Developing safety culture at ESL Shipping

"In 2023, I assumed the role of Safety Manager at ESL Shipping after 18 years elsewhere. A remarkable transformation had taken place! A strong safety mindset now prevails in the company, with management actively steering the development of a safety culture by setting targets and monitoring progress.

Ship masters demonstrate strong commitment to safety leadership, and the crew earnestly adheres to their responsibilities. Feasible safety procedures and tools supporting documentation, incident analysis, and root cause identification are in place. Violations of rest hours and alcohol policy are closely monitored, with thorough analysis conducted alongside the crew. The persistent long-term effort invested in instilling a safety mindset and ensuring vessel operations are conducted safely is bringing great results.

SAFETY REQUIRES CONTINUOUS FOCUS

In safety, there is always room for further improvement. Deep-rooted habits persist, such as some crew members still need to be reminded of the use of helmets due to decades of sailing without them. Safety procedures exist to ensure the well-being of the crew, not for satisfying the inspectors.

Some vessels excel in proactive safety management, while others might be more reactive in their mindset. For example risks relating to new cargo acquisitions highlight the continuous need for careful safety planning. Despite preventive measures, slips and trips sometimes still occur, prompting the necessity for continuous improvement.

Proactive measures such as risk assessments and structured management of change are crucial steps towards achieving excellence in safety leadership. Leading indicators show an effective avenue for successes, while lagging indicators provide valuable feedback on our shortcomings.

Better communication with ship masters and the entire crew at safety meetings and internal audits fosters deeper commitment to safety. Management’s safety walks ensure that onboard operations are in the core of safety leadership.

Over the past year, injury and safety results have improved. Although setbacks and mistakes may occur, the collective dedication to striving for a high safety culture is motivating. Together, we aim for a shared goal – ensuring everyone returns home from work safely", says Suvi-Tuuli Lappalainen ESL Shipping's HSEQ Manager, DPA, CSO.