Keeping the workforce healthy and safe during COVID-19 at Woodside

Abstract

Keeping the workforce healthy and safe during COVID-19 required extraordinary responses from Australian extractive industries. Woodside maintained safe and reliable operations using a collaborative and principle driven approach to health and safety leadership to protect its workforce. Woodside demonstrated an ability to respond rapidly and decisively to the COVID-19 pandemic. Health principles were quickly developed, guiding staff on the importance of hygiene, maintaining health at work and quickly reporting any flu-like illness symptoms. Technology was used to analyse travel history, health status and potential exposure. Site-specific controls to limit access and prevent potential spread of infections were implemented. Procedures to manage potential cases were developed and operating models were modified to ensure business continuity for safety critical roles. As rosters were modified and people worked from home, a wellbeing framework guided the implementation of preventative and mitigative controls for mental health. Leaders encouraged the small working groups to back their judgement as the situation rapidly evolved, providing time and space for the teams to develop and implement effective health management plans. Woodside worked collaboratively with industry partners, contractors and communities, recognising the importance of collaboration to align responses and remove barriers to deliver effective controls. Support and enablement of leaders was a key focus area. Significant emphasis was placed on enabling optimal human performance by focusing on emerging risks, for example how leaders can optimise human performance in the key areas of mental wellbeing, fatigue management and remote leadership when restrictions limited traditional face-to-face support on operational sites.