Launched in 2019, the Leaders in Safety Award is part of a campaign aiming to promote the use of Stop Work Authority (SWA) and cultivate a safe working attitude among Odfjell seafarers. The award, symbolized by the Safe Working Attitude cap, is given to crewmembers who display exemplary performance with regards to safety. While it covers all acts of safety, it gives particular attention to the use of SWA to prevent unsafe work.
Meet our newest Leaders in Safety Awardee:
Messman Reynaldo Lopez understands that reporting near misses is key to keeping our ships safe.
Onboard the ship, it is very important to report near misses because a near miss is a leading indicator to an accident that, if scrutinized and used correctly, can prevent injuries and damages. Collecting near-miss reports helps create a culture that seeks to identify and control hazards; it will also help reduce risks that could lead to accidents and put the crew on harm's way.
Reynaldo Lopez, Messman, Bow Fagus
Able Seaman Joerey Cariño has a high regard for safety. He always sees to it that he wears appropriate personal protective equipment and follows procedures. He works in accordance with safety regulations not only for himself, but also for the safety of his colleagues. He does not hesitate to stop unsafe acts.
"I am humbled to be chosen as a Leaders in Safety awardee. I am thankful to our management team and officers for the recognition, and to my colleagues for the support. We do our job in line with our safety culture, and I encourage my fellow crewmembers to continue doing so until their next vessel assignment. Again, thank you, and may this be an inspiration for all of us to put safety first, always."
Joerey Cariño, Able Seaman, Bow Pioneer
Able Seaman Julius Deleña sets an example on how to work safely. He is attentive during pre-work talk, and carefully studies how to do every job safely and properly. He makes sure that what he does is right and safe, and ensures that his colleagues are safe, too. He does not hesitate to share his knowledge with colleagues, particularly the cadets and the newly signed-on crew.
"I am thankful to receive this safety award. I am also thankful to my colleagues for the safety reminders. It is not a safety practice to keep things to ourselves. We should continue to look out for each other, especially when there are new crewmembers and trainees on board who need our guidance. I encourage everyone not only to share their knowledge and experience but also to accept advice and reminder even from the neophytes."
Julius Deleña, Able Seaman, Bow Pioneer
Pumpman Joselito Perdigon possesses a good attitude towards safety, setting an example to fellow seafarers on board. His work shows that he does not compromise on safety, and that he does his part in maintaining a safe and sound environment on board.
“I am very thankful for this award. For me, this is not just about being included in the group of Leaders in Safety. It symbolizes a crew's safe working attitude, not only for his safety but also for the safety of his colleagues on board. Here in Odfjell, we work hand, like one family, minding each other's safety. We plan, we do pre-work talk, and we accept suggestions to carry out every task in the safest manner. I am proud to be part of a company that sets the standard for safety.”
Joselito Perdigon, Pumpman, Bow Pioneer
Motorman Melchor Clyde Salvador shows how proper communication contributes to safety. He does not start a task without confirming that he got the instructions right and that he has a clear understanding of what needs to be done. He listens to suggestions from his peers, and accepts criticism.
"It is an honor for me to receive the Leaders in Safety award. Because of an experience in not following safety procedures, I learned a very important lesson which taught me to wear appropriate self -protection at all times and to follow procedures and instructions to be able to work properly and safely. Accidents that can both cause a disability and cost us our job happen in the blink of an eye. We must always be careful and avoid being complacent at work, so we can come home to our families in one piece."
Melchor Clyde Salvador, Motoman, Bow Pioneer
Motoman Zaldy Segovia's safe working attitude reflects on how he strives to follow procedures in every task assigned to him. He can also be counted on to stop any unsafe work.
“Thank you to all my colleagues who are always there to support me and remind me to be safe at all times. This award is totally unexpected, but it motivates and at the same time challenges me to do my best in keeping myself away from accidents and in maintaining safety at work. Being mindful at work, using the appropriate PPE at all times, and following procedures are the keys to a smooth and safe outcome for every task. And we should not hesitate to stop working if the situation gets bad. I believe stopping will not slow down the work, but rather help in the long run because accidents are avoided.”
Zaldy Segovia, Motoman, Bow Pioneer
Chief Cook Nilo Albento understands that as head of the galley, he is responsible for the safety and actions of the rest of the galley personnel. It is a responsibility that he takes seriously and is proud of.
“As a department head, I understand that I have a big responsibility, including the safety of the Messmen. I always remind them to be careful when performing their tasks. I also share some knowledge and lessons with them, so they are prepared when they take this position. I am thankful for this acknowledgment, and I will continue to do my best in keeping our ships safe.”
Nilo Albento, Chief Cook, Bow Orion
In the ten years that Messman Lemards Barrantes has worked with Odfjell, he has witnessed and experienced unsafe work in the galley. Such experience taught him to stand up for safety, both in being proactive about it and in stopping unsafe work.
“My experience taught me that my safety and the safety of my colleagues should always come first. So even before we do our tasks in the galley, we see to it that any hazards have been eliminated. And if I see that something is still unsafe, I immediately correct it. So far, it has worked and nothing bad has happened to me or my colleagues.”
Lemards Barrantes, Messman, Bow Orion
Pumpman Ruel Dacillo recognizes that as a senior petty officer, he is in a position to help ensure the safety of his colleagues on deck, especially the younger ones and those new to this type of job. Fellow crewmembers can depend on him not only for technical knowledge, but also for life learnings as an experienced sailor.
“There are hazards in almost everything that we do on board, so I always remind my fellow crewmembers, especially the younger ones, to be proactive about their safety. That's how you will establish a career in this industry. I also share with them some of my experiences that I think can help them with their career. I was once a neophyte myself, so I really like to see them safe so they can be successful.”
Ruel Dacillo, Pumpman, Bow Orion
Engine Boy Leomar Dela Cruz cares a lot about his safety so he always wears full and proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Having the same regard for the safety of his colleagues, he does not hesitate to call the attention of anyone who lacks any PPE, even if they are more experienced than him. He has reminded various colleagues to wear googles, chemical-resistant face shield, and helmet.
As an engine boy, my lack of experience is not a hindrance to promote safety attitude. I do this to protect not only myself but also everyone onboard from accidents.
Leomar Dela Cruz, Engine Boy, Bow Orion
Chief Cook Napilot tasked a Messman to help him bring up some defrosted meat from the provision store lobby. The vessel was slightly rolling then, yet the Messman climbed the stairs carrying the loaded provision tray without holding the stair's railings for support. Seeing that this might cause the Messman to slip on the stairs and fall, the Chief Cook stopped him and assisted him in lifting the said loaded provision tray, preventing a possible accident.
Prior commencing any task assigned to you, make sure all safety measures are in place and that you are in a safe working environment while performing the job. Also, be physically and mentally ready before heading to work. Maintain a positive attitude that you will be able to complete the task in an orderly and safe manner. Mostly importantly, keep in mind that your family needs you.
Glen Napilot, Chief Cook, Bow Gemini
By displaying a safe working attitude, OS Gumaya has helped maintain a workplace that is free from harm. During his safety rounds while on a 12 MN - 4 AM duty on December 31 last year, he discovered a bunker spill coming from the bunker line because of an unexpected leak. He immediately acted on it, reporting the situation to the Officer of the Watch (OOW) and raising the alarm to alert the crew and prevent the spill from going outboard.
The safety practice that I can share with my fellow Odfjell seafarers is to always be proactive and attentive.
Aaron Lloyd Gumaya, Ordinary Seaman, Bow Saga
AB Rubi is an experienced seafarer who never takes a chance on safety. He makes sure that he brings and uses only the correct tools for a specific job. Before starting on a task, he conducts an informal task risk assessment, engaging anyone he is supposed to work with.
A good safety attitude starts by knowing the job well. It is important that you learn as much as you can about the task at hand, identify the hazards and understand their consequences, know the preventive actions, and prepare the necessary protection. And know your co-workers, too.
Edito Rubi, Jr., Able Seaman, Bow Odyssey
Engine Boy Rodrigo is as serious about his job as he is about safety. He thinks through instructions before working on a task, always participates in discussions and does not hesitate to raise questions whenever he is in doubt. He always wears full and proper personal protective equipment (PPE): he puts on earmuffs even if he is just to mop the floor in the Engine Room.
Safety is not just about yourself; it is also about others, and your environment. Working safe is paying attention during pre-work talk, carefully analyzing how to do a job, and securing the workplace when the job is done. For me, what's important is not how fast I finish a task, but how safe my practices are. We do not compromise on safety when we do not take shortcuts.
Mark Anthony Rodrigo, Engine Boy, Bow Odyssey
Congratulations to our champions of safety! Thank you for making Odfjell a safer place to work.
