How to Build High Prestige for the HSE Department?

From Controller to Partner: How the Role of the HSE Department is Changing

Historically, the HSE department has often been perceived as a unit that generates only expenses and bureaucratic obstacles. However, modern realities demand a different approach. Pavel Mitrokhin, Head of Environment, Health and Safety at Oriflame, uses practical examples to analyze how to transform the attitude towards safety specialists — from formal controllers to full-fledged business partners bringing real financial benefits to the company.

Overcoming Barriers: From Indifference to Engagement

The speaker highlights two key problems faced by specialists: employer disinterest and employee rejection. Often, managers cite a lack of time and resources, putting safety issues on the back burner. The presentation details an approach to solving this problem through proper planning and prioritization. It is important not just to demand compliance with standards, but to involve colleagues in developing safety policies, making them co-authors of the rules rather than mere executors.

Financial Return: How HSE Can Bring in Money

One of the most effective ways to increase the department's authority is to demonstrate its ability to save company funds. Using the example of interaction mechanisms with the Social Insurance Fund (FSS), the speaker shows how substantial financial benefits can be obtained:

• Insurance premium discount: Subject to a number of conditions (no debts, low injury rate), a company can receive up to a 40% discount on accident insurance. This is a direct budget saving that becomes a strong argument in dialogue with management.
• Cost reimbursement: The state allows returning up to 20% (and in some cases up to 30%) of insurance premium amounts by directing them to medical examinations, special assessment of working conditions, purchase of PPE, and training. Timely submission of documents (by August 1) guarantees the receipt of these funds.

Digitalization of Training: Interactive Briefings

Traditional HSE lectures are often perceived formally. The introduction of interactive videos, where the employee chooses a course of action and sees the consequences of their decisions (up to virtual injuries), significantly increases engagement. However, the speaker also notes the downsides: such materials require regular updates, otherwise the novelty effect quickly fades.

Professional Recognition as a Driver of Development

Participation in professional competitions and ratings (such as the All-Russian Olympiad for HSE specialists or the HSE DAYS TOP 100 project) is not only a way to make yourself known. It is a powerful tool for self-development, an opportunity to conduct a free audit of your knowledge and adopt the best practices of colleagues. Public speaking and project defense help develop the communication skills necessary for effective interaction with management.

What you will learn from this webinar:

• How to reasonably justify the need for safety investments to management?
• What specific steps need to be taken to get up to a 40% discount on the FSS insurance premium?
• How to properly process HSE cost reimbursement and avoid common mistakes when submitting documents?
• How to implement interactive briefings and maintain employee interest in training?
• Why should an HSE specialist participate in professional competitions and how does it affect their career?