Safety in mind

According to Netherlands-based international marine contractor Heerema the number of working hours lost to injury has reduced significantly over the last couple of years, (see graph). This is as a direct result of educating and rewarding crane vessel workers, says Kees van Zandwijk at Heerema.

“Safety is predominantly a matter of attitude, you have got to get it between the ears of people. It is about the feedback of experiences and taking care you do not repeat mistakes. Ninety-nine percent is in education and rewarding safe behaviour, and stimulating people to think safely.”

Where the number of injuries increased between 1998 and 2002, van Zandwijk explains that this could, partly, be down to complacency. When stringent safety measures are met, workers can take a more relaxed attitude to safety, resulting in more accidents. He says it is vital the industry ensures the current low figures are maintained and improved. “A continuous improvement of safety, health and environment in spite of increasing complexity,” he adds.