Expert Blog
How to Help Workers Distinguish Hazards from Risks?
The article explains the difference between a hazard as a potential source of harm and a risk as the probability of an event occurring and its consequences. To help workers who confuse these concepts, the author offers two methods — explaining the differences using the example of a lion and discussing hazard and risk using a picture. These approaches can be used in any training and education sessions to identify clear examples even without the qualification of an occupational health and safety specialist.
How to Evaluate the Quality of Behavioral Safety Audits?
The article describes how to evaluate the quality of behavioral safety audits (BSA) for their further improvement using a special checklist. The tool includes the stages of conducting BSAs with scores from 0 to 2, an additional persuasiveness step, and is suitable for use directly at the enterprise or during practical training sessions. Recording in the checklist the positives and what could be done better allows saving the necessary records for subsequent feedback.
"Million for an Idea" Corporate Contest for Ideas and Initiatives. VR Simulator Project by the HSE Directorate of JSC Rosgeo
The article tells about holding the corporate initiative competition "Million for an Idea" in the "Rosgeology" holding company and the award-winning VR simulator project from the Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental Protection, and Industrial Safety. The authors explain how in-house development of a system based on VR glasses for conducting briefings and fire evacuation training allowed the company to save about 500 thousand rubles. The material also describes the requirements for competition ideas and technical tools used in creating the prototype.
Demonstrative Work Permit Authorization
A demonstration permit-to-work for high-risk operations is a procedure involving experts and workers that allows evaluating the quality of work preparation and the conduct of safety briefings. The article examines the role of this tool in fostering a safety culture, joint risk analysis, and enhancing employee competencies. Such a practice helps identify and eliminate potential hazards before work begins, contributing to the reduction of occupational injuries.
HSE Training Videos: A Trendy Case Study or a Vital Employee Training Tool?
The article examines practical experience in using videos on occupational health and safety for visual and accessible training of employees at enterprises with different work schedules. The author analyzes in detail the advantages of the format, including the visualization of complex technological processes and the possibility of reducing the number of occupational accidents. The material also contains step-by-step recommendations for organizing the filming process, drafting a script lasting from 3 to 7 minutes, and preparing staff for filming.
Informal Approach to Training: The Case of Zarubezhneft-Dobycha Kharyaga
The article examines the practice of conducting additional internal training on safety standards for employees of Zarubezhneft-dobycha Kharyaga and contracting organizations. The training takes into account the specifics of the oilfield operations, including Arctic conditions and work with oil containing hydrogen sulfide, allowing workers to thoughtfully assess risks from their very first days. The material demonstrates how the effective adaptation of newly arrived specialists helps reduce the likelihood of incidents at the company's facilities.
Safety at HEIGHT
The article is devoted to training grounds designed for the practical training of specialists in the safe execution of work at height. At such specialized sites, under the guidance of instructors, conditions closely approximating real ones are created, which allows practicing the skills of using fall protection equipment. Training at training grounds contributes to enhancing worker qualifications, reducing the risk of occupational accidents, and improving the quality of executed tasks.
Developing Visual Handouts to Communicate Corporate Values
JSC Rosgeo has created a brochure on corporate standards in the field of occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and industrial safety, which is handed out to employees, visitors, and contractors during the introductory briefing. The article describes the contents of the handout, as well as a digital notice with a QR code for access to video briefings and expanded information. The implementation of such a format helps increase personnel awareness of company requirements and contributes to the development of a corporate safety culture.
Hazardous Zone Marking: From Design to Implementation
The article is dedicated to the preparation and practical implementation of a project for marking hazardous production areas, using the experience of the Moscow branch of JSC NPO Poisk as an example. The author provides a step-by-step algorithm of actions covering information collection, conducting an audit, developing graphical 2D diagrams, and selecting materials in accordance with GOST 12.4.026. The material helps to understand how to overcome typical problems when implementing marking, justify the budget to management, and convey important safety rules to personnel.
Are You Confident in the Quality of Your Facility's Permit-to-Work System?
The article examines a methodology for assessing the effectiveness of a permit-to-work system at an enterprise, based on monitoring the responsibility of three key roles and maintaining workspace cleanliness. Measurement results from occupational health and safety and industrial safety specialists, as well as data from a mobile application, are consolidated into a single IT system to generate ratings of contractors and departments. Such an approach helps to establish transparent control over the execution of work under work permits and reduce injuries during repair work.
The Role of Trade Unions in HSE
The article examines the role of the trade union organization in protecting workers' rights and improving working conditions through a collective agreement. Using specific examples, such as conducting a special assessment of working conditions, the author explains how the trade union identifies violations, organizes an independent expert evaluation, and monitors occupational health and safety in the workplace. The material demonstrates the practical capabilities of trade unions in protecting labor rights and providing entitled compensation.
DMS Board: An Effective Daily Task Management System
The article describes practical experience in using a DMS (daily management system) board for daily task management in the field of occupational health and safety, environmental protection, and industrial safety. The author explains the structure of the working information board, which includes strategy, task allocation, and control of plan execution. Such visualization helps organize a large volume of information, keep the team focused, and increase the efficiency of the department's work.