Checklists as a Control Tool for High-Risk Work

Context: Why Checklists Are Becoming an Essential Tool

Managing high-risk work requires simple yet effective on-site control tools. When HSE rules span dozens of pages, it is difficult for workers and managers to quickly assess the safety of a specific operation. Implementing checklists becomes a natural step for companies striving to reduce injury rates and increase personnel engagement in safety issues. In his presentation, Maxim Ivanov, HSE Director at TotalEnergies, details the experience of implementing such cards at production sites.

Incident Analysis and Selecting Focus Areas

Using his company as an example, the speaker shows how analyzing incidents over the past 10-15 years helped identify the most critical areas. Five areas with the highest potential for fatalities were identified:

• Work at height.
• Work in power systems.
• Lifting operations.
• Confined space entry.
• Hot work.

Checklists were developed specifically for these areas. A focused approach allows resources to be concentrated precisely on the zones where the risk is highest, rather than being scattered.

Structure and Application of Checklists

A checklist is an extremely simple visual tool. One side features a pictogram of the situation, while the other lists 10-12 specific questions for verification. The speaker emphasizes that the tool's simplicity is its main advantage. Any employee, from a foreman to a director, can fill out the card without deep specialized training.

The inspection is conducted directly at the worksite, either before starting or during the process. The most important principle is the joint participation of the inspector and the worker. This is not a secret audit, but an open dialogue aimed at immediately eliminating violations.

Multi-Level Control and Management Involvement

The presentation details the approach to distributing roles during inspections. The system covers three levels:

• First level (foremen, mechanics, HSE specialists): provide mass and continuous control directly on site.
• Middle level (department heads, contractor directors): demonstrate engagement and commitment to the safety culture through joint tours.
• Top management (directorate): set the tone and show the initiative's importance for the entire company.

Evaluating Effectiveness and Managing Deviations

Inspection results are consolidated to calculate KPIs. Both the number of inspections conducted and the level of compliance (percentage of "yes" answers) are evaluated. The speaker notes that when non-conformities are identified, work is suspended until they are resolved. It is important not just to punish the violator, but to understand the root causes: whether it is a systemic error or human factor.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to select the most critical types of work for implementing checklists?
• How to create a checklist that any employee can understand without special training?
• How to properly organize the workplace inspection process so it doesn't become a formality?
• How to involve managers at different levels in the safety control process?
• How to analyze inspection results and use them to reduce risks?