Executive Summary
This project addresses critical QHSE system failures through a cultural, procedural, and structural transformation. Given the operational context (swamp/land, rigless/rig-based, marine ops in Niger Delta), we must prioritize immediate risk control while building a sustainable, embedded QHSE culture aligned with ISO 9001 principles.
Project Structure: 5 Pillars of Transformation
Leadership & Governance (Pillar 1):
Executive Sponsorship: Form a Steering Committee chaired by MD, with all department heads.
QHSE Charter: Develop and sign a "Safety Covenant" recommitting to "Zero Harm."
Accountability Framework: Clear QHSE KPIs for managers, linked to performance reviews.
Immediate Action: Appoint a respected, empowered Head of QHSE with direct reporting to MD.
Risk & Incident Incident (Pillar 2):
Immediate (Month 1): Implement a simplified, confidential Risk & Near-Miss Reporting System (phone-based & paper forms at sites).
Critical Risk Controls: Focus on Fatality Prevention protocols for top risks:
Driving/Transport (land/swamp)
Lifting & Rigging
Marine Operations
Confined Space / Hot Work
Hydrocarbon Handling
Incident Investigation: Train lead investigators using Root Cause Analysis (RCA). All high-potential incidents reviewed by Steering Committee.
Competence & Training (Pillar 3):
Mandatory Training Matrix: Role-based training for all 900+ employees (direct & ad-hoc).
Immediate "Survival Skills" Training: Focus on:
Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)
Defensive driving (land/swamp)
Basic Offshore Safety Induction & Emergency Training (BOSIET) for marine/rig
Permit-To-Work (PTW) System
Ad-hoc Worker Integration: No one works without minimum QHSE induction and verified competency.
Systems & Processes (Pillar 4):
Simplify & Integrate Procedures: Adapt ISO 9001 for QHSE. Integrate Safe Work Instructions into existing project management/EPCC workflows.
Technology Enablement: Evaluate affordable QHSE software for:
Incident reporting/tracking
Risk register
Training records
Audit findings
Daily Operations: Implement Toolbox Talks and Pre-Task Risk Assessments for every crew.
Culture & Engagement (Pillar 5):
Visible Felt Leadership: Managers spend minimum 20% time on site conducting QHSE engagements.
Recognition Program: Reward positive safety behaviors and reporting.
Communication Campaign: "See Something, Say Something, Do Something" to empower all employees.
Local Community Integration: Extend safety principles to community interactions.
Functions
Appoint QHSE Head and core team.
Deploy emergency reporting system.
Launch "Survival Skills" training blitz.
Conduct baseline risk assessment of all critical activities.
Roll out revised procedures (PTW, HIRA, etc.).
Implement QHSE software platform.
Train supervisors and investigators.
Develop full competency matrix and training plans.
Start recognition program.
Integrate QHSE metrics into business reviews.
Conduct internal audits and management reviews.
Deepen culture programs.
Seek external verification/ISO 45001 certification.
Key Success Metrics (KPIs)
Lagging Indicators (Outcome Metrics):
Zero Fatalities (Absolute priority)
Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) - Target: 50% reduction yearly
Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) - Target: 40% reduction yearly
Number of High-Potential Incidents - Track and reduce
Near-Miss Reporting Rate - Target: Increase by 100% in first year
Leading Indicators (Activity & Behavior Metrics):
% Completion of Mandatory Training - Target: 95% for critical roles
% Jobs with Pre-Task Risk Assessment - Target: 100% for high-risk tasks
Leadership Field Engagement - Target: Each manager 20+ engagements/month
Audit Findings Closure Rate - Target: >90% within 30 days
Employee Perception Survey Score - Target: 20% improvement in "Safety Culture" score yearly
System Health Metrics:
Average Time to Close Action Items - Target: <30 days for high-risk items
% Ad-hoc Workers Trained Before Work - Target: 100%
Management Review Frequency - Target: Quarterly with full attendance
Critical Success Factors:
Unwavering Leadership Commitment: Resources, time, and priority from the top.
"Just Culture" Balance: Encourage reporting without fear of blame for honest errors, while maintaining accountability for reckless behavior.
Simplicity & Relevance: Procedures must be practical for swamp/land Niger Delta context.
Include Ad-hoc Workers: They are most vulnerable and must be integrated into all systems.
Learn from Incidents: Transparent sharing of lessons from investigations.
Budget & Resources:
Dedicated QHSE Transformation Team (Project Manager + Specialists)
Training Development & Delivery (internal/external)
QHSE Management Software
Campaign Materials & Recognition Rewards
Estimated Initial Investment: 2-3% of annual payroll (justified by reduced incident costs, reputational protection, and client confidence).