When our group of companies was acquired by a multinational petroleum company, safety transformation became one of the most significant changes we experienced. The standards were high—much higher than what the local industry was accustomed to—and compliance was non-negotiable.
One of the key requirements was ensuring that all suppliers and contractors were competent, certified, and fully compliant with strict safety standards.
For us in Lahad Datu, this was a major challenge.
Lahad Datu is not a petroleum-based industrial town like Kota Kinabalu or Sipitang. Qualified vendors, competent contractors, certified riggers, lifting supervisors, and specialized equipment were limited. Distances were far, logistics were difficult, and costs were high.
But safety does not negotiate with geography.
So the journey began.
We called in every supplier and contractor. We explained clearly what the new safety requirements were—and what level they needed to reach. We didn’t just demand compliance; we provided support.
If they didn’t have fire-retardant coveralls, we loaned them ours.
We shared where to purchase compliant PPE.
When competent riggers and lifting supervisors were required, we brought trainers from Kota Kinabalu and conducted in-house rigging training.
We sent our engineers all the way to Terengganu to be certified as lifting supervisors.
We began implementing formal lifting plans.
Every crane had to meet the required safety standards—no exceptions.
There were times when we had to mobilize one of only two specialized cranes available in Sabah just to perform thickness inspection on a 42-meter boiler chimney. The cost was extremely high.
But we never hesitated.
Because safety was worth it.
The first year was tough. Finding vendors who could meet our safety expectations was difficult. Progress was slow, and resistance was real.
But after more than two years of consistent transformation, the change became visible.
Today, competent vendors are available.
Local contractors have grown with us.
They are no longer compliant only when working with us—but carry the same safety culture wherever they go.
Our high safety standards became known within Lahad Datu and across Sabah.
They became our identity.
That reputation played a role in us receiving our first Golden Hat Award within the company.
Our guiding principle has always been clear:
“Above the industry standard.”
And most importantly—since the end of 2022, we have recorded zero accidents.
No injuries.
No lost time incidents.
People work with greater confidence.
Trust in the system has grown.
And that, above all, is the greatest achievement.
Because true safety success is not awards or recognition—
It is when everyone goes home safe.
#SafetyLeadership #SafetyTransformation #AboveIndustryStandard #ZeroAccident #OperationalExcellence #ContractorSafety #EngineeringLeadership #OilAndGasStandards #IndustrialSafety #LeadershipInAction #SafetyCulture #ContinuousImprovement
No comments:
Post a Comment