TLDR:

• Proactive measures are essential to protect workers from climate-induced safety risks.

• Continuous training and induction are crucial for ensuring that all employees meet safety standards.

• Overcoming language barriers is key to effective communication and compliance with safety protocols.

• Regular reinforcement of safety practices helps maintain consistent understanding and application among workers.

• Visual aids and simplified communication methods improve understanding across diverse workforces.

• Ensuring the authenticity and relevance of migrant workers' skills and experiences is necessary for safety compliance.

• Adapting training to local safety regulations helps integrate migrant workers more effectively.

• Continuous competency assessments are vital to ensure ongoing adherence to safety practices.

• Promoting a culture of safety involves empowering employees, continuous learning, and active engagement.

• Employers must foster an environment where safety is prioritized and integrated into daily operations.

May 1st, 2024 – Jasni Narawi, the Corporate HSSE Manager at Serikandi Oilfield Services, shared valuable insights on mitigating risks and managing safety challenges in high-risk environments during his presentation at the Workplace Safety & Health Conference 2024. Focusing on the complexities of working at height, Narawi discussed the impact of climate change on safety protocols and the unique challenges faced by employers in maintaining a safe workplace.

Climate Change and Worker Safety

Jasni began by addressing the significant impact of climate change on operational safety, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect workers from heightened risks associated with environmental changes. Key strategies include ensuring adequate hydration, providing rest breaks, and preparing for emergency situations—crucial steps for enhancing the safety and well-being of workers in increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

Challenges in Implementation

Highlighting the practical challenges in safeguarding employees, Jasni pointed out several obstacles:

• Training and Induction: Ensuring that new recruits are adequately prepared and possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely perform their duties is a constant challenge.

• Language Barriers and Communication: With a diverse workforce, including many non-native speakers from countries like Bangladesh and India, overcoming language barriers is crucial for effective safety training and compliance.

• Consistency in Training and Understanding: Narawi stressed the importance of continuous education and regular reinforcement of safety practices to ensure that safety protocols are not only understood but also consistently applied.

Supervision and Cultural Challenges

Effective supervision is critical, particularly when managing a workforce that includes multiple nationalities with varying levels of understanding and compliance with safety norms. Narawi discussed the necessity of tailored communication strategies, such as using visual aids and sign language, to overcome language barriers and ensure that safety messages are clearly understood.

Migrant Worker Integration

A significant portion of the presentation was devoted to the integration of migrant workers, who often bring diverse experiences and practices that may not align with local safety regulations. Jasni emphasized the need for:

• Thorough vetting of credentials and experiences: Ensuring that workers' qualifications are genuine and relevant to their roles.

• Adaptation to local safety regulations: Educating workers about specific local requirements and ensuring compliance.

• Regular competency assessments: Continuously evaluating workers' abilities to perform their tasks safely.

Promoting a Culture of Safety

Jasni called for a shift in workplace culture towards heightened safety awareness and shared responsibility. He suggested that creating a culture where safety is prioritized involves:

• Empowering employees: Encouraging workers to take an active role in safety practices.

• Continuous learning and improvement: Regularly updating training programs to reflect the latest safety standards and practices.

• Engagement and feedback: Encouraging workers to provide feedback on safety practices and participate in safety discussions.

Jasni Narawi’s presentation underscored the complexities of managing safety in high-risk environments, particularly in the context of diverse and multicultural workforces. By focusing on proactive strategies, effective communication, and cultural integration, employers like Serikandi Oilfield Services can enhance safety outcomes and reduce risks associated with working at height. Narawi's insights offer valuable lessons for industry professionals seeking to elevate safety standards and protect their workforce effectively.