Human Factors - Leadership and Behavioural Safety

Offshore installations establish effective processes for the control of electrical works, including permit to work and relevant isolations to de-energise electrical systems. Whilst these controls are well-practiced, used extensively and are effective, other controls are required at the immediate worksite.

One particular control for reducing risk is the use of barriers to prevent unauthorised access to an electrical system. Despite the importance of these barriers, their use is often omitted, leaving access to dangerous sources of electricity open to public access.

Very often, the focus is directed to the operator, questioning why barriers were not in place, questioning their motives, competencies, awareness of process and their perception of risk. It is not just our individual differences which influence the use of barriers. Our behaviour is a product of our environment.

BBS offers a structured process which can be used to understand why barriers are not used. With a good understanding, effective action can be taken to support the use of barriers. So;

1. Be clear what behaviour you want to change . We can’t change everything in one go – be specific and focused
2. Understand the behaviour. Engage with those who do the job and understand the things that hinder the desired behaviour. Consider factors not under the control of the person. For example time pressures, workplace norms, availability of barriers
3. Identify what can be done to support the desired behaviour. Engage with those who do the job, identify actions to facilitate desired behaviours
4. Take appropriate action. Implement the actions agreed with those who do the work. Check in on them now and again to see if the action is having the desired effect
5. Understand the performance of your actions overall. Engage with people to understand the effectiveness of the action. If required, revisit and work together to ensure lasting change