10th August 2009 – Throughout SKSWood’s operational years, there have been numerous safety campaigns implemented - Goal Zero, the Cheese Theory and the 12 Life Saving Rules to name a few – all with the same aim. That aim is to do the right thing.

The concept of “Do The Right Thing” campaign is simple – to always follow approved procedures and promotes a ‘no shortcuts’ approach in order to avoid any potential mishaps that result in harming others and hampering operations. The campaign acknowledges that perception of the ‘right thing’ varies with each individual; hence, emphasizing the importance to know and follow stated and long established rules. Its main idea is to cultivate a safe habit into a character so that all involved will practice a lifestyle that poses as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) to themselves and those around them. Doing the right thing expects to improve existing work conditions, subsequently bringing in better compliance in projects with employees and contracted personnel returning home safely.

Hernando Caceres (Commercial / Business Assurance Manager) facilitated the briefing along with the assistance of Langup Meripa (HSE Coordinator) at SKSWood’s Head Quarters. The presentation included a video clip of the day in the life of a regular oil and gas business employee; following the individual from his home at start of the day to work and back home again. The video focused on the numerous potential scenarios that trigger actions and reactions which ultimately reflect on the attitude of the individual towards various issues. (Readers interested in the video, please contact SKSWood HSE personnel).

HSE discussions regarding ongoing challenges related to onsite activities such as rigging, slinging, hot works and any campaign related job are continuously being conducted offshore and onshore by management and senior personnel, with the assistance of the HSE department.

An open discussion ensued, encouraging a more open environment for people to raise PAKATs or interventions. It was further emphasized that PAKAT is a sense of culture to encourage a more proactive safety attitude and to raise safety awareness among staff, not a blame culture. Issues of challenging the channels of communicating PAKAT messages were brought up: a monthly tracking system regarding the implementation of PAKATs, ensuring all personnel of the various closed out PAKATs and to identify pending actions; all leadership roles lead their staff by example; clarify the specific roles of individuals within the PAKAT actions to be executed; and revamping HSE bulletin boards to be more informative and appealing to the general audience.

Other topics discussed the company’s responsibility towards resources (paper, plastic, electricity usage), which translates to the roles of the individual employees that make up the corporation. One such up and coming green program called the GoGreen Initiative, is expected to be implemented within the closeout of 2009. The program aims to nurture a more environmentally conscious workforce with recycling, reducing and reusing campaigns. Such campaigns aim to raise the conscientious and responsible side among staff with regards to being users and consumers of nature’s limited resources. Practicing responsible consumer attitudes is expected to potentially improve budget and work space usage.

The session was an opportunity for personnel to reflect on personal attitudes towards safety and the environment, and to collectively workout realistic goals and avenues towards improving such attitudes within the work environment.