They say a problem shared is a problem halved.
We all know that the oil and gas industry never stands still. It is always moving, always evolving, and when faced with constant change, the opportunity for uncertainty is rife. But transparent and constant communication can placate the fear and confusion that uncertainty can bring.
Communication is not a tick-box job for C-Suite executives alone. Just as we all need to play our part in the drive for safety, we must all work together and communicate honestly and continually.
This is why we have structured Step Change in Safety as a tripartite body, representing the workforce, regulators and employers. We have more than 130 member companies whose employees lead six steering groups and more than 10 workgroups. Step Change’s members are companies of all shapes and sizes, with different specialties and disciplines. This variation is deliberate. How could we foster and encourage communication between all parties if our members were, for example, only operators?
At Step Change we believe that the workforce will talk when they are given the chance. We have set up a number of online discussion boards and organised free and open events so workers can communicate issues to those who not only care, but who can make a difference.
The Step Change events, such as the helicopter safety event that was held on Thursday, 24th April, have become valuable dates in our drive for communication. With more than 200 delegates attending, the scope for sharing concerns and experiences is huge. Whether it is in workshops or as a larger group, we have found that workers can confidently ask their questions and receive honest answers. We also ensure that Step Change members receive regular e-updates which are designed to give concise but relevant information on Step Change activities and important news. We have found that our social media sites are a useful platform for reaching the wider offshore workforce, so we keep these sites updated.
But there is another part of communication that Step Change cannot ignore – silence. There are some workers who won’t voice their concerns for whatever reason. We must take heed of them too, just as much as those who speak up at seminars, send e-mails and post on Facebook. Sometimes silence can say as much as noise.
But regardless of how many events we organise, it is all in vain if the culture is not right and workers don’t feel comfortable about opening up and talking. This is why Step Change exists as a unique point of contact for sharing information and knowledge.
As an independent body, we have no commercial interests and no corporate skews. We do not take part in the race to beat others in breaking exclusive headlines. Instead, we take our time to ensure that everything we say is the truth. And in these uncertain times, we know that the truth is what workers want most of all. Truth, and the trust it creates, are vital elements in our drive for safety.
Be prepared to see changes within our industry, just as we did last year and the year before that. For many, change is a daunting prospect. Questions will be asked and answers will be searched for. In these times, effective communication is essential. We need to be talking openly and honestly about what concerns us, the practices we think will work and the lessons we have learnt from making mistakes. Otherwise, our drive for safety will be in vain.
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