Focused Observations

In high-risk industries such as facilities maintenance, construction, mining, and power generation, the safety of personnel and the integrity of equipment is critically important.

Incidents that hurt workers or impact productivity can be severe, not only in human terms but in financial losses.

It is crucial to have effective safety controls that ensure workers and facilities are protected from harm. One such protocol is the use of focused observations.

Focused observations are a technique used in high-risk industries to quantify the actions of workers, tools, equipment, and the task environment.

Skilled and competent observers are trained to identify and document specific behaviors and conditions that may pose a safety risk.

The observations are guided by checklists that detail the steps and other requirements of a task or sequence of work.

The intent of the focused audit is two-fold.

First, to ensure that the work is proceeding safely and within the legislated and project standards. Second, to collect observation data.

The results of focused observations are compiled to identify trends.

When trends are identified, management, line supervision, and workers share information and collaborate on strategies to correct conditions and behaviors.

The conditions and behaviors with the highest potential risk and frequency of observance are targeted for action first.

By focusing on the most critical risks, organizations can prioritize their efforts and make the most significant impact on safety.

Implementing a focused observation program requires careful planning and execution.

The program must be integrated into the organization's overall safety management system and aligned with its goals and objectives.

It is essential to have clear communication channels and well-defined roles and responsibilities to ensure that the program is executed effectively.

The success of a focused observation program depends on the engagement of field workers and their immediate supervisors.

These individuals are most familiar with the specific hazards and risks associated with their work and are best positioned to identify potential safety issues.

It is crucial to involve them in the development and implementation of the program to ensure that it is tailored to their needs and addresses their concerns.

One of the keys to the effectiveness of a focused observation program is the use of checklists.

Checklists provide a standardized framework for observations and ensure that all critical aspects of a task or job are assessed.

They also provide a record of the observations, which can be used for analysis and trend identification.

The checklists must be developed based on the specific hazards and risks associated with the work and regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the work environment.

Another important aspect of a focused observation program is the integration of observations into work planning and packaging.

By incorporating observations into the work planning process, workers can anticipate potential hazards and take proactive measures to mitigate them.

This approach not only enhances safety but also increases efficiency by reducing the potential for delays and rework due to safety-related issues.

It is also essential to implement focused observations in a way that supports the path of risk on the worksite.

This means that observations should be conducted at critical phases in the work sequence and be focused on the specific risks associated with those phases.

For example, during maintenance of an industrial facility, there is first a shutdown sequence where process equipment is taken offline, de-pressurized, drained, and isolated to prevent contact with energy or process-related substances (liquids, gases, solids).

At this stage, observations are directed at atmospheric monitoring, electrical lockout and tag-out, mechanical isolations, and site organization as much equipment and commodities needed to perform maintenance are arriving on the site.

As work progresses to the next phase of maintenance work, observations will shift to high-risk tasks like confined space entry, fall prevention, temporary work platforms, and control of falling objects.

The success of a focused observation program depends on clear communication, well-defined roles and responsibilities, engagement of field workers and their supervisors, and the use of checklists and integration into work planning and packaging.

When implemented effectively, focused observations can significantly reduce the potential for accidents and improve overall safety performance.

In conclusion, focused observations are a powerful tool for enhancing safety in high-risk industries.

By quantifying the actions of workers, their tools and equipment, and their work environment, organizations can identify trends and prioritize their efforts to address the most critical risks.

We have compiled a package of ten Focused Observations that includes:

• Two safety planning activities: Contractor Mobilization and Emergency Planning

• A health check of your Job Safety Analysis program

• An assessment of supervisor HSE Leadership

• And six field safety observations: Fire prevention, Chemical handling, Personal protective equipment, Housekeeping, Eye protection, and Hand Injury Prevention.

The checklist package is available here: https://www.cqntraining.com/contractor-checklist