Training superior safety

In companies with superior safety records, training is serious business. Unfortunately, safety training is often much talked and written about but poorly done. Senior management in the model companies is well-trained. It all starts here. All levels of management become aware of the risks of their businesses and acquire the necessary knowledge of the hazards management needs. They cannot be role models and provide the necessary leadership if they are not schooled in how the hazards management job is to be done. 

Process Safety Booklets, 6th ed., 1984, AMOCO Oil Company Refining and Engineering. It seems this fundamental, matter-of-fact safety practices book is not available via the normal book sales route. You may contact Matt L. Smorch, AMOCO Oil Company, 200 East Randolph Dr., Chicago, IL 60601, (312) 856-7232. It is a superior book intended as a safety supplement to operator training courses, operating manuals, and operating procedures. The first edition of these booklets appeared over 40 years ago. The text is a real value at about 50. 

Expectations of supervisors, by their superiors and by society in general, have unfortunately become complex and difficult to attain—which means that supervisors must have a sound support stracture to be successful. That support stmcture begins with the location manager and the staff iirnnediately subordinate to the manager. It includes depth of training, a good communication system on hazards, up and down, and the resources of qualified safety professionals as consultants. 

Developments on simulation and staff training in the UK and elsewhere in the West appear to be superior to those available in the USSR and the Eastern Bloc. Although there may be problems, there is scope for interchanges and perhaps sale of equipment in this field. This may also be the case with nuclear installations in countries outside the OECD. There is some scope for further international conferences on the subject. Other areas for potential sales are fastacting control rods and systems to avoid operators by-passing essential safety trips. 

Effective leadership, training,communication, persuasion, behavior modification, and discipline are vital aspects of safety management, without which superior results cannot be achieved. 

Training needs are always in transition, and recent developments require different emphases. Safety professionals in superior performers have spoken of these situations. 

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