Expert Blog
Safety Starts in the Mind: How the Brain Accepts (and Ignores) Risks
Our brain tends to ignore workplace hazards due to risk habituation and cognitive traps like survivorship bias. This article examines the reasons why employees start working on autopilot and proposes methods for reshaping threat perception. Workplace mindfulness practices help activate attentiveness and make the brain a reliable ally in occupational health and safety.
No Hard Hat in the Head: How Attentiveness Became the Most Essential PPE
According to the All-Russian Research Institute of Labor, more than 43% of workplace accidents occur due to workers' inattentiveness despite machinery being fully operational and personal protective equipment (PPE) being worn. The article examines attention as an invisible element of the safety system and presents the signs of its loss in the workplace. The author proposes practical steps for occupational health and safety departments to develop and maintain employee attentiveness at the organizational, team, and individual levels.
Yuck, it stinks! How to deal with livestock odors?
Combating unpleasant odors from livestock complexes and meat processing plants requires an individual approach to each source of their occurrence. The article analyzes a practical algorithm of solutions for farm ventilation systems, manure storage sites, and land plots when applying it to the soil. The material shows how, using proven methods, to find a balance between conducting business and the comfort of residents.
Human and Soil Health Criteria: What's the Paradox?
While medicine evaluates human health based on clear ranges of reference values, for Russian soil the concept of "health" does not exist in legislation, but there are only the terms "depletion" and "pollution". Due to the absence of regulatory "deltas" of indicators, any change in agrochemical composition — even the beneficial application of fertilizers — relative to the background sample legally risks being considered pollution. The author examines the paradoxes of legal regulation in crop production and explains the need for conducting research and normatively defining criteria for soil health.
Video Analytics and a Modern Approach to HSE and Industrial Safety
The article examines the experience of implementing automated video analytics in electrical installations for continuous monitoring of PPE usage and monitoring of hazardous zones. The material explains how adapting neural networks to production specifics and complying with legal requirements allow transitioning from reactive measures to proactive detection of violations. This helps optimize operator performance, reduce the number of violations, and raise the level of safety culture.
Going to Work with Mom, or a True Mission to Save Lives!
A story about how high school graduate Ksusha completed an internship in the industrial safety department under the leadership of her mother and changed her attitude toward this profession. Using a real-life example, the author shows how behind workshop inspections and rule compliance, an important mission unfolds — safeguarding the lives of factory workers every day. The article tells how practical experience helped the girl realize the value of protection against risks and decide on her choice of future specialty.
Medvezhy Ruchey Lights Up Safety Stars: How a Quest Turned HSE into an Exciting Adventure
At Medvezhy Ruchey LLC, an occupational health and safety quest titled "Occupational Health and Safety Innovators" was held, bringing together employees from various departments and safety specialists. During five practical challenges, participants learned to identify hidden risks, act in emergency situations, provide first aid, and conduct behavioral audits. The game format allowed workers to reinforce their knowledge in practice and hone the skills needed to create a safe industrial environment.
AI in Action: How a Neural Network Prevented a Cardinal Safety Rule Violation at Kola MMC
In the nickel electrolysis shop of Kola MMC, an artificial intelligence system recorded a violation of industrial safety rules for the first time when an employee entered a hazard zone without shutting down the equipment. A neural network with nine video cameras recognized a person in a restricted area, activated an audible alert, and sent notifications to management via email and the Supernika messenger. The article examines this practical case study, as well as the prospects for scaling the technology across Nornickel's enterprises.
A Quiet Feat on the Banks of the Tom River: Why Our Spinning Rod Always Waits Its Turn
The article talks about the tradition of cleaning up the bank of the Tom River before every fishing trip and the harm of household waste to the local ecosystem. The author explains how left-behind plastic poisons water and soil with toxins and leads to the death of fish and birds. The material provides simple rules for responsible behavior in nature that help preserve the cleanliness of the river.
What is More Valuable: Tons of Production or Preserving Human Life and Health?
The article examines the differences in safety culture between Russian and foreign industrial companies. The author shows that a formal approach and acceptable injury rates hinder domestic enterprises from effectively protecting workers, while foreign companies place human life above profit. The publication explains why top management needs to make preserving the life and health of personnel the main goal of the company to achieve zero injuries.
Preserving Endemics and Protecting Red Data Book Species
When constructing large-scale facilities in the habitats of endemic and rare species, it is necessary to comply with environmental legislation and prevent the loss of red-listed organisms. The author shares an action algorithm that includes conducting an environmental assessment, site surveys, obtaining permits from Rosprirodnadzor, compensatory measures, and mandatory monitoring. These practical recommendations will help minimize legal and environmental risks, reduce the impact on ecosystems, and preserve biodiversity at all stages of territory development.
Implementing a Risk-Based Approach in Industrial Safety Using the ICMM Methodology
Traditional methods of industrial control in the coal industry are often focused on regulatory compliance rather than actual risk reduction. The article examines the implementation of a risk-based approach using the ICMM methodology, focusing on the identification and verification of critical controls. This approach enables targeted resource allocation and a shift from formal rule compliance to the prevention of catastrophic incidents.