The Value of Observational Reporting Systems
- Russell Grant
- Jan 15
- 3 min read
Without question the more we see that's incorrect or wrong and the more we actually do something about it, the safer we should be...that is in principle where a safety Observation system 'gets it's magic'.
However, introducing it needs to be achieved correctly and in such a way that all who encounter it and are expected to use it believe it's purpose of reducing accidents and incidents as its ultimate goal.
Whenever the system becomes viewed as a 'stick' in order to punish those being observed upon who may have made an error or mis-judgement then the system becomes immediately useless and will lose all engagement and participation...this is what has happened to most systems currently being used and Power-ST wants to fix this.
As a 'tool' for our use in many differing working environments, Observational safety systems are invaluable and can make a significant difference to the outcome of one or many peoples lives, the success or failure of a business and a preservation of our shared environment.
Being efficient of our time is important also, and for this reason we have designed the #ACECard system accordingly to not draw too much time for observations to be achieved, documented and actioned...the system does a great deal of this for us.
Additionally through its design and use of pictograms and 'prompts', the accuracy of detailed submissions is a far cry from the systems we once replied upon that presented inadequate space in which to actually document what had been seen, what had been discussed and agreed and what, if any recommendations could be made that drew from our collective years of experience and skills...we fell into a trap of believing that 100+ cards a day being passed to the 'safety rep' meant we were safe and the dangers had somehow disappeared...how wrong we were and remain.
In fact, the more cards that came in actually meant we lost focus and importance of the systems abilities and relied almost completely upon an individual reviewing, deciphering, and assigning close out actions that were merely a temporary fix at best.
In various HSE capacities I have worked on over 90+ (possibly more than that) work locations over the last 24 years and every one had at least two things in common;
1. a reporting system was in place and everyone was expected to use it...but didn't and still don't.
2. very few hold any genuine belief that by using the system they would be contributing to, and making a difference toward accident and incident reduction
And why?..."it's a numbers game Russ"..."management don't really know what's going on or care what's going wrong here as long as the card numbers are high"...rubbish in, rubbish out!
As an additional note: Very rarely (other than my Premier Oil days) have I observed a correct and committed level of drive and support from Senior Management levels either toward a true and good level of participation and engagement...without a shadow of inaccuracy doubt my stats can be verified with examples of a total of 7 cards being submitted on a troubling operation by 4 Senior crew members over a 4 month period. If these guys are not participating why should anyone else...?
The previously mentioned 24 years of my 'walking the walk and talking the talk' of how important any and all observational safety systems are will never change...I remain fully convinced and committed in the belief that everyone would honor preventing someone else getting hurt if they have both the opportunity and a method of doing so.
I encourage all companies to take a 'genuine and frank' review of the systems they have and to make it a focus for improvement while canvassing their teams and listening to the feedback of those we rely upon so heavily to get the best from it.
Comments