Safe supervisor competency program (SSCP): a new approach to training and skills development—the behavioural revolution

Abstract

Although the safety performance of the Australian offshore oil and gas industry is best performing in Australia, evidence shows that it performs lower than the oil and gas industries in other parts of the world. In addition, there has been a huge intake of new and inexperienced workers—often from other Australian industry sectors with worse safety performances—particularly in the high-risk offshore construction sector. This industry has also experienced unprecedented growth in recent times. These challenges, combined with a strong commitment from the industry's CEOs to relentlessly pursue continual improvement, provided a compelling case for change. Everyone, from the frontline to the boardroom, plays a critical role in improving safety performance. A range of CEO-safety leadership programs, including the Common Safety Training Program (CSTP) targeted at new entrants to the oil and gas industry, address safety performance. Supervisors are major leaders in workplaces; they are often selected based on technical skills and experience, not always on their people and leadership skills. Before becoming supervisors, many do not receive any related training and/or development, particularly in the offshore construction sector where high turnover and constant change are typical. The solution was seen to be a standard approach to supervisor competence, commonly recognised by all industry players. The Safe Supervisors Competence Program (SSCP) was launched in early March 2011. SSCP is a new industry initiative focused on safety leadership. The program provides supervisors with the skills and behaviours to ensure the safety of individuals and workplace teams and the ability to influence safe behaviours. This extended abstract addresses the SSCP: The problems that promoted its development. How the industry views it as a key solution to those problems. Its philosophy and approach to learning Its differences compared with other programs. Visual testimonials and footage of its participants. Its future and why it is now with APPEA.