Human and Organizational Performance theory will be a central theme at event in Banff
As the energy sector gears up for the annual Energy Safety Conference, set to unfold in Banff, Alberta, from April 29 to May 2, all eyes are on the evolving landscape of safety practices within the industry. One central focus of the conference will be on Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) theory.
“We've got number of global experts that really point to this as the one conference in Canada that is really leading the way on human and organizational performance,” says Murray Elliott, president and CEO of Energy Safety Canada, one of The Best Work Safety Training in Canada awardee.
Elliott says Energy Safety Canada has been on a journey over the past five years of exploring HOP principles. He underscores the industry's historical commitment to safety but notes a plateau in improvement, signaling the need for innovative approaches to drive the next phase of progress.
“It's about a different way of engaging the workforce and a different way of approaching things in order to make that next step change," explains Elliott. He says HOP has a strong scientific foundation and has the potential to propel safety initiatives beyond conventional boundaries.
"Our industry has always been leaders in safety," he states, noting the sector's comparative safety record. However, he emphasized the necessity of decluttering safety systems and redirecting focus towards mitigating high-energy hazards effectively.
Elliott says the energy sector has an issue with procedural clutter, where lengthy documents obscure critical safety measures. "We've worked with companies that have had fatalities, and we'll have a 17-page procedure," he shares. "The actual critical things...are just three lines in the middle of this."
Addressing attitudes toward HOP theory within the industry, Elliott acknowledges a spectrum of responses, from enthusiastic adoption to initial curiosity and occasional resistance. However, he noted a common thread of engagement when frontline workers are involved in discussions, underscoring the importance of leadership in driving positive outcomes.
Looking ahead to the conference, Elliott is optimistic about the impact it will have on attendees. "We're really close to sold out," he warns, if anyone is still sitting on the fence, unsure about attending.
Elliott encourages prospective attendees to seize the opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in safety practices. "This is being dubbed by many experts as the place to come to learn about innovative next steps in safety in Canada.”
With preparations in full swing, the Energy Safety Conference stands poised to ignite conversations, foster collaboration, and HOP towards a safer sector.
