More than just Rules! Safety as a Universal Language- Transition to Industry Life-Saving Rules Embedding Human Performance in Practice

Abstract

Goal Zero underpins Shell's strategic ambitions and Life-Saving Rules are a proven enabler in achieving Goal Zero. Shell has embraced the opportunity of transitioning from twelve Shell Life-Saving Rules to nine industry Life-Saving Rules (IOGP) in pursuit of eliminating Serious Injuries, Illness and Fatalities (SIFs). This is not just a simple switch from one set of Rules to another. It is part of a multi-year journey to strengthen the mindset and behaviours of ‘Who we are’ in Shell and deepen our commitment to Human Performance. This paper explains the context of the Life-Saving Rules, why Shell decided to transition, an overview of how we managed this large-scale change, and the impact so far and remaining dilemmas in the journey. Since Shell introduced 12 Life Saving Rules in 2009, the Rules have helped to save many lives and prevent life altering events. Shell decided to transition to industry nine Life-Saving Rules across whole company due mainly to a) inclusion of Line of Fire Rule; b) strong desire to standardise based on the pull from our major suppliers; c) rolling out ‘I-statements’ instead of ‘dos & don'ts’. Preparations for the transition began in early 2020 for a global launch on Safety Day 2021 (an annual dedicated engagement session with all staff and contractors about safety led by leaders across Shell). The "I statement’ language of the new Rules empowers individuals to figure out with their peers how to comply and encourages peer-to-peer intervention to enable compliance throughout the work task. This means the Rules are more than just Rules; they help create the environment in which people feel safe and responsible to speak up triggering conversations about what can make compliance difficult, resolving any dilemmas before work starts. When failures do occur, how leaders respond matters. Leaders must engage to understand how context drove behaviour and encourage people to speak up with their improvement ideas. People are the key to solutions, when leaders respond productively the whole system is improved and learnings reach those at the point of risk. In Shell we now call this Fair Event Handling. After a successful launch of the industry Life-Saving Rules on Safety Day, we recognise there is still a long learning journey ahead. We share the content of the paper as a means to encourage further sharing as we all strive to overcome dilemmas in what makes work difficult and together make compliance easier.