Fadley Faisal
Continuous monitoring has led to a decrease in work-related fatalities since 2013 across all industries. However the construction industry saw an increase in workplace accidents from 18 in 2014 to 154 in 2020.
This was revealed by Safety, Health and Environment National Authority (SHENA) Senior Inspector, Hajah Bibi Kalthom binti Haji CA Mohamed at the seminar ‘Growing Importance of HSSE in Energy Sector’ hosted by Petroleum Authority (PA) of Brunei Darussalam Head HSSE Pengiran Adi Johan bin Pengiran Haji Annuar during Session 3 of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2022 (Brunei MYCE 2022) at the Muzakarah Hall of the International Convention Centre, Berakas.
Various agencies saw the growing importance for the observation of safety hazards in a number of key factors towards Goal Zero with Hajah Bibi Kalthom identifying the various phases needing HSSE Risk Assessment Elements (ALARP) to avoid incidents.
In the energy sector, she said that ALARP needs to be observed from the beginning, including the feasibility study, conceptual design, detailed design, construction, commissioning and the decommissioning phase.
“Fatalities and injuries arising from incidents at construction sites mainly involve heights, crane operations and electrical works,” Hajah Bibi Kalthom shared the findings from the two-year study.
She said findings from SHENA inspections and monitoring visits revealed that the fatalities and injuries were a result of falling from heights, unsafe crane conditions and electrical activities as well as being struck by objects.
The senior inspector said the lack of awareness of the law, a competent supervisor and the absence of individuals to manage or coordinate safety and health matters on site are some of the contributing factors to such incidents. She added there should be a system in place for all industries at all times with the implementation of risk assessment, emergency response plan and certification of equipment maintenance.
“By law, it is the duty of occupiers and employers to observe safety and health on the worksite and of its employees, as stipulated under Sections 11 and 12 of the Workplace, Safety and Health Order, 2009.
“Employees also have a responsibility to comply with the rules and regulations, failing which, they would also be liable to punishments under Section 15 of the same Order,” she added.
Meanwhile, Brunei Methanol Company Sdn Bhd Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) General Manager Pengiran Mohd Supri bin Pengiran Haji Chuchu said human behaviour is the main contributing factor in hazards or incidents. “It has a tremendous impact on the outcome of our action.”
The seminar also saw a presentation on findings from inspections and visits to oil and gas industry worksites by TotalEnergies EP (Brunei) BV HSSE Manager Salawati binti Kassim.
Salawati also shared her experiences managing the company to achieve zero fatal accident.
“There is a need for a group in an organisation to work on safety green light, joint safety tours, life protection checks and intercommunication efforts in increasing awareness,” Salawati said, adding that sharing the findings will help to improve HSSE.
