TLDR:

• The Industry HSE Group (iHSEg) was formally established to promote workplace safety across various industries in Brunei.

• iHSEg focuses on implementing ILO Conventions, particularly conventions C155 and C187.

• The group encourages leadership by example, emphasizing safety as a priority in all business operations.

• Collaboration, commitment, and communication are identified as the three pillars essential to the success of the iHSEg.

• Regular dialogues among industry leaders facilitate the sharing of best practices and safety advancements.

• iHSEg aims to broaden its impact by inviting more industry leaders to commit to enhancing workplace safety.

• The group's activities highlight the importance of continuous dialogue for effective safety policy implementation and improvement.

April 30ᵗʰ, 2024 – At the recent Workplace Safety & Health Conference held at the International Convention Center, Osmera Hj Othman, HSE Manager at Brunei Shell Petroleum and Secretariat General of the Industry HSE Group (iHSEg), shared valuable insights into the formation and goals of the iHSEg, highlighting its pivotal role in promoting workplace safety across various industries in Brunei.

Formation and Goals of the iHSEg

Osmera discussed the origins and recent formal recognition of the iHSEg, which now consists of 18 companies from diverse sectors. The group’s primary focus is on enhancing the dialogue among industries to improve the application and implementation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, specifically referencing conventions C155 and C187. These conventions are integral to promoting a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental right.

Strategic Focus on Safety and Health

The iHSEg is committed to creating a culture of safety and health that transcends basic compliance. By fostering effective partnerships between industry members and governmental bodies like SINA, the group aims to elevate safety standards and awareness significantly. Osmera emphasized the importance of leadership by example, with industry leaders demonstrating their commitment to safety, thereby setting a robust tone for safety as a priority in all business operations.

Three Pillars of Success: Collaboration, Commitment, and Communication

Osmera highlighted the three key success factors of the iHSEg—collaboration, commitment, and communication—which are also the guiding principles of the industry HSE brand. These factors underscore the necessity for a collective effort among all industry players, a deep-seated commitment to the vision of a safe workplace, and effective communication strategies to ensure the successful formulation and implementation of safety policies.

The Importance of Engaging Dialogue

The significance of dialogue was a recurring theme in Osmera’s presentation. He stressed that without open and continuous dialogue, achieving substantial improvements in workplace safety is challenging. The group's quarterly meetings serve as a platform for discussing safety issues and sharing best practices across different sectors.

Vision for Future Growth and Impact

Looking ahead, Osmera expressed optimism about the potential for more industries to join the iHSEg, thus broadening the impact of their initiatives. The goal is not only to align with global safety standards but also to adapt and respond to the specific needs and challenges of the Bruneian workforce.

In conclusion, the iHSEg’s efforts in Brunei exemplify how structured collaboration and committed leadership can lead to significant advancements in workplace safety. By fostering a culture where safety is prioritized and continuously improved upon, the iHSEg is setting a standard for others to follow, ensuring that the vision of a safer workplace becomes a tangible reality for all.