Setting new EHS benchmarks

P NAGARAJAN, HEAD

EHS, B&F IC

Sometimes, we wonder whether we are performing well? Whether we are climbing the ladder of EHS performance? Whether our performance is comparable to that of global players? There are multiple answers one may get for these queries since we have a mature EHS Management System (EHSMS) with a measurement matrix to monitor EHS performance proactively and reactively for all processes at the workplace. For example, there is the Proactive EHS Performance Monitoring System (PPMS) of employees and workplace performance with measuring tools such as internal audits, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Critical Area Safety Audits, and reactive indicators such as frequency rates, severity rates, safe manhours, and such like.

THANKS TO THE EXPOSURE TO AUDIT PROCESSES, LEARNINGS AND OTHER GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES, WE HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED OUR EHS PERFORMANCE WHICH IS NOW ARGUABLY COMPARABLE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.

However, these do not entirely answer our question as to how we measure up to global standards and practices. Thus, to find some more answers, we started the British Safety Council’s Five Star Audits five years ago, which is the globally recognized audit process to benchmark Occupational Health & Safety performance standards.

In this cycle of five years, we have exposed more than 50 projects as part of the audit process that has given us key insights into our EHS standards. With these key learnings, we revised our EHSMS and re-deployed it across all B&F projects.

SIGNIFICANT BENCHMARK STANDARDS

Thanks to the exposure to these audit processes, learnings, and other global best practices, we have significantly improved our EHS performance which is now arguably comparable with international standards.

RISK PROFILING

A risk-based approach has been adopted across all our projects that depends on the nature of the project, activities, & scale of operations and the risk profile is derived from the master risk register. Accordingly, collective protection / controls are planned for the high-risk areas identified in the risk profile, that are specially focused on and frequently monitored for compliance.

WORKING AT HEIGHT

Perhaps, working at height is one of the highest risk operations within B&F as we construct high-rise towers of up to 300 m and more. Various controls have been introduced to manage the hazards of working at heights like leading edge protection, opening protection, peripheral protection before casting the slabs, and more. Safety screens and the Auto Climbing System (ACS) are considered 100% safe as we have not recorded a single incident after adopting these.

A daily fall protection tracker verifies all these controls basis which details of floor-wise number of openings and running meter of edges are ascertained. The compliance to the daily fall protection tracker is displayed at the entrance of each building and even discussed at project, Cluster, and IC levels.

MODULAR MEP SERVICE SHAFT PROTECTION

The collecting protection system such as covering of openings, rails and locking arrangements, etc., are ensured at floor openings. However, once the building structure is completed and the finishing works begins, this protection needs to be removed to enable the work of other services. This process can pose severe hazards and although several administrative controls are in place like handing and taking over from civil and MEP teams, permit systems, and the like, there are still chances that there could be slips to address which, we evolved a new idea and developed a modular service shaft protection, that does not have to be removed when the finishing starts.

This system can easily be fabricated at projects and have been implemented at most B&F sites based on the detailed drawings shared with the projects.

A MICRO LEVEL BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN HAS BEEN INTEGRATED INTO THE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN AS TO HOW BUSINESS CAN CONTINUE WHEN FACED WITH EMERGENCIES, EITHER MEDICAL OR SOME OTHER FORM.

WELLBEING MEASURES

With our focus on Health & Safety including the wellbeing of workmen, we have introduced platforms for them to share their concerns like the ‘Touch the Heart’ sessions, meetings, and trainings. A bottom-up approach that starts with their wellbeing, this programme is all about lifestyle modification workshops, health surveillance, stress management programs, and the like, achieved by establishing suitable objectives and monitoring them for compliance.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY

Earlier, we had emergency responses but now they are considered a part of business continuity, about how well prepared we are to handle emergencies and maintain business as usual with minimum disruptions when an emergency scenario arises. A micro level business continuity plan has been integrated into the Emergency Response Plan as to how business can continue when faced with emergencies, either medical or some other form. For example: in a fire emergency, the plan details out the possible locations where fire may occur and accordingly, how those locations can be isolated to prevent the fire from spreading and, at the same time, work can continue at other locations.

As we are into our 6th year, we are preparing for a Stringent, Stimulating and Series of audits for Safer and Sustained performance.

IN THIS CYCLE OF FIVE YEARS, WE HAVE EXPOSED MORE THAN 50 PROJECTS AS PART OF THE AUDIT PROCESS THAT HAS GIVEN US KEY INSIGHTS INTO OUR EHS STANDARDS. WITH THESE KEY LEARNINGS, WE REVISED OUR EHSMS AND RE-DEPLOYED IT ACROSS ALL B&F PROJECTS.

GEARING UP FOR BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL’S FIVE STAR AUDIT – 2021

Projects for the 2021–22 audits have been shortlisted based on various criteria including proactive and reactive EHS performance and these projects will be audited (as mock audits) virtually to prepare for and comply with the BSC Five Star Audit specifications.

As part of continual improvement, BSC has revised the Five Star audit specifications and the key changes include changing ‘Crisis Management’ to ‘Business Resilience and Recovery’, focused on lone working and infection control. The audits are likely to start in September 2021 and will be conducted only virtually because of the pandemic.

B&F won as many as 8 ‘Swords of Honor’ last year. With our improved EHS performance, we are aiming for greater EHS glory this year.