Creating ‘a just culture’
The UK Chamber was in attendance this week at a European Commission seminar around encouraging the reporting of near misses and creating ‘a just culture’.
The discussion, chaired by DG Move, included representatives from national accident investigation bodies and various trade and representative organisations such as ECSA, CLIA, INTERTANKO and Nautilus.
Comparisons were made with the aviation industry’s ethos for the confidential reporting of near misses. Evidence suggested that an increase in near miss reporting correlated to a lower number of actual accidents. However, to generate the necessary culture, an atmosphere of trust and the avoidance of blame was essential.
The tanker sector clearly demonstrated best practice and the need for strong operational leadership from the top, with the reward of a good safety record and reputation. ECSA officials commented that whilst Europe enjoyed a good record and a number of voluntary systems were in place, that was not necessarily the case elsewhere.
The commission asked whether regulation was necessary to mandate a system of near miss reporting; a view which was supported by some, but there was also recognition that there is plenty of regulation already and that anything new needed to be international, rather than just European. Shipowners were used to regulation; it helped maintain a level playing field and it was accepted that underperformers would fail. It is likely that DG Move will convene a working group to consider the subject further and the chamber will remain involved as discussions develop.
Closely related to all this, the UK Chamber will be holding its own seminar for members on the Human Element and Accidents, on 2 July, and would be interested to hear views from the membership on this issues. Details will be passed to members in due course, or you can contact Adrian Mundin for more information.
Source and Image Credit:UK Chamber of Shipping