How to Support the System Under Multiple Changes

Context: Why the Safety System Fails in a Crisis

Under conditions of multiple structural changes and staff shortages, even the most robust HSE management systems can fail. The speaker analyzes a real case of a production site where the level of safety culture decreased due to the loss of key competencies and chaotic innovations. The presentation details the destabilization process: from the resignation of experienced employees to attempts to compensate for the staff shortage by expanding service areas without proper risk assessment.

Reasons for the Decline in Safety Culture

Analyzing the situation, the speaker demonstrates by example how the lack of a Management of Change risk assessment procedure leads to a systemic crisis. Key destabilization factors:

• Chaotic innovations: Changing the organizational structure and processes without prior risk assessment leads to overlapping responsibilities and a loss of control over routine operations.
• Changing contractors and lengthy procurement: In the pursuit of savings, contractor vetting procedures are violated, and delays in spare parts supply increase the risks of equipment failure.
• Formal approach to progressive practices: Implementing new tools without considering the actual resource state of the site only increases the workload on personnel and stress levels.

Recovery Strategy: Returning to Basic Processes

To stabilize the situation, a recovery roadmap was developed. The speaker emphasizes the importance of an honest assessment of available resources (financial and human) before launching new initiatives. Main steps:

• Updating risk assessment: Reviewing basic hazard identification procedures, as inadequate risk assessment often lies at the root of incidents.
• Crisis group operations: Creating specialized committees (e.g., WISE committee) under the direct management of top executives for weekly monitoring of the situation and plan adjustments.
• Replicating corrective actions: Implementing the practice of applying lessons learned (including from other sites) to all similar production areas with mandatory execution control.

Staff Motivation and Development as the Foundation of Stability

Without engaged personnel, any technical changes are doomed to fail. The presentation details a comprehensive set of measures to retain and motivate employees:

• Reviewing financial motivation: Objective analysis of the labor market and salary adjustments for critical positions, as well as the implementation of KPIs tied to safety performance.
• Optimizing working conditions: Implementing technical solutions (e.g., installing a pneumatic tube system) to reduce physical strain on personnel amid staff shortages.
• Competency matrix and training: Introducing new roles (e.g., a technician combining operator and adjuster functions) with mandatory training and a transparent certification system.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to properly conduct risk assessments during structural changes in the company?
• What tools help stabilize the safety system under conditions of high staff turnover?
• How to build effective communication with personnel during a crisis?
• How to use pulse survey results to adjust the HSE management strategy?
• How to motivate employees to comply with safety requirements when expanding their areas of responsibility?