“Switched on to safety excellence”
The “Switched on to safety excellence” (SSE) programme was
launched in June 2007. The programme addresses the key
findings of a safety management review by an internationally
recognised safety consultancy. The objectives of this threeyear
programme are to:
- achieve a sustainable culture of excellence based on enhanced
safety management by reinforcing teamwork and by increasing
operational discipline and applying the skills learnt
- customise and adapt the existing safety management systems
and protocols focusing on best practice
- equip leadership with the knowledge and tools to drive
Eskom’s safety culture transformation
In an effort to speed up change throughout the organisation, we
implemented a behaviour-based safety observation tool. Senior
leadership training, aimed at strategic and operational aspects
of effectively managing safety, was completed. The outcome
of the training is evident in increased leadership visibility and
commitment, comprehensive safety improvement planning and
the inclusion of safety key priorities in day-to-day line management
responsibilities. In addition, a culture of zero tolerance for noncompliance
is steadily developing.
The increased leadership commitment was demonstrated
via national and regional work stoppages to reinforce the
importance of safety – in particular, high risk activities.
Leadership visibility and commitment will remain a key priority.
This is essential during times of extreme work pressures, as
is currently the case. No operating condition or urgency of
service can justify endangering the life of anyone.
Contractor and construction management
Eskom has established divisional contractor forums, partnering
with contractors to address safety, health and environmental
concerns. This has improved contractor health and safety and
there appears to be a shift towards health and safety compliance.
Strict controls are, nevertheless, required.
We are conducting research to determine the true causation
of construction accidents to assist in pro-actively identifying
mechanisms to curtail the number of contractor-related
incidents.
Electrical and plant safety
The number of electrical contact fatalities increased from four to
five, and electrical contact injuries decreased to 25 in comparison
to the 30 reported in 2006/07. Electrical contact injuries involving
contractor employees remain unchanged at one. Electrical
related fatal incidents involving members of the public have sadly
increased to 32 in comparison to the 27 reported last year.
In response to this poor performance, Eskom engaged the services
of an international electrical specialist to evaluate electrical
safety, as well as behavioural safety programmes. Changes were
made to the Eskom electrical training material and standards to
incorporate some of the recommendations made. Continued
monitoring of the new training needs and compliance with the
revised standards will be the focus for the next financial year.
Occupational hygiene
Approved inspection authority (AIA) verifications to evaluate
occupational hygiene programmes were conducted at 11 power
stations. An occupational hygiene laboratory was established at
Eskom’s research and innovation department (ERID) as part of
the Eskom-approved inspection authority function. Plans to have
comprehensive baseline and continual health risk assessments
completed for the business remain a challenge, and will be the
focus for the next financial year.
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Click here for information about noise-induced hearing loss.
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Vehicle safety
Vehicle safety remains an important focus area within Eskom due
to the high number of fatalities. Two awareness campaigns and
a work stoppage were initiated to reinforce adherence to road
safety and change general driver behaviour. With this being one
of our key risk areas, the focus for the coming year will be on
enhancing general driver behaviour through our “fit for purpose”
training interventions to equip our drivers with advanced and
defensive driving skills. With the long distances travelled by Eskom
employees, technologies available to assess driver fatigue are also
being researched for implementation.
Public safety
Public safety remains a major focus area. Safety campaigns to
increase public awareness were rolled out in various media
(television, radio, advertisements and billboards) and included
school visits and the handout of safety-related gifts. Promotional
materials that carry an Eskom safety message were sent to our
operations for distribution to members of the public.
In response to load shedding, Eskom has embarked on an
awareness campaign aimed at the safe usage of alternative energy
sources such as generators, natural gas and paraffin.
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Click here for information about educational material created on the use of gas appliances and generators. |
Nuclear safety performance
Eskom’s nuclear safety performance as measured by an
international safety index (INPO safety index) has shown
improvement since mid-2006 and is currently below the
median level.
The safety system performance has been maintained
in the top quartile when measured against the latest
information on pressurised water reactors of similar
design.
Koeberg’s performance is calculated monthly using the
World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO)
performance indicator procedures. The results are
benchmarked against the latest quarterly results from
this body.
Eskom’s Nuclear Safety Inspectorate group performs
monthly and six-monthly nuclear safety reviews of the
nuclear programme. These, coupled with the regular
reviews performed by WANO, are part of our ongoing
commitment to nuclear safety.
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