Using rhythms and routines to ensure proactive risk reduction
In this case study, we describe how we assisted a large iron-ore mining company with a sustainable risk reduction programme after they approached us for assistance with addressing their declining safety performance. After working with the client, they had better leadership commitment to safety, more efficiency in meetings, and an overall improvement in management routines. All of these factors help to impact safety performance and improve operational risk management.
Challenge
We were approached by a large iron ore mining company to assist them with a sustainable risk reduction journey after an inconsistent trend in safety performance and an increase in lost time injuries. The safety performance struggles included medical treatment cases, property damage and high potential incidents. dss+ worked with the client to affect a safety transformation programme to reduce the risks of safety and enhance operational discipline.
Solution
The client was clear on its objectives – improve the visibility of leadership on the ground, improve the quality of its leading safety indicators, and improve the risk management practices around priority unwanted events.
In order to address the client’s objectives, dss+ began the engagement by understanding of the current status of risk reduction for the clients priority unwanted events, and expedite the benefits of the actions required. Implementing risk reduction included the introduction of a detailed failure mode, ensuring effectiveness of control, and using risk driver trees to conduct verified risk analysis.
Following this, a Leader Standard Work model was aligned with the clients leadership capability development and leadership code, and driving improved quantity and quality of leadership engagement through clearly defined Rhythm & Routines. These routines and a culture of continuous assessment, feedback and improvements were also aligned with the company’s Integrated Planning and Operating Model.
Assignment
Address the declining impact of safety performance and reduce the risk of major incidents
Offering
A proactive risk reduction programme, aligned with the company’s current operating models, to ensure that the involvement of leaders could inspire and empower their teams.
Impact
- Around 140 actions were taken to improve practices and reduce risk
- Leadership spent 20% more time with their frontline teams
- Meeting times were reduced by 30% to enable more time in field
- The effectiveness of key management routines improved by 30%