The maritime industry, and in particular the chemical tanker segment, has the most stringent regulations translated into and reflected in company procedures. These regulations - and in turn our procedures - are products of years of effort in improving the safety of the workplace and the well-being of seafarers.
Work and safety procedures are designed to protect you, not to make your jobs complicated. We have all these guidelines in place to make you feel safe at work, not to make you feel uneasy while performing your tasks. There is no room for shortcuts.
At a glance, shortcuts do seem to offer convenience or efficiency. Not having your helmet strapped can save you from the uncomfortable feeling of sweat forming under your chin. Skipping Task Risk Assessment (TRA) for a task you have done in the past can mean some free time for you.
But if you look at it closely, the advantages you get from taking shortcuts are only for the short-term. It may be comfortable to wear your helmet without the strap on; but the tendency of a hanging strap to get caught on something is rather more inconvenient, and poses risks to your safety. A job that went wrong because some risks were not managed will mean having to re-do it, and therefore spending more time accomplishing it.
Whenever you are tempted to take a shortcut in doing your tasks, remember that the procedures are there not only to guide but also to protect you.
And always remember to see the bigger picture: There are no shortcuts to coming home safe.
Harald Bauck
VP Risk Management
The statement I never take shortcuts is derived from the Odfjell 2020 calendar. These statements are excerpts from our description of HSSE Excellence, and are recommended as themes for the General Safety Meeting.
