Expert Blog
How to Determine the Maturity Level of an HSE System?
Open sources lack a practical methodology for applying the Bradley Curve for an objective assessment of safety culture at an enterprise. The article proposes an author's questionnaire of 10 questions with four answer options, allowing the measurement of employees' attitudes toward occupational health and safety. A scoring assessment system helps compare the results and determine the current level of safety culture development at the enterprise from reactive to interdependent.
Replacing "You" with "Us": A New Approach to Contractor Management
The article describes EVRAZ's approach to developing a safety culture and effective interaction with employees of contractor organizations. The author shares experience in conducting joint linear walk-throughs, as well as using a digital "heat map" for risk assessment and a mobile permit-to-work system. Using these tools helps synchronize team work, reduce clearance time, and ensure the safe execution of tasks.
A New Approach to Linear Walkthroughs
The article tells about the transformation of the occupational health and safety management system at EVRAZ and the introduction of new formats for conducting line walkthroughs. Instead of paper logbooks, workplace hazards are now recorded via the "Risk Hunt" mobile application, which sends messages to those responsible within minutes. The new format increased the promptness of eliminating violations and made the work of foremen completely transparent.
The Importance of Public Speaking in HSE
Occupational health and safety specialists regularly conduct briefings and speak at meetings, but often face stress and difficulties in conveying their thoughts to the audience and management. This article examines practical rules of eloquent speech, including working with presentation structure, pace, and nervousness. Mastering them will help make training events interesting, convey one's position to management, and enjoy giving presentations.
Training to Build Trust
In production, mentors help new employees overcome the fear of mistakes, master safe working methods, and prevent injuries. The article discusses a mentors' convention, where participants developed a checklist to revise the approach to training newcomers, and the "Safety First" tournament, which received more than 60 proposals. The participants' initiatives help create a developmental environment and make the work of new employees safer.
Employee Journey Map in HSE
The article examines the application of the Employee Journey Map tool to represent occupational health and safety as a system of barriers and touchpoints of an employee with safety. The author describes the assessment of employee experience at the stages of preparation for work, the work process, exiting it, and recovery. Conducting an audit across the entire cycle helps identify critical points, prioritize changes, and track the dynamics of improvements.
ECOSPACE (Waste Accumulation)
The article clarifies the requirements of environmental legislation and sanitary rules of the Russian Federation for organizing the temporary accumulation of production and consumption waste at enterprises. The material examines the specifics of handling waste of hazard classes I–V, including permissible storage locations and conditions depending on their state of matter, as well as the removal procedure. The publication will help managers, chief engineers, and environmental specialists comply with established standards and prevent the risk of administrative fines.
Let's Save Nature Together!
The article is dedicated to the importance of developing environmental consciousness among the population and fostering a responsible attitude toward the environment in regions where industrial enterprises operate. The author examines the experience of the Novovoronezh NPP in conducting joint eco-social projects for children and veterans, unifying different generations. Using specific examples of educational campaigns, play-based activities, and an environmental play, it is shown how accessible formats help to instill a caring attitude toward nature from childhood.
The "Right to Refuse Unsafe Work" Tool: What It Is and Why It Must Be Supported at All Levels
The article discusses the role of open dialogue and an employee's right to refuse to perform unsafe work in production. Using the example of a real case from the practice of the EVRAZ company, it is shown how timely refusal to perform dangerous maintenance of equipment helped to promptly set up a safe workplace and avoid injuries. The application of this tool draws attention to problem areas of the production process and allows involving workers in safety assurance matters.
5S as a Tool for Organizing a Safe Workspace
The article discusses the use of the 5S system as a tool for creating a safe and efficient working environment, using the practical experience of implementation since April 2021 as an example. The author dispels common myths about the methodology and explains how training through audits, practical tasks, and visual examples helps minimize risks in the field of occupational health and safety. The material also examines the five steps of the system, the main difficulties during its launch, and the role of leadership support.
Safety Requirements for Working in Confined Spaces
The article describes the main safety requirements when carrying out work in confined spaces, such as collectors, tanks, and production tunnels. The material provides key preparation rules, including forming a crew with a safety backup employee, conducting measurements of hazardous substances, and using lockout systems. Compliance with these rules at the preparation stage will help carry out the work safely and without harm to health.
Communication Styles Between the HSE Department and Site Managers
The author shares eleven years of work experience in the field of occupational health, safety, and ecology, analyzing the specifics of interaction between department specialists and heads of production sites. The article examines democratic, liberal, and authoritarian management styles, as well as the importance of joint walkthroughs and open dialogue. The material shows how to build a communication system and find a balance between mandatory compliance with safety requirements and helping employees.