Caring for Contractors

From Fines to Investments: A New Approach to Contractor Safety

Interacting with contractors during high-risk work is one of the most complex aspects of HSE management. The traditional approach, based solely on penalties, often fails to solve root problems and only creates tension between the customer and the contractor. In his presentation, Anton Mylnikov, Leading HSE Specialist at LUKOIL-Permnefteorgsintez, analyzes a case of transforming contractor relations, where the focus shifts from punishment to development and joint investment in safety.

Multilevel Admission and Training System

Using his enterprise as an example, the speaker demonstrates how the contractor admission system is structured. The process begins long before entering the site: not only documentation is evaluated, but also the actual readiness of the personnel. A key element is testing the knowledge of the contractors' line managers. The theoretical part is accompanied by access to a mobile course (24/7), which increased the success rate of passing on the second attempt from 45% to 90%. Practical testing takes place at specialized training grounds (for example, for work at height and fire safety), after which certificates valid for 3 years are issued.

Digitalization of Control: CIS "ESNDOR" System

An important tool discussed in detail in the report is the corporate information system for approving work permits. It is integrated with the training process: without successful knowledge verification, the system blocks the ability to generate a work permit. In addition, the system features a checklist module to monitor the execution of work. Over 2,000 such checklists are issued annually, ensuring process transparency and allowing the formation of contractor ratings based on objective data.

Investments Instead of Fines: A Paradigm Shift

The most interesting practice presented by the speaker is replacing traditional fines with mandatory investment in improving working conditions. If a violation is caused not by negligence, but by a lack of equipment (for example, the absence of holding devices when working with angle grinders), the customer suggests that the contractor direct the amount of the potential fine toward purchasing the necessary safety equipment. This motivates contractors to take proactive actions and genuinely protects workers, fostering a safety culture rather than a fear of punishment.

Engagement and the "Book of Conscience"

To address gross violations, an unconventional approach is used: seminars demonstrating the consequences of violations (shock content). After such sessions, workers write promises to their loved ones and colleagues to comply with safety requirements (the so-called "Book of Conscience"). Practice shows that emotional impact changes workers' mindset more effectively than standard reprimands.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to automate contractor admission and link it to knowledge verification results?
• Why replacing fines with targeted safety investments works better?
• How to organize practical skills testing for contractors' line managers?
• What emotional impact tools help reduce the number of gross violations?
• How to use checklists in electronic work permits to form contractor ratings?