As an active participant in an industrial estate, surrounded by petrochemical and energy-based companies, I embarked on a journey to introduce Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to the broader industry. Initially met with skepticism and confusion, I sought opportunities to engage with my peers, leveraging platforms like the American Chamber and national conferences. Through presentations and collaboration with thought leaders, I gradually began to reshape the safety narrative, fostering a better understanding and adoption of HOP.
Building Bridges within the Industry
Within the industrial estate, I recognized the need to bridge the gap between companies and promote a collective approach to safety. By conducting presentations and discussions with various groups, including a women’s safety group and the American Chamber Group, I created a platform for thought leaders like Todd Conklin, Sidney Dekker, Kim Bancroft, and Nippon to share their insights on HOP. This collaborative effort not only changed the conversation but also laid the foundation for an HOP section in the annual conference, enabling industry professionals to delve deeper into this paradigm shift.
Extending HOP to Contractors
Recognizing the integral role of contractors in our operations, I made it a priority to involve them in the HOP journey. By emphasizing the importance of context and understanding how HOP principles applied to their specific work environments, I encouraged contractors to adopt HOP practices tailored to their needs. While recognizing the uniqueness of each organization, I promoted the idea that every implementation of HOP should reflect the organization’s individual context, thereby fostering a sense of ownership and purpose.
Positive Impact on Contractors
Witnessing the positive impact of HOP implementation among our contractors has been immensely rewarding. By empowering them to understand the principles and integrate them into their work, we have witnessed at least two or three contractor companies aligning their practices with HOP. This alignment has not only improved safety outcomes but also facilitated a shared language within the industry. The proliferation of HOP knowledge has created a common understanding, enabling effective communication and collaboration among industry professionals.
Conclusion
My journey in introducing HOP to the broader industry has been transformative, not only in terms of safety practices but also in raising awareness and knowledge across organizations. By embracing the principles of HOP and tailoring its implementation to each organization’s unique context, we have fostered a culture of continuous improvement and enhanced safety outcomes. Moving forward, I am excited to see how this momentum will further drive innovation and collaboration within the industry, ultimately making it a safer and more productive environment for all stakeholders involved.