The jury singles out elements applying to the activity in general and elements relating more to safety, health, the internal and external working environment, as well as security – in total a wide range of criteria that have given the unit a leading position in Hydro.
The jury states that Power Production displays a raised awareness of risk areas and safety barriers, while being highly active when it comes to respect for behavior-based safety work, safe job analyses and the reporting of incidents.
System and culture
“I dare say that there are many years of work behind a prize like this one. Systems are necessary, but they must also go hand in hand with the development of a good internal culture. One of the most important elements here is that we share the perception that health, environment and safety are in essence integrated in our routine work. It has to be present in all we do,” states Leif Ek, who is chief safety representative for Hydro’s power production organization.
As an example he mentions how behavior-based safety (BBS) is used as a tool to promote safe and sound work practice.
“In my view it’s a sign that we have come a long way when BBS observations are not perceived as a system for being critical, but as a means of solving problems and preventing incidents. Attention in the observation is directed towards tasks, ergonomics, the use of equipment and safety equipment, the follow-up of procedures and instructions etc. We also look into how safe job analyses are applied. Afterwards we all look together at the observations made. If there is some aspect we disagree about, we try to reach a consensus there and then.
System for handling contractual staff
Ek points out that BBS observations are used both in connection with tasks carried out by the unit’s own employees and by contractual staff. “In my opinion it is important to apply this tool in connection with contractual staff as well. We need to be just as concerned to avoid accidents and maintain as high a HSE standard for contractors as for our own employees. Statistics usually reveal that there are relatively more injuries and incidents affecting contractual staff. This should not be the case. But we do take this seriously, and I think we're on the right track with a view to ensuring that HSE is part of all our work in power stations.
“Of course we achieve a lot in everything we do prior to the actual work operations, such as work permits, safety information, safe job-analysis etc, but at the same time we have much to gain by everyone thoroughly understanding how important it is to look after each other,” says Ek.
He also emphasizes that management commitment and attitudes can be crucial to achieving the best possible HSE standard.
“In what ways are you aware of management’s commitment?”
“In Energy there is never any doubt about management placing the emphasis on HSE. We notice this when there are questions about equipment, about the right behavior and, for example, when there are issues that the employees take up in their safety committee meetings, which everyone attends. We fully understand that HSE needs our constant attention. As chief safety representative I would also emphasize that we have, through the years, developed a good understanding of the importance of job satisfaction. That’s maybe the condition for success in most of what we do – it certainly helps a lot, that’s for sure!” says the chief safety representative – with obvious satisfaction.
