HSE Management System Audit

Evolution of the Safety Management System: From Rising Injury Rates to Zero Incidents

The development of an HSE management system is not just about implementing new regulations, but a deep cultural transformation at all levels of the organization. When a company faces an increase in injury rates, traditional control methods often prove insufficient. Under such conditions, there is a need for tools that not only assess the current state but also motivate personnel toward continuous improvement. In his presentation, Viktor Lubinsky, HSE Director at JSC Novo-Shirokinsky Mine (Areal Group), analyzes the practical experience of implementing an internal HSE management system audit, which allowed the enterprise to maintain its LTIFR at zero for three years.

Internal Audit as a Tool for Motivation and Assessment

Using his company as an example, the speaker demonstrates how the internal HSE management system audit became a key driver of change. Instead of engaging external auditors, the enterprise developed its own assessment system based on 12 key elements, including management commitment, motivation, training, and effective communication. Each element is evaluated using the Bradley Curve model, which helps determine the maturity level of the safety culture.

• Departmental self-assessment: Heads of structural departments, together with curators from the HSE department, conduct self-assessments, confirming the results with documentation. This increases the responsibility of line managers for safety conditions.
• Integration into the motivation system: Audit results directly affect the annual goals and bonuses of managers. This creates a "competitive interest" and stimulates departments to improve their performance.
• Transparent assessment system: An evaluation matrix with color coding (green, yellow, red) makes the process clear and objective, eliminating ambiguous interpretations.

The Link Between HSE Maturity Level and Injury Reduction

The presentation details the correlation between the implementation of the audit and the dynamics of the LTIFR indicator. Practice has shown that increasing the maturity level of the HSE management system directly leads to a reduction in injuries. A crucial success factor was management involvement and continuous personnel training. Corrective action plans developed following the audit become public and are regularly discussed, maintaining a constant focus on safety issues.

The Problem of Injury Concealment with a "Zero" Target

One of the most pressing issues when setting zero injury goals is the risk of incident concealment. The speaker emphasizes that the enterprise has created an environment where concealment is unprofitable and impossible. Even domestic injuries are recorded, and violating the non-concealment rule leads to disciplinary measures. Openness and transparency of processes, supported by video surveillance and explanatory work, form a culture where employee health is prioritized over formal metrics.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to develop and implement an internal HSE management system audit without involving external consultants?
• How to integrate safety metrics into the motivation system for line managers?
• How to use the Bradley Curve model to assess the maturity level of the safety culture?
• What methods help eliminate the concealment of micro-injuries and incidents under strict LTIFR goals?