oil field's production facilities. As early as January, a corporate order approves the organizational preparation plan and the event program with a clear schedule.

Traditionally, the event is opened by the company's General Director with a formal speech.

The event is then divided into 2 stages: competitive and demonstration.

Since the Company began its operations, the following competitions and practices have been implemented:

• Team competitions on safety knowledge using the "Olympox" system;
• "Brain Ring" intellectual team game using tablets and Google's "Kahoot!" service;
• Individual safety knowledge quiz for company employees;
• "What? Where? When?" intellectual team game, based on the "What? Where? HSE!" format first held in Sochi during the All-Russian Occupational Safety Week in 2022;
• "Heroes in Hard Hats" team board game on safety culture and HSE.

The best practice and simultaneously the most spectacular event is the annual demonstration performances by structural units and contractors, showcasing work types such as:

• Rescue and evacuation of a victim from a confined space, providing first aid;

• Lowering a victim from a height;

• Extracting a victim from a vehicle using hydraulic rescue tools during a traffic accident;

• Confined space work;

• Welding and lifting operations;

• Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);

Safety Leadership Audits conducted by the company's top management at work sites are an important activity. These involve committee walkthroughs of work areas, conversations with people about safe work practices directly at their workstations, and presenting gifts to the most outstanding employees.

It is worth noting the creative approach of employees from various departments in preparing demonstration performances and themed competitions. Over the years of celebrating HSE Day, participants have sung ditties, rapped, performed humorous skits, and various plays — all on the theme of ensuring safety during work preparation and execution.

At the end of the event, a general gathering and a formal closing ceremony are held. All participants receive souvenirs annually, while competition winners and runners-up receive gifts. Additionally, employees of the Company and contractors who have distinguished themselves throughout the year are awarded letters of appreciation and cash bonuses, and commemorative addresses are presented to the General Directors of the most safety-committed contractors.

HSE Day is one of the most important days of the year for ZARUBEZHNEFT-Dobycha Kharyaga. It is another opportunity to remind everyone that workplace safety, health, and employee well-being are and will always be a priority for our company.