A Safety Program is much more than a CMMS

Some Sites Have Figured it Out

Having just arrived at a customer site, I was sitting through a mandatory CBT course. One of the sessions covered was safety and hazard awareness. I got the impression that this site was serious about their safety culture. Later that week I had a chance to talk with the HSE Manager. I asked, “How do you convince the working level to always report near-misses?” The HSE Manager said he recognizes this area to be a challenge. But he personally takes each new hire out to dinner during the first week. It is during this moment that he gets to know the person, and then explains the importance of safety to the organization.

 HSE can have a Broad Meaning

Aside from different spellings of the acronym (e.g. SHE, EHS), this abbreviation can include multiple topics. Examples include permitting, environmental controls, regulatory requirements, compliance, quality control, process safety, risk management, management of change, root cause analysis, defect elimination and even operations shift turnover.

 The CMMS Software Has a Purpose

Everytime you buy another software package there are costs to maintain going forward. And if integration is required, then that too has a cost. Although there are many standalone products that do a great job of tracking and reporting of HSE data, wouldn’t it make sense to consolidate this functionality into the CMMS? In order to generate reports you need validated data. The Person records, as well as, Locations/Assets and Safety Plans are already in the CMMS. Plus, the CMMS core team has experience in running analytical reports which could help identify recurring issues associated wth accidents, incidents and near-misses.

Best Practices are Needed for CMMS Utilization

Sure there are safety fields. But the real magic lies in how you promote safety awareness within the CMMS utilization. Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for example is not a software feature. Rather it is a responsibility of the shift lead (e.g. Maintenance Supervisor) to conduct a JHA. Other examples of how the CMMS is best utilized in support of safey is found here.

Wearable Technologies can Enhance Safety

Companies are evaluating the possibilities of deploying wearable devices in day-to-day operations to improve safety and efficiency. This technology offers real-time monitoring of staff and equipment to ensure their safety by providing them with audiovisual assistance. Wearable devices can augment natural human capabilities, such as enhanced vision or smell. These features can be designed into the hardhats, provided as smart glasses, and/or wristbands to provide wireless connectivity, artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR). 

 Drone Technology can Enhance Safety

Linear asset inspections can be enhanced using drone technology. An unmanned aerial system (UAS) enable the capture of asset condition. This type of solution helps to access difficult points, increase data reporting, and analysis such as with high resolution photographic data. Utilities could potentially complete 20 or more tower inspections per person, per day. This enables utilities to proactively identify risks while improving safety and lowering costs.

 Digital Twin Technology

During the planning, design, and construction phase, the creation of digital twins can be used to optimize design and reduce the risk of poor construction through simulation. Digital twins can also improve logistics and communication within the supply chain to help optimize schedule and budget. Operators can also gain insight when inputs from connected devices, such as drones that deliver continuous surveys to provide real-time tracking. This transparency helps owner-operators prioritize and improve maintenance or upgrades. Lastly, digital twin technology allows for what-if simulations whereby reliability leaders can anticipate problems and solutions.

A Safety Culture is Much More than Technology

Lets be clear. A culture of safety extends much beyond the technology, no matter where it comes from. The “culture of safety” is a mindset where worker awareness, such as competency to operate the equipment, the knowledge to perform presicion maintenance, adhere to procedures, and provide feedback when anomalies are found.

Sustaining Excellence with a Safety Program

The goal is to identify all risks and hazards and make this known to the working level. In the performance of operating and maintaining the equipment, the technician should be informed of necessary precautions as well as mistake proofing. When a safety program is well-executed and well-maintained, it becomes part of a company’s core values and culture. Lastly, it is always important to reinforce concepts with: