CH2M HILL Safety Approach
Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS)
ISMS, the U.S. Department of Energy’s programmatic framework for accomplishing work safely, is the basis of our safety management systems. ISMS is the overarching program that unites CH2M HILL, the Hanford Atomic Metal Trades Council, and DOE to integrate the Safe Work Environment, Event Prevention, and Voluntary Protection Program programs. These best practice concepts provide tools and approaches that enhance ISMS implementation and lead to superior safety performance.
ISMS effectively integrates safety management and employee involvement into all facets of equipment and facility design, work planning, and execution. Implementation of ISMS has brought CH2M HILL’s safety record from worst-to-first in the nuclear industry. An important element of ISMS is communication, including the solicitation of feedback. A 2007 survey of staff regarding CH2M HILL’s safety culture produced positive comments. Survey results show that the safety culture at CH2M HILL has shown significant improvement since the 2005 survey. Trust levels are high among work groups and first-line managers. Ninety-nine percent of employees would take action if they observed unsafe conditions.
- While improvement is noted, continued focus is needed to achieve excellent safety performance
- PER process
- Progressive Performance Management process
- Appraisal process
- Management support of Worker’s Compensation process
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ISMS Expectations Poster (883kb) |
Safe Work Environment
The Safe Work Environment (SWE) program provides the essential safety culture attributes, values, and behavioral foundation to allow ISMS to function at its full potential. Involvement of employees and the steady force of management to build these attributes into every task of every day are the foundation for continuing to improve and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.
The SWE attributes are
Commitment: Management maintains and effectively communicates a priority commitment to safety, with clear expectations for the behaviors of all members of the organization regarding safe execution of work. The organization embraces the commitment, understands the expectations and is dedicated to sustaining a safety conscious work environment.
Conservatism: Employees and managers act conservatively in safety-related matters by demonstrating a questioning attitude, challenging potentially unsafe conditions, and responding appropriately to safety concerns.
Problem Identification and Resolution: The organization maintains an effective and efficient corrective action program that ensures that issues are identified and effectively resolved in a timely manner consistent with CH2M HILL’s ISMS Program. Resolutions are communicated to affected employees. Lessons learned are employed effectively to prevent recurrence.