Shynaly B., Bektibay B.
ENHANCING SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING OPERATIONS *
Аннотация:
in the contemporary work environment, ensuring employee safety and health through effective management systems is paramount. Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) serve as frameworks for organizations to manage safety and health risks effectively. However, the true measure of these systems lies in their evaluation. In recent years, the offshore oil drilling industry has faced significant challenges regarding safety management and operational integrity. With high-profile accidents drawing attention to the potential hazards involved, there has been an increasing focus on the effectiveness of Safety Management Systems (SMS). This article examines a case study of an offshore drilling company that implemented an enhanced SMS to improve safety performance and organizational culture.
Ключевые слова:
safety, evaluation, risks, compliance, standards, gas
Introduction. Occupational health and safety (OHS) plays a critical role in enhancing workforce productivity, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. The implementation of a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) is essential for structuring safety protocols effectively. Nevertheless, establishing an OHSMS is merely the first step, continuous evaluation is vital to ascertain its effectiveness, adapt to new challenges, and ensure continual improvement.Evaluating the effectiveness of an OHSMS involves analyzing various components such as risk management processes, training programs, incident reporting, and compliance with legal standards. This article explores different methods and tools that organizations can utilize to measure the performance of their OHSMS metrics comprehensively. Offshore oil drilling is inherently risky due to the complex environments and potential for catastrophic incidents. In light of past disasters, such as the Deepwater Horizon spill, the industry has recognized the need for robust safety management practices. An effective SMS not only ensures compliance with regulatory requirements but also promotes a proactive safety culture that prioritizes the well-being of workers and environmental protection.Methods for Evaluating OHSMS. Evaluation methods for OHSMS can be categorized broadly into quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative methods typically involve statistical analysis of safety performance indicators, while qualitative methods focus on subjective assessments such as employee feedback, interviews, and observations.1. Quantitative AnalysisQuantitative evaluations often rely on key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be statistically analyzed to provide concrete data regarding the effectiveness of OHSMS. Common KPIs include incident rates, lost-time injury rates, and near-miss reporting rates. For example, organizations may calculate the Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) by using the formula:TRIR = (Number of recordable incidents×200,000/Total hours worked).This metric aids in understanding the prevalence of injuries within the organization compared to the total work hours, effectively normalizing data to facilitate comparisons over time or against industry benchmarks.Recent statistics reveal that organizations with well-implemented OHSMS have recorded substantial reductions in TRIR. For instance, a study conducted by the National Safety Council (NSC) indicated that companies with a robust OHSMS reported a 40% decrease in TRIR within two years of implementation.Furthermore, analysis of lost-time injury rates can provide insights into the financial impact of workplace incidents. Research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that the average cost of a workplace injury can exceed USD 40,000, factoring in medical care, lost productivity, and other recovery costs. A reduction in lost-time injuries directly correlates with increased organizational efficiency and reduced operational costs.2. Qualitative AssessmentWhile quantitative metrics offer crucial data, qualitative evaluations provide context to the numbers. Conducting employee surveys and interviews can yield insights into the perceptions of safety within the workplace. For instance, studies have found that organizations with high employee engagement in safety programs experience fewer incidents. A survey from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supports this, showing that 70% of employees believe that active participation in safety committees leads to enhanced safety outcomes.Moreover, audits and inspections, whether internal or external, serve as valuable qualitative assessment tools. Through audits, organizations can identify gaps in their safety management practices, adherence to regulations, and areas needing improvement. Research indicates that businesses conducting regular safety audits reduce OSHA violations by more than 50%, illustrating the effectiveness of proactive evaluations.Performance Indicators and Statistical Analysis. To comprehensively evaluate OHSMS, organizations should establish a suite of performance indicators beyond mere injury rates. These can include:- Compliance Rates: Analyzing adherence to safety regulations and internal policies can highlight areas of risk. For example, a compliance rate of over 90% indicates a solid OHS framework.- Training Completion Rates: Statistical data on employee training completion can identify weaknesses in program enforcement. Organizations should aim for near 100% completion to ensure that all employees are equipped with necessary safety knowledge.- Employee Feedback Scores: Utilizing rating scales on safety culture surveys can help gauge employee sentiment. A score increase of even 5% year-over-year can signify improved workplace safety perceptions.These performance indicators can be aggregated to generate an overall effectiveness score for the OHSMS. Statistical methods, such as regression analysis, can be employed to explore relationships between different variables (e.g., the impact of training on injury rates), enabling organizations to make data-driven decisions concerning their safety programs.This study focused on determining the effectiveness of safety management system implementation through the assessment of compliance to safety management system requirements (SMS) with elements including, the general requirements of the SMS, health and safety policy, planning, implementation and operation, audit and management review, and identification of employee perception on the implication of SMS, as well as, evaluation of safety compliance to the requirements in relation to performance in a selected liquefied natural gas (LNG) company. Other secondary sources of data included the health and safety reports that were reviewed.Implementation of the Enhanced SMS. The enhancement of the SMS was driven by collaboration amongst different stakeholders, including executives, safety officers, and frontline workers. The process began with a thorough assessment of the existing system, identifying gaps, and areas for improvement. Key initiatives included:Risk Assessment and Mitigation: A systematic approach to risk assessment was adopted, involving not only traditional hazard identification techniques but also the incorporation of advanced data analytics to predict potential safety issues based on historical incident data.Employee Involvement and Engagement: To foster ownership of safety practices, the company initiated a “Safety Champions” program, encouraging employees to take the lead in safety initiatives. This involved regular safety meetings, open forums for discussing safety concerns, and recognition programs that celebrated employees who demonstrated exemplary safety practices.Training and Development: Recognizing that employee competency is key to an effective SMS, the company revamped its training programs to include both technical skills and emergency response protocols. Enhanced simulation training allowed workers to practice their responses in a controlled environment, thereby increasing their preparedness for real-life scenarios.Communication Improvements: Communication channels were evaluated and optimized to ensure that safety information flowed seamlessly throughout the organization. Regular updates from management about safety performance and lessons learned from incidents were shared across all levels, promoting transparency and accountability.In tandem with the implementation of the enhanced Safety Management System (SMS), the company developed a comprehensive questionnaire designed to gather insights from employees regarding safety perceptions, practices, and suggestions for improvement. This questionnaire served as a pivotal tool in understanding the current safety culture within the organization and identifying specific areas that required attention.Development and Purpose of the Questionnaire. The questionnaire was meticulously crafted to cover various aspects of safety management, including communication of safety procedures, perceptions of safety training effectiveness, and reporting mechanisms for safety concerns. It consisted of both quantitative and qualitative questions, allowing employees to express their views in a structured format while also providing open-ended opportunities for more detailed feedback.The purpose of the questionnaire was multifaceted. First and foremost, it aimed to assess the baseline safety culture of the organization. By capturing employees perceptions, the company could identify areas where misunderstandings or knowledge gaps existed regarding safety protocols. Furthermore, the questionnaire aimed to gauge employee engagement in safety practices—whether they felt empowered to report hazards or near misses without fear of reprisal.Implementation and Results. Once deployed, the questionnaire was distributed to all personnel across the drilling rigs and onshore support teams. To encourage candor and ensure a high response rate, the survey was conducted anonymously. The results revealed valuable insights into the organization’s safety culture. Many employees expressed concerns about the clarity of safety communication and the need for more interactive training sessions that incorporated real-life scenarios.Additional findings indicated that while workers overall appreciated the safety measures in place, a significant percentage felt that there was a disconnect between management and frontline personnel regarding safety priorities. This feedback became instrumental in shaping the ongoing training and communication strategies of the enhanced SMS.Integration of Findings into the SMS. Following the analysis of the questionnaire responses, the leadership team convened to strategize on addressing the identified concerns. The insights gained from the questionnaire were integrated into the enhanced SMS framework. This included the development of new training modules that emphasized interactive learning and practical application of safety protocols. Moreover, management instituted regular safety meetings that fostered open dialogue between team members and leadership, ensuring that employees felt heard and valued.Ultimately, the engagement through the questionnaire not only identified critical areas for improvement but also served to bolster the relationship between employees and management. It acted as a catalyst for cultural change, reinforcing the message that safety is a shared responsibility and essential to the companys operational ethos.Conclusion. The evolution of the SMS in this offshore drilling company illustrates the significance of employee engagement in developing effective safety management strategies. By incorporating tools such as the employee questionnaire into their safety framework, the company has laid the groundwork for a robust safety culture. This proactive approach not only enhances compliance but also contributes to the overall safety and well-being of all personnel involved in offshore operations. As the industry continues to evolve, fostering a culture of safety through open communication and continual improvement will remain a cornerstone of successful operations.Questionnaire: Workers Perceptions of Safety Management System.Section 1: Demographic Information.1. What is your job title/position?2. How long have you been working in this organization?Less than 1 year.1-3 years.4-6 years.More than 6 years.3. What department do you work in?Section 2: Awareness and Understanding of the Safety Management System1. How would you rate your understanding of the safety management system in our organization?Very High.High.Moderate.Low.Very Low.2. Have you received any training related to the safety management system? Yes.No.If yes, please specify the type of training: __________3. How frequently do you refer to the guidelines and policies of the safety management system?Always.Often.Sometimes.Rarely.Never.Section 3: Perceived Effectiveness of the Safety Management System.1. Do you believe that the safety management system effectively reduces workplace hazards? Strongly Agree.Agree.Neutral.Disagree.Strongly Disagree.2. How satisfied are you with the current safety measures in place?Very Satisfied.Satisfied.Neutral.Dissatisfied.Very Dissatisfied.3. Have you noticed a reduction in workplace accidents since the implementation of the safety management system?Yes, significant reduction.Yes, some reduction.No change.Increase in accidents.Section 4: Communication and Involvement.1. How well do you think safety information is communicated within the organization?Very Well.Well.Adequately.Poorly.Very Poorly.2. Do you feel encouraged to report safety concerns or incidents without fear of repercussions?Strongly Agree.Agree.Neutral.Disagree.Strongly Disagree.3. Are employees actively involved in safety discussions and decision-making processes?Always.Often.Sometimes.Rarely.Never.Section 5: Impact on Work Environment and Culture1. How has the safety management system influenced the overall safety culture in your workplace?Very Positively.Positively.Neutral.Negatively.Very Negatively.2. Do you feel that your organization prioritizes your safety and well-being?Strongly Agree.Agree.Neutral.Disagree.Strongly Disagree.3. In your opinion, what improvements could be made to the safety management system? ________________________________________Section 6: Open-Ended Feedback.1. Please provide any additional comments or suggestions regarding the safety management system in your organization:________________________________________
Номер журнала Вестник науки №5 (86) том 2
Ссылка для цитирования:
Shynaly B., Bektibay B. ENHANCING SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN OFFSHORE OIL DRILLING OPERATIONS // Вестник науки №5 (86) том 2. С. 1100 - 1110. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/22963 (дата обращения: 20.07.2025 г.)
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