Operator Staffing Changes (before you make the change)

Your plant is expanding and you are adding equipment. Which operator is going to take on the additional workload? Assuming you got a workload score on all of your existing positions and identified which position will take on the new workload, how can you be certain that the operator can safely manage an abnormal situation like loss of power and safely bring the plant down to a safe state? Has the additional workload or changes in equipment caused any changes that impact the operators ability to manage abnormal situations?

Just like an MOC is a critical process when you have equipment changes it is best practice to do the same type of examination before you make a change in staffing. It could be an addition to workload, it can be a change in tasks, or a major change like adding a new section of the plant on top of the existing workload for a particular position. The HSE named this a MOOC (Management of Organizational Change).

We adopted the HSE method and made it specific to industrial operators. We use a systematic approach that follows a structured methodology to ensure that changes within organizations do not adversely affect health and safety.

First thing that needs to happen is a workload analysis. This will measure the position to benchmark the current workload and then a case is run to assess what the workload score will be if the addition of equipment were added. If the workload is manageable we move to the MOOC study. This is similar to a HAZOP:

• A team is formalized
• Specific abnormal situations are identified for evaluation based on the responsibility of that position, the equipment, and process conditions that will have an impact on the performance of the operator.
• We assess how the operator of that position currently manages the predefined abnormal situations (before the workload change).
• We use a ladder assessment to assess whether the operator can still bring the plant back to a safe state if the changes were in effect.
• We evaluate and document any issues related to identifying the situation, managing the situation, and ensure no issues impact safety.

We offer a 2-day training class on how to do this and adopt it as your own, we offer staffing studies to benchmark operator workload, and we provide MOOC assessments. If you have made workload changes over the years and not sure if your operators can manage abnormal situations like loss of power we can provide an assessment and train you at the same time. More info:

https://mycontrolroom.com/services/management-of-organizational-change/

By following this methodology, organizations can effectively manage the risks associated with change and ensure that health and safety remain a priority throughout the transition. Our approach underscores the importance of proactive planning, stakeholder involvement, and a commitment to ongoing monitoring and improvement in the context of organizational change.

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smaddox@mycontrolroom.com