Leadership Safety Audit

Open Dialogue Instead of Control: The Evolution of Leadership Safety Audits

Implementing the Vision Zero concept requires more than just formal compliance with rules; it demands a change in the very culture of interaction at the production site. Elena Kompasenko, Head of the HSE Department at Zarubezhneft, explains how the leadership safety audit becomes a tool for building trust between a manager and an employee. Using the example of her company, the first in Russia to join the international Vision Zero council, the speaker demonstrates how a systematic approach allows not only for reducing injury rates but also for effectively managing risks even during a pandemic.

Systematic Approach and International Benchmarking

The transition to zero injuries is impossible without a unified assessment system. The presentation details the process of adapting international standards to Russian realities. Using the seven "golden rules" of Vision Zero allows for accurate benchmarking against enterprises in various industries. To objectively assess the implementation of these rules, the company uses the 5Z software product, which makes it possible to measure the effectiveness of applied practices and identify areas for improvement.

Leadership Audit: Taking Off the Epaulettes

The key problem with many inspections is formalism and the "boss-subordinate" attitude. The speaker emphasizes that a successful leadership (or behavioral) safety audit begins with the manager's ability to conduct a dialogue as equals. The goal of the audit is not to punish for a violation, but to understand its cause and help the employee realize the risks to their life and their family's well-being. Implementing a stop-card system without specifying the names of violators shifts the focus from finding someone to blame to eliminating systemic problems.

Overcoming Resistance and the Psychology of Communication

Working with experienced "old school" employees requires a special approach. You cannot simply point out mistakes; you must show respect for their experience and explain the meaning behind the requirements. The speaker analyzes real cases, showing how important it is not to hover over the employee, but to choose the right moment for a conversation. The auditor should act not as an overseer, but as a mentor and psychologist capable of reaching every employee.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to properly prepare for a leadership audit and build a trusting dialogue with an employee?
• Why does a stop-card system work more effectively when it is anonymous?
• How to convince managers to conduct behavioral audits without formalism?
• What assessment tools based on the Vision Zero concept (including the 5Z system) are applied in practice?
• How does a systematic approach to HSE help manage risks in crisis situations (using the pandemic as an example)?