Driving safety performance through behavioural change and safety leadership—an update

This paper describes Esso Australia's drive to further improve safety performance in its operations following a survey of 1330 employees and contractors to assess organisational culture, with a specific focus on safety. Organisational culture is widely recognised as a key element to support and sustain an effective safety culture, which in turn drives safety outcomes. The survey examined organisational, team interaction, individual and specific safety factors. Analysis of survey data and feedback obtained through focus groups involving 160 (12 %) survey respondents has identified key improvement opportunities in the areas of leadership, engagement and alignment across the organisation. A comprehensive action plan has been implemented to address the cultural elements that significantly influence safety performance. As a response to the survey Esso has developed the Fundamentals of Safety Leadership Program to engage the hearts and minds of its workplace leaders and to provide them with knowledge, skills and confidence to effectively establish and influence stronger safer behaviours amongst the workforce. This program was completed late in 2010 with over 400 workplace leaders (employees and contractors) having attended the training, and a subsequent phase has commenced in 2011 for the entire workforce including employees and contractors (∼ 1,800 people). Key elements include the development of personal leadership credos and personal safety leadership action plans. Beyond the initial program, there will be ongoing coaching and mentoring for the workplace leadership team. The Fundamentals of Safety Program will be repeated on a five year cycle and has been included in the leader training roadmap.