🌟 Spotlight on HSEQ Excellence with Matthew, Our Operations & HSEQ Manager 🌟
We’re excited to share an insightful interview with Matthew, our Operations and HSEQ Manager, who brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the team. From integrating Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) into our projects to embracing innovative technologies, Matthew is at the forefront of ensuring our work is safe, efficient, and aligned with the highest standards.
In this interview, Matthew dives deep into the following key areas:
1. HSEQ Integration:
How do you infuse Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality into your projects to make a real difference? Can you share a story where your HSEQ approach truly transformed a project’s outcome?
”Incorporating Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality (HSEQ) requirements into projects is crucial for both employee well-being and overall project success. All projects are supported by integrated HSEQ Plans that outline the requirements and objectives of the project and provide a documented project plan for control and achievement of expected performance. We have a responsibility not to import risk into client’s operations, therefore competent risk assessment is vital to our safety culture, enabling a reduction of exposure to risk as far as is reasonably practicable to protect our employees, anyone else who may be affected, the environment and property.
A defined HSEQ awareness programme ensures that we effectively communicate a HSEQ culture of excellence throughout our organisation, workforce and contracted resource providers. Effectively engaging our resource via our HSEQ aware programme, we always plan to deliver:
A defined culture of HSEQ management and zero issue performance;
HSEQ led induction, ongoing awareness and competence training;
Effective, transparent, open communication and consultation;
Continual management of our behavioural safety;
Prevention of nonconformances and non-compliant accepted practice;
Dangerous occurrence identification and prevention;
Performance review.
Adopting a passionate approach towards health & safety, the environment and client satisfaction is essential. It ensures that resources are utilised efficiently and responsibly, allowing for a safe working environment for employees, which is paramount. Moreover, it aligns with the growing global emphasis on environmental conservation, ensuring that operations have minimal negative impact on the planet. Meeting client expectations consistently fosters trust and builds long-term relationships. This approach demonstrates business sustainability, benefiting all involved.”
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2. Rope Access Safety:
In the demanding world of rope access, what essential safety practices do you rely on? Tell us about a time when these practices helped you avoid a potential issue and keep your team safe.
”Rope Access work is challenging, it can be remote and safety is paramount. Essential practices include rigorous training and certification of all personnel, thorough risk assessment and approved access methodologies before and during any operation, planning for emergencies by means of rescue planning, regular equipment inspections to ensure equipment is in optimal condition, and adherence to established company safety procedures and codes of practice outlined by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) provide a framework for safe operations. Secure anchor systems, use of suitable edge protection, dropped object awareness (tool tethering), appointing competent persons and clear communication between team members are vital elements for preventing safety incidents.
A robust Rope Access Management system, rigorous in-depth planning, and appointing competent supervision enables our Rope Access Technicians to return home safe, avoiding any potential issues.”
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3. Overcoming HSEQ Challenges:
What are some of the most interesting HSEQ challenges you’ve faced in engineering and energy? How did you turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and improvement?
”Within the dynamic industries of engineering and energy, HSEQ challenges are diverse and complex, this keeps the job interesting as no two projects are the same and manging risk requires in depth knowledge of varied working practices. Overcoming these challenges is a fundamental part of personal growth and achievement, which involves recognising the obstacles and seeking the support and resources necessary to navigate through them. One significant HSEQ challenge is the management of remote workforces, especially in the offshore energy sector where high risk operations are located in isolated environments. Having the training and ability to visit offshore locations to integrate with the workforce has been a powerful way to gain perspective and depth of knowledge. Embracing challenges with a mindset of learning and growth has led to greater resilience and the ability to handle future obstacles with confidence. Effective, clear and open communication with clients and the workforce is essential, it establishes trust, ensures needs and expectations are understood, and helps in resolving any challenges that may arise. The integration of a certified HSEQ management system is also crucial for capturing on-site data, ensuring safety, meeting compliance obligations and enabling continual improvements.”
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4. Embracing Innovations:
How do you incorporate new technologies to boost safety and efficiency in your work? Share an exciting innovation that has really made a difference for you and your team.
”Incorporating new technologies into workplace practices is an essential step towards enhancing safety and efficiency. Manufacturers of safety products are ever evolving their products to maximise user safety, compliance and incorporate the latest technology, by engaging with our supply chain we can ensure the products that we provide our employees are ergonomical whilst offering maximum protection and safety features. Advancements in technology have been particularly useful, for example, the integration of immersive technologies for use in training or specific working procedures, enabling workers to simulate performing high risk tasks whilst in a safe environment. Also, the use of drones for risk assessment and surveys in hazardous environments, significantly reducing the risk of the task and more importantly eliminating the risk to human workers. These technologies not only improve safety but also streamline processes, leading to increased productivity and cost savings. The adoption of such innovations is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity in boosting safety and efficiency.”
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5. Training and Inspiration:
What’s your approach to keeping your team inspired and up-to-date with the latest safety practices? Describe a training program or initiative that had a meaningful impact on your team’s performance and safety.
”Maintaining an inspired team that is informed in the latest safety practices involves a multifaceted approach. It starts with promoting a culture of continuous improvement, where safety risks are openly discussed and addressed. Encouraging supportive, psychologically safe teamwork is crucial, as it empowers individuals to speak up about safety concerns without fear of reprisal. Regular training, inductions, safety talks, and updates on the latest safety requirements keep the knowledge fresh and relevant. Effective communication within site teams is crucial for the success of any project, it ensures that all team members are on the same page, which is essential for coordinating tasks and achieving project goals efficiently. Good communication helps in building trust and promotion of a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared and problems can be solved collectively. It also plays a vital role in safety management, as clear instructions and information sharing are key to preventing incidents and ensuring the well-being of all involved. Moreover, regular and transparent communication can significantly boost morale and motivation, leading to increased productivity and a positive work culture. In essence, the importance of communication with site teams cannot be overstated, as it is the backbone of effective team performance, project success and reinforcement of safety in everyday tasks.”
