Building a Safety Culture-Our Experience in Saudi Aramco

Abstract

Abstract In 2006 the Sea Water Injection Department (SWID) began emphasizing Behavior Based Safety to build a Safety Culture. We have instilled many new programs and initiatives focusing on leading indicators rather than lagging. Changing the culture is the only way to achieve excellence in Environment, Safety & Health. These are significant strategies we used for creating a safety culture within the department:Change our core beliefs, such as the higher level belief that incidents are primarily the fault of the individual involved and the lower level belief that it is management's responsibility to keep them safe. In a holistic Safety Culture every individual takes responsibility for not only his own safety but the safety of every other person around him.Examples include:Roles and Responsibilities cardsSAOO Safety Enhancement Study and RecommendationsCatch people doing things right by focusing on the positive, not on the negative, and immediately correcting unsafe conditions. This requires management to have an inspirational presence in the field, leading by example. It is not only what you say but what you do that counts.Examples include:Safety Behavior Observation ProgramBi-weekly Department Safety Conference CallManagement Reminder ListHow we monitor progress changed. Historically, we've tracked incident statistics, lagging indicators. Now, the focus is on leading indicators to achieve overall improvement in safety.Objective KPIs specific to yearly evaluation in our Performance Management ProgramImplement new programs to ensure safety and employee motivation.Examples include:New Safety Award ProgramSafety study on Railway Crossing and Plant Access Roads for the Southern AreaIn-house NORM & Chemical Hazard Awareness Training (CHAT) Quarterly tracking has shown an increase in the leading indicators and measures throughout the department. This signifies awareness from employees and their active participation. Management is eager to realizing the fruition of all these efforts but is shrewd also in knowing that this is a long-term change that requires long-term resolve.