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Source: Sayfr

A transactional implementation tends to focus on super- In the energy industry, which has potentially high opera- vision, responsibilities, rewards, sanctions and authority. The tional risks and decades of experience, there is a foundation underlying driver is to “control” the implementation process. of accepted construction and regulation in place. Hence, as

In effect, it uses power to change behavior, often under the the PSA investigations reveal, the need for additional “struc- mantra: what is measured gets done. An alternative to a trans- ture” is not that evident in the prevention of major incidents actional approach is the transformational leadership approach. (LFHC). A socially safe working environment based on trust,

Transformational leaders aspire to the “change” itself over care, and openness is required to allow people to share their “control”. Transformational leadership wants to build owner- own mistakes and address failures caused by their colleagues or ship of the change, motivate for goal achievement, inspire even managers. If people believe they will be ?red for speaking innovation, and show concern for the employees’ welfare. up, they will keep their mouths shut.

Several studies demonstrate that a transformational leader- Trust, care, and openness cannot simply be required (like ship approach is more effective in achieving sustainable be- the wearing of PPE). On the contrary, this kind of environ- havioral change. ment is something that managers and leaders must create.

Hence, there is an evident need for behavioral interventions combined with a transformational leadership approach.

Keys to Safety Improvement

So, back to the distinction between injuries and major

Temptation of the ‘Quick Fix’ incidents. Because of the characteristics of individual injury accidents (HFLC) described above, it is obvious that a trans- With a strong public focus on sustainability and transpar- actional approach may have some effect on compliance with ency, all energy companies are committed to continuously procedures and other requirements. For example, if you re- improve their safety performance. Injuries and other high- quire people to use personal protective equipment (PPE), the frequency low-consequence incidents can be a substantial injury frequency will decline. If you supervise everybody and problem and are easy to monitor due because they occur more sanction the ones that do not use proper PPE, the HFLC sta- often than major incidents. Companies that fall behind on tistics will probably continue to improve. improvements must expect negative attention from investors, january/february 2021 OFFSHORE ENGINEER 45