Implementing the 12 Life-Saving Rules as an Effective Tool to Improve Safety Culture

Context: Why the 12 Life-Saving Rules are Becoming a Standard

The implementation of standardized safety rules is a natural stage in the development of occupational safety culture in large international companies. The webinar speaker, Ilya Kolomiets, Maintenance and EHS Engineer at GSK, shares his experience in adapting and implementing the 12 life-saving rules at a production site. This approach allows focusing employees' attention on critical risks, the violation of which can lead to fatal consequences.

Structure and Logic of the 12 Life-Saving Rules

The presentation details the structure of the rules, which are divided into two main groups: general and risk-oriented. General rules relate to everyday behavior, such as the ban on using mobile devices while walking on stairs or driving. Risk-oriented rules are aimed at specific production processes: working with hazardous substances, permit-to-work systems, equipment safety control, working at heights, lifting operations, and working in confined spaces.

The speaker emphasizes that these rules do not replace existing safety systems but complement them by highlighting the most critical aspects. Each rule is formulated in the first person ("I do not use...", "I always..."), which increases the personal responsibility of the employee.

Implementation Practice: From Information to Awareness

Ilya shows, using his company as an example, how the implementation process took place. An important stage was not just the placement of visual materials (signs, posters, videos on screens), but also the active involvement of line managers. Meetings with the team were held, testing with elements of humor to retain attention, as well as individual conversations between managers and employees based on the test results.

To support the process, an internal website was created with video instructions and a live chat where employees can ask questions in real time. The speaker notes the importance of open dialogue and the right of every employee to stop unsafe work (the "stop" rule).

The Role of Leadership and Feedback

Special attention in the report is paid to the role of managers and "duty holders" — experienced workers specializing in specific areas. Leaders must demonstrate commitment to the rules and encourage open discussion of problems. The speaker analyzes how important it is to provide feedback and support employees in complying with requirements so that the rules become not just a formality, but a part of internal self-discipline.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to adapt global safety rules to the specifics of a particular production site?
• What communication tools are most effective when implementing new standards?
• How to involve line managers in the training and control process?
• What to do with employees who systematically violate safety rules?
• How to use humor and unconventional approaches in HSE knowledge testing?