Driving safety performance through behavioural change and safety leadership—an update*
B. English A and M. Greenwood AEsso Australia Pty Ltd.
The APPEA Journal 51(2) 700-700 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ10080
Published: 2011
Abstract
This paper describes Esso Australia’s drive to further improve safety performance in its operations following a survey of 1,330 employees and contractors to assess organisational culture, with a specific focus on safety. Organisational culture is widely recognised as a key element to support and sustain an effective safety culture, which in turn drives safety outcomes. The survey examined organisational, team interaction, individual and specific safety factors. Analysis of survey data and feedback obtained through focus groups involving 160 (12%) survey respondents has identified key improvement opportunities in the areas of leadership, engagement and alignment across the organisation. A comprehensive action plan has been implemented to address the cultural elements that significantly influence safety performance.
As a response to the survey Esso has developed the Fundamentals of Safety Leadership Program to engage the hearts and minds of its workplace leaders and to provide them with knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively establish and influence stronger safer behaviours amongst the workforce. This program was completed late in 2010 with over 400 workplace leaders (employees and contractors) having attended the training, and a subsequent phase has commenced in 2011 for the entire workforce including employees and contractors (∼1,800 people). Key elements include the development of personal leadership credos and personal safety leadership action plans. Beyond the initial program, there will be ongoing coaching and mentoring for the workplace leadership team. The Fundamentals of Safety Program will be repeated on a five-year cycle and has been included in the leader training roadmap.
Beth has been involved in health and safety management in the oil and gas industry for more than a decade. Her experience includes engineering, procurement and construction, as well as operations and maintenance. Admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as a barrister and solicitor after obtaining BSc (environmental)/LLB, she joined Esso Australia in 1998. Beth has since held positions in the occupational health department and the safety, health, environment and security (SHES) group. She recently rejoined Esso as training and procedures group supervisor. In her role, Beth is responsible for implementing and maintaining ExxonMobil’s competency assurance standard. This is a broad role that includes training facilities, competency-based training and assessment, operations and maintenance procedures, and records management. While mainly based at Esso’s Longford site, Beth’s team also operates from Melbourne and facilities at Barry Beach and Fulham, Victoria. |
Michael joined Esso Australia in 1999 after completing a BEng (environmental) at RMIT University. He began his career in regulatory compliance and safety case development, supporting Bass Strait offshore operations. He later held the role of environmental advisor, supporting environmental management and planning activities throughout the Australian upstream businesses. Since 2003, Michael has worked in a range of technical roles—including offshore facilities engineering and reservoir surveillance engineering positions—supporting Esso’s Gippsland offshore operations. Currently Operations Safety Advisor, Michael is responsible for the identification and implementation of strategies to improve safety performance across Esso’s Gippsland operations. He works with a broad range of personnel including the Operations Leadership Team, site safety coordinators and the training group, focusing on a range of safety leadership, safety programs and safety culture enhancement programs. Member: Engineers Australia (MIEAust). |
