Final Part! Charting an HSE Professional: My Internship Journey

Hi!

As my internship draws to a close, I'm filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude for the invaluable experiences I've gained. These final two months have been packed with activities, culminating in a deeper understanding of HSE practices and a stronger commitment to promoting health and safety within the workplace.

ISO 9001:2015 - Quality Management System

One of the challenges I faced this month involved sourcing quotations from training providers for interpretation and internal auditing courses for Elsa staff members. This task directly contributed to the development of Elsa's workforce by identifying qualified providers for courses related to ISO 9001:2015, the international standard for Quality Management Systems (QMS). QMS focuses on establishing a framework for continuous improvement within an organization by ensuring consistent quality in processes, products, and services.

Even though I am not directly involved in QMS training, researching training providers provided valuable exposure to this important system.? Understanding the principles of QMS indirectly connects to safety practices because consistent and well-defined processes are essential for mitigating risks and maintaining a safe work environment for continuous improvement.

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Hazard Identification Reporting (HIR) Program

Remember the analysis of data that I did for the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Blood Pressure Checking Program? This time, I was entrusted with the task of tabulating and cleaning up data collected through the Hazard Identification Reporting (HIR) Program from 2022 to 2024. The HIR Program is a proactive safety initiative that encourages the identification and reporting of potential hazards not just at Elsa's facilities but also in public facilities and client facilities associated with Elsa's projects.? This program extends Elsa's commitment to safety beyond its own employees and encompasses the broader community.

However, simply collecting data is not enough.? By meticulously organizing and analyzing historical data on potential hazards, I played a vital role in transforming raw data into actionable insights.? This process allows for the identification of trends and areas for improvement within the company's safety protocols. For example, the data might reveal a recurring type of hazard in a specific area, prompting a targeted safety intervention.? By cleaning up the data and making it usable, I contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of potential safety risks, ultimately leading to a safer work environment for everyone at Elsa and beyond.

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Fire Extinguisher Inspection

Inspecting fire extinguishers is important for ensuring workplace safety, especially when there is fire. I was given an opportunity to inspect all fire extinguishers for Elsa HQ. The nozzle, hose, locking pin, and handle conditions are key aspects when it comes to fire extinguisher inspection. Also, the corrosion and cracks of cylinder need to be included in order to identify any signs of wear and tear. Additionally, ensuring easy access to fire extinguishers, verifying their expiration dates, and checking for signs of vandalism are essential steps in safeguarding the premises.

Urine Drug Test (UDAT)

Maintaining a safe work environment extends beyond physical hazards. I had the unique opportunity to assist in conducting Urine Drug Tests (UDAT) on 12 randomly selected employees at the Elsa HQ and Elsa MRANTI Park.? A Urine Drug Test is a non-invasive test used to detect the presence of illegal drugs in an individual's system.? Elsa Energy's commitment to a drug-free workplace is stated in Substance Misuse Policy that shows their commitment in the safety and well-being of all employees by mitigating the risks associated with substance abuse.? It's important to note that only an Assistant Medical Review Officer (AMRO) certified by Academy of Occupational & Environmental Health Medicine Malaysia can conduct these tests. Responsibilities of an AMRO include maintaining chain of custody to minimize the risk of contamination, interpreting test, and maintaining confidentiality by protecting the privacy of employees undergoing the testing process. Elsa Energy's commitment to a drug-free workplace helps to ensure the safety and well-being of all employees in several ways:

• Reduced Risk of Accidents: Substance abuse can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Employees under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not be able to react quickly or safely in an emergency situation, potentially putting themselves and their colleagues at risk. For example, an intoxicated employee operating heavy machinery could cause a serious accident, injuring themselves or others.
• Enhanced Productivity and Performance: Drug and alcohol use can also negatively impact an employee's focus, concentration, and decision-making abilities. This can lead to decreased productivity, errors in judgment, and a higher risk of incidents. By maintaining a drug-free workplace, Elsa Energy helps to ensure that employees are working at their full potential and contributing to a safe and productive work environment.
• Improved Company Culture: A drug-free workplace fosters a culture of trust and accountability among employees. When employees know that substance abuse will not be tolerated, they are more likely to feel comfortable reporting unsafe practices or potential hazards. This open communication helps to create a safer work environment for everyone.

Hand & Finger Injury Prevention Campaign

Building upon the momentum of the previous month, I continued my involvement in the Hand and Finger Injury Prevention Campaign. Collaborating with Alif Zikry Roslan , we assisted in planning the Hand & Finger Injury Prevention Video Competition. We constructed the competition details, including the development of a captivating poster to invite employees to join the competition where they can showcase their creativity. An invitation email was made to encourage participation and outlined the competition's terms and conditions.

To further emphasize the significance of this campaign, I proactively presented an awareness sharing session during our recent HSE Monthly Meeting, focusing on the prevention of hand and finger injuries in an office setting. I integrated findings from my mini-project on office ergonomics to highlight the correlation between improper working posture and musculoskeletal discomfort, which can often lead to hand and finger injuries. This presentation provided valuable insights into the importance of ergonomic practices in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment despite in an office environment.

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

This month also involved overseeing the distribution of newly arrived PPE. After conducting inspections and relocating the PPE, including safety helmets, eyewear, boots, coveralls, and gloves, I assisted in distributing these essential items to employees who require them for their field work. Ensuring that employees are equipped with the appropriate PPE is crucial in safeguarding them from potential hazards and risks associated with their job duties.

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Mercury Handling Training for Well Intervention Activities

Given an opportunity by client in the Mercury Handling Training for Well Intervention Activities, which I believe this can enhance my understanding of specific HSE challenges. This training covered essential aspects of mercury monitoring and decontamination strategies, both online and offline methods for personnel and equipment decontamination, and the appropriate handling of mercury-containing waste according to local regulations. By understanding the potential hazards associated with mercury exposure and the proper procedures for handling and disposing of mercury-containing materials, I gained valuable knowledge that will be instrumental in my future career.

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Asset Management

To improve the tracking and management of critical safety assets, I contributed to asset tagging for first aid kits, alcohol detector equipment, air quality monitoring equipment, and blood pressure machines. This process enhances the organization and efficiency of the HSE department in managing these essential resources.

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End of Internship Tenure

Before my last day of internship, I prepared and submitted a work handover checklist to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities. I also presented my final internship presentation to the visiting lecturer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Irniza Rasdi, my on-site supervisor, Christyne Moosom, along with my another HSE comrade, Afiqah Nur Najihah . This presentation provided an opportunity to reflect on my experiences, achievements, and the knowledge gained throughout my internship.

My internship journey has been an whirlwind learning experience that has equipped me good HSE principles and practices. Key takeaways I have gained during my internship journey include:

• Importance of Documentation: Keeping thorough records of all activities isn't just about compliance with local authorities like DOSH; it's about creating a valuable resource that supports every aspect of our work. Documentation serves as concrete evidence of our efforts and achievements, which is essential during submissions and inspections. Also, it's a powerful tool for tracking our HSE KPI and HSE Plan, helping us stay on course and measure our progress. Good documentation practices also foster transparency, streamline communication, and make it easier to share insights and lessons learned with the team. In short, documenting our work diligently sets us up for success and continuous improvement.
• Information Delivery: Involving various formats, visuals, and approaches will attract participants, especially in order to improving HSE awareness at a workplace. It is also important to cater our target audience whenever we are delivering our speech and presentation by using layman terms or simple language that anyone can understand and avoid using jargons as the audience that we are presenting to comes from various fields and backgrounds.
• Project & Time Management: Staying organized and managing your time effectively is crucial for getting things done on schedule. One way to do this is by jotting down tasks on sticky notes or tracking them in an Excel sheet. This helps prioritize your work, set deadlines, and keep an eye on your progress. Regularly reviewing our task list and adjusting priorities as needed ensures that nothing gets overlooked. By staying on top of things, we can keep our work on track, reduce stress, and boost our overall productivity.
• Open to Communication: Never hesitate to ask questions and be open to communication if you're unsure about something. This is especially important for fresh graduates who are still gaining knowledge and experience in the workforce. By reaching out and engaging with experienced professionals, we can significantly boost our understanding and skills. Remember, every question asked is a step towards becoming more knowledgeable and confident in our career.

I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute to various campaigns and initiatives. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all my colleagues at Elsa for sharing their invaluable knowledge, experience, and tips not only limited on HSE matters, also on other matters including soft skills enhancement and how the upstream oil & gas business operates involving subsurface geoscience, production optimization, and wells services from exploration to decommissioning. The knowledge and skills I have gained will indeed serve as a strong platform for my future career in the field of health, safety, and environment.

Thank you for following my immersive internship journey!