Seeing the Wood for the Trees

Abstract

Abstract This paper describes the innovative approach taken by ENSCO International Inc. (a leading international offshore drilling contractor), supported by Risktec Solutions (an international safety and risk management consultancy), to consolidate a wide variety of worksite safety controls (e.g. Work instructions, Risk Assessments, Job Safety Analysis, Competence, Work Permits etc) into a single integrated system - the Safe System of Work (SSoW). The program used existing foundations of Work Instruction and Job Hazard Analysis systems to move forward to a structured system that clarifies the differences between information to define the quality of the work and that relating to the management of the hazards associated with the work activity. The program provided further clarity over the management of hazards relating to the TYPE of work being performed, hazards relating to the LOCATION work was being performed and hazards relating to the TIME (i.e. conflicts with other work) when work is being conducted. ENSCO International Inc. has been working with the SSoW for approximately 18 months in the Gulf of Mexico and, given the very positive feedback from the workforce, has established the SSoW as a minimum worldwide company standard. Expectations, purpose and relevancy of all worksite safety controls - both individually and collectively - are now clear, leading to a marked improvement in the communication of expectations at the worksite. The SSoW provides an effective platform for communicating a wide range of requirements from such sources as HSE Cases, Environmental Management Systems (EMS), Preventative Maintenance routines, etc. through a ‘one stop shop’ for the workforce.