Everybody in ABB is committed to maintaining a positive and effective occupational health and safety (OHS) culture where we understand and are constantly aware of the potential health and safety risks within our operations. It is a culture where people at every level of the organization deliver on their individual responsibilities, strive to achieve excellence in risk management, and lead and support safe working throughout our businesses and regions.
The engagement and participation of all of our people in managing health and safety are central to ABB’s strategic plans for OHS. However, the diversity of our operations and the cultures within which we operate also means this is challenging.
Our many business-specific and combined activities, driven through Group, regional, country and business OHS plans, took ABB to a significant milestone in our OHS journey in 2011 when no employee or contractor fatalities occurred. However, the number of serious injuries increased which means we still have considerable work to do. As ABB continues to grow and explore new opportunities, we will remain focused on our improvement programs to address the fundamentals of safety leadership and behavior.
We have also maintained a strong focus on building competence and capacity for the effective leadership and management of OHS, setting and improving standards for risk control and monitoring our facilities and operations. At Group level we worked to extend the reach of our Leadership Training program, providing the knowledge and skills essential for effective personal OHS leadership. It also drives active local improvement across our businesses.
One consequence of effective OHS leadership has been the increasing number of business-led OHS programs. These initiatives foster the development of standards and deliver specialized training consistent with the particular needs and activities of the different business units (BUs).
During 2011, existing OHS programs such as the BU Substations' "Energizing Safety" and initiatives in the BU Transformers, the medium- and high-voltage businesses and the Service business were strengthened and extended. Additional programs were developed in the Process Automation division.
To maintain and build the skills of the advisory networks that support our businesses, we enhanced our functional competency assessment process and supporting OHS training programs
Significant milestones were achieved and programs implemented
across the ABB world during 2011:
US distinctions
As an example of the knowledge and experience within our network, we have been proud to support Darryl C. Hill, ABB's Vice President Safety and Health, North America, in his duties as President of the American Society of Safety Engineers during its centennial year. Darryl continues to work tirelessly not only to support ABB but also to share skills and experience within a wider community.
Also in the US, Medium Voltage and High Voltage Service did not have a single Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recordable injury for the fifth consecutive year. This is an exceptional achievement, considering all services are carried out under field conditions.
Managers Assistance Program in Australia brings results
ABB in Australia has developed a program of education and
support in safety leadership, change management and progressive compliance, called the "Managers Assistance Program." The program is designed to implement existing systems progressively and to change worker behavior by giving managers clear actions and goals on a month-by-month basis. All actions and deadlines are closely monitored, addressing leadership activities and behavioral improvements in managers and supervisors, as well as compliance. The results have been excellent, with ABB Australia achieving its best safety performance on record. This program of supported change can work in each ABB country, and on a larger scale, and supports all current systems and programs.
Kevlar "Wrap & Strap" safety device improves substation safety
Employee teams at ABB in the US have developed an innovative
way to mitigate the hazard of moving and working near pressurized porcelain insulators used at substations. Kevlar insulator covers have been designed to protect against explosion, which can happen when an insulator with a defect or crack is moved or pressurized. The covers were tested and improved under controlled conditions and are now available for sale to customers.
A systematic approach to UK occupational road safety
To promote the integration of occupational road risk into the day-to-day consideration of their employees, ABB in the UK developed the Road Ahead program. The program has brought together 10 key habits in a systematic approach, with the aim to ensure all personnel driving on company business drive a safe vehicle and are aware of the dangers associated with road travel.
South America – safety awards
ABB in Colombia established an OHS and environment contest to promote a safety and environment culture. Employees are nominated by their peers for the "Eco Safe Hero" award for outstanding contributions. The award scheme has now been adopted in all countries in South America and at the end of 2012 an additional award will be made to the overall winner within the region.
Middle East, India and Africa – raising awareness
Health and safety was the focus of one of our biggest community efforts in 2011. More than 5,000 ABB employees and subcontractors – as well as family members – took part in a week of activities in the Gulf states, India and some parts of Africa to promote greater health and safety awareness and performance in the workplace, at home and on the roads. ABB won the Middle East Electricity Corporate Social Responsibility Award of the Year for our work on continually improving health and safety standards.
As we move into 2012, we commence the next phase of our OHS journey. We have defined a new aspirational vision, moving away from "Stop hurting people" to "Committed to achieving OHS excellence."
Our future strategies are founded upon empowering the many competent people across our organization, encouraging greater autonomy and ownership within businesses, recognizing individual programs and avoiding a “one size fits all” approach, while maintaining clear standards for control and behavior. With everyone’s participation we will continue in our quest for excellence and ever-improving OHS performance.