Safety day is all about reminding everyone how important safety is.
On April 28, 2022, our Captain opened the Safety Day celebration by introducing the life-saving rules that we are going to discuss.
These rules include bypassing safety controls, confined space, driving, energy isolation, hot work, line of fire, mechanical lifting, work authorization, and working at height.
Before the start of the discussion, Captain played the video from the CEO, where the CEO was also emphasizing on how important these life-saving rules are.
The crew were divided into three groups for the activities that will be conducted during the training. The life-saving rules were also divided into three batches: Batch 1 – Bypassing safety control, Confined space, and Driving; Batch 2 – Energy isolation, Hot work, and Line of fire; and Batch 3 – Mechanical lifting, Work authorization, and working at height.
Batch 1
After discussing the slide about Bypassing safety controls on board, the Captain asked the crew to provide instances on board where safety controls are bypassed, and to share their views on why these events occur.
After the groups completed the activity, the crew came into conclusion that some safety equipment need to be reviewed.
“Seafaring is a male-dominated career so it is understandable that most of the PPE are suitable for male body types. Since we have opened our doors to female seafers, the company may need to consider female PPE sets because oftentimes, the PPEs we have on board do not fit a female body type and hence compromise the safety of the person involved.”
The discussion on Confined space focused on identifying and explaining the meaning of confined spaces on board, and on the safety precautions when entering an enclosed space. For Driving, the crew identified factors that may contribute in causing accidents or incidents.
The groups were afterwards assigned one life-saving rule each, and were challenged to come up with a scenario where they can show all possible unsafe practices that are related to the rule assigned to them.
Batch 2
Part of the discussion on Energy isolation was the demonstration by the Electrician, showing the equipment on board that contain tags and locks.
Hot work led to a good discussion, with the crew identifying locations where many safety controls are bypassed, and pointing out unsafe practices that are not in line with the life-saving rules and as such may cause fatal incident.
The facilitator discussed the importance of good housekeeping, securing equipment after use, and following procedures and rules in order to help colleagues keep themselves away from Line of fire.
The groups were afterwards tasked to identify actions they will do to comply with these rules, the habits they will change to comply with the rules, and any practices they will stop doing to uphold the life-saving rules.
Batch 3
Several important items were pointed out during the discussion led by the Captain:
The crew afterwards proceeded with the activity, where each of the groups was given a certain task: to come up with a scenario relevant to the last batch of life-saving rules; identify hazards; and provide safety controls to eliminate the hazards.
Reflection
Upon completion of the discussion of all three batches of life-saving rules, the crew were then asked to reflect on the rules by answering the question: What do these rules mean to me and my future?
“These rules simply mean that safety should be the utmost priority not only at work, but also at home. The rules promote awareness and empower us in assessing risks in our everyday life.”
Dave Rivera, Ordinary Seaman
“Following the nine life-saving rules will secure your own safety and the safety of others. All of us are well-equipped with the knowledge that leaves no room for accidents in our workplace.”
Ronald Dela Cruz, Second Officer
“These nine life-saving rules, if applied, will help improve safety of life on board and safety of my future as a seafarer.”
Anthony Edulan, Deck Boy
“These rules prove to be life-changing, as they show how such a minor task can lead to a major/fatal incident which can cost us our lives. They show how people have become so complacent that they disregard the hazards they may encounter within their work. At the same time they also show us that we can still do better than yesterday, that there’s still room for improvement. If we practice these rules more often, we are in for a better, safer life.”
Harvey Ayupan, ETO Trainee
“These rules remind me to take care of myself and my shipmates. They also educate me on the importance of wearing proper PPE and conducting risk assessment before any critical work is done to eliminate risk of fatal incident. Staying safe is the priority for me and my family.”
Daniel Asumo, Wiper
“As a newly hired crew, I gain more knowledge that I can apply when doing my job. I can use these rules to stay safe so that I will be able to further my career and also use them on other vessels that I’m going to be assigned on.”
Aerol Manibale, Engine Boy
“The rules emphasize the importance of following procedures and working safely. For a future safe from major accidents or fatalities, in addition to the already existing procedures, I intend to follow and apply these rules every day. They are made simple and easy to understand. What I like the most is that as much as they apply in my career, some of them also apply to my life at home. For example, the rule about staying out of the line of fire.”
Alizwa Lugadlalala, Deck Cadet
“These rules mean a lot to me, as they serve as guide for me and help me work safely every day, in order for me to secure a future career on board.”
Kirby Paderes, Messboy
Conclusion
The video message from the Global Head of Ship Management was then played, and the Captain afterwards emphasized the importance of implementing and applying these rules on our day-to-day work. Further, he stressed that consistency and commitment to safety are always the key towards a zero-accident ship.
The Captain concluded the event with words of appreciation to the crew for their participation, and with reminders to stay safe at all times.
As the cliché’ says, “Safety doesn’t take a vacation because danger doesn’t have a holiday”, we took some time off amidst our hectic port schedules to celebrate World Day for Safety and Health at Work with the theme “Save Lives, Save Futures” promoting the importance of Life-Saving Rules.
“Timely and crucial”, said Captain Mely Junio as he emphasized the importance of these Life-Saving Rules especially during port and cargo operations on his introduction.
The program was led by Safety Equipment Officer Rhiann Mark Belgira with the special participation of Bow Orion’s SMT, paving the way in cultivating the rules in each crew member’s consciousness, and inspiring them to effectively incorporate the rules into their daily work and routine.
“Not only do we need these Life-Saving Rules for our day-to-day work; we also need them for our life,” said Third Officer Belgira during one of the discussions. “We do not simply read them to you so you can follow them. These rules have long been here to safeguard us and see to it that we, by all means, can come home safely and enjoy life,” he added.
This year’s safety day program focused on various outputs and group activities that the crew enjoyed so much. These group activities highlighted the collaboration and teamwork among the crew, especially with safety-related goals. Everyone created such impressive outputs with great enthusiasm, and spoke about safety such that the rest can relate and impart their own experiences.
“Safety permits and checklists are not just pieces of paper with some random signatures. These are actually crucial in providing us with the proper planning, right execution and the safeguards to be followed during each task and these must never be neglected,” said Ordinary Seaman Jason Bucu when asked about the importance of safety permits and checklists prior to commencing any critical tasks.
“Proper planning and complying with these permits and checks consume a lot of time, but if we don’t do them, then we may lose all the time that we have and that is one tragic story,” he emphasized.
The program concluded with the giving of safety day tokens to the crew as a reminder of their commitment and eagerness to follow and adopt the Life-Saving Rules for a safe working environment. Captain Junio also emphasized what Harald Fotland, Chief Operating Officer said in the parting words: “Look after yourself, look after each other, and be a contributor to Odfjell’s high safety standards.”
“The World Day for Safety and Health at Work celebration not only introduced these important rules; it also made our bond and teamwork towards safety-related goals stronger onboard,” said Engine Boy Randiobar San Jose of his first experience of safety day in Odfjell.
It was a sunny afternoon on the 28th day of April as all crewmembers of Bow Triumph gathered at the crew dayroom for the celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work. The Master welcomed the crew and introduced the theme Life-Saving Rules and explained how this campaign can help us improve our safety performance in our everyday activities onboard. A video message from CEO Kristian Mørch was shown; he explained that the rules are implemented to enhance our risk awareness, shape our attitude towards procedures and safe work, take care of ourselves and others, and save lives.
Chief Officer Mark Gabriel Arrey afterwards gave a brief overview of the nine Life-Saving Rules. These rules are then divided into a three-part discussion.
The first three Life-Saving Rules—Bypassing safety controls, Confined space and Driving—were discussed by Chief Officer, followed by the group activity Tableau.
The crew was divided into three groups, and each came up with a specific scenario where they showed all possible unsafe practices related to the Life-Saving Rule assigned to them. At the end of the activity, Group 3 was declared the winner.
Third Officer Joebenson Viado discussed the next batch of rules—Energy isolation, Hot work and Line of fire—followed by another group activity, Safety Commitment, where each group shared what they will start, stop, and change to comply with the Life-Saving Rule assigned to them. At the end of the activity, Group 1 was declared the winner.
The last set of rules—Safe mechanical lifting, Work authorization and Working at height—were discussed by Third Officer Dan Cedric Abalayan. The discussion was followed by the final group activity, Bow Tie in Action, where Group 1 shared a specific scenario, Group 2 identified its hazards, and Group 3 provided the safeguards to eliminate the hazards identified by Group 2. Each group had the chance to participate in each task, and examples from experiences and lessons learned were shared. Crew members were also asked to reflect on the significance of these rules on their work onboard and on their personal lives.
During the second part of the program, a video presentation from IOGP was shown to the crew, and they were tasked to identify the life-saving rules applicable to each scenario. The video was played again, and this time, the life-saving rules were highlighted.
In his video message, Global Head of Ship Management Torger Trige reminded the crew that these Life-Saving Rules are implemented in the company to further enhance our attitude towards safety, situational awareness, and safety performance.
After the presentations and discussion, the Master gave the closing remarks, and reminded everyone that the Life-Saving Rules are as applicable to daily life as they are at work. He emphasized that each work cannot start until everyone involved is aware of the life-saving rules and can confirm that these rules are being followed throughout the entire work. He also reminded us to speak up for safety if there is a rule that we cannot understand or follow, and to stop any unsafe practice. Finally, he encouraged us to look after ourselves and each other.
Save lives, save future, and never compromise on safety!
Thirty-seven colleagues joined in the celebration of World Day for Safety and Health at Work in Odfjell Terminals Korea (OTK). The program was formally opened with a speech by outgoing CEO Jong-Kwon Lee, followed by a greeting message by new CEO Jong-Soo Kim. This was followed by the safety pledge, and the viewing of CEO's message.
After the presentation of life-saving rules, employees demonstrated the use of various personal protective equipment.
This was followed by the award ceremony for superior QHSE person.
The celebration was concluded with a closing speech by Jong-Kwon Lee, and a special lunch.
In Bergen, the presentation of the life-saving rules was done in three sessions throughout the day. Interim VP HSSEQ Torbjørn Rogde and Senior Advisor Corporate QHSE Heike Beerbaum led the discussions.
A separate session was conducted early morning as part of the Ship Management Fleet Week.
Competence Administrator Hyacinth Sharma and Instructor/Safety Officer Reny Ortega led the presentation of life-saving rules at Odfjell in the Philippines.
Ortega drew on his seafaring experience in illustrating the importance of the life-saving rules to work and daily life on board and ashore. He shared onboard scenarios where each rule is applicable, then shared daily life situations ashore where colleagues can benefit by following the life-saving rules.
An assessment in the form of a competition followed the discussion. The participants were divided into three groups, and were tasked to identify the life-saving rule applicable to provided situations by showing the icon.
The activity was concluded with the distribution of souvenirs, and the reminder to follow the life-saving rules to save lives, and save futures.
Thank you to everyone—on board, ashore and at the terminals—for the enthusiasm and active participation during the launch of the life-saving rules. Remember: This was only the beginning; the real work-—living by the rules—starts now, and is expected of us every day.
