Overview
The owners of a large multinational Shipyard, partnered with the Safety Department to modernise health and safety protocols, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the shipyard’s infrastructure. This collaboration resulted in a significant transformation of safety standards and operational workflows, which ultimately led to a safer, more productive workplace.
Challenges
Prior to the Safety Department’s involvement, Gibraltar Shipyard faced several critical challenges:
- Degraded Infrastructure: Damaged road surfaces slowed operations and presented logistical challenges.
- Limited Safety Reporting: A lack of near-miss reporting systems led to underreporting of potential hazards.
- Lifting Hazards: Cranes were poorly maintained, and lifting practices were insufficiently regulated, posing significant safety risks.
- Weak Safety Culture: There was minimal interaction between the health and safety team and the daily operations of the shipyard, undermining safety awareness.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach was adopted:
- Infrastructure Improvements
- A planned maintenance schedule was introduced for road surfaces to reduce transportation risks and prevent delays.
- A range of electric vehicles were deployed to facilitate the movement of personnel across the shipyard, improving both productivity and response times.
- Behavioural Safety and Culture Change
- Open Reporting Culture: A formal near-miss reporting system was established, complemented by an open-door policy that encouraged transparency. This led to increased reporting of risks and a reduction in physical injuries.
- Senior Management Engagement: The Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) team was embedded within daily operations to promote a safety-first culture and ensure continuous improvement.
- Enhanced Lifting Standards
- New maintenance protocols were set in place for cranes, and lifting teams received comprehensive training on safe and effective lifting practices. This significantly reduced the risks associated with lifting operations.
Results
The safety and operational improvements delivered measurable outcomes:
- Accident Reduction: A significant reduction in accidents occurred, from 60 in 2014 to just 12 in 2024, a clear sign of the enhanced safety measures and cultural shift.
- Operational Efficiency: The infrastructure upgrades, along with the introduction of electric vehicles, improved the daily flow of operations, resulting in greater productivity.
- Safety Culture Shift: Early indicators show that safety awareness and engagement have strengthened at all levels of the organisation, from management to frontline workers.
- Lifting Operations: The new crane protocols and training initiatives improved both safety and operational efficiency in high-risk areas of the yard.
Future Plans
As the Shipyard continues to grow, The Safety Department will remain involved in supporting the development of new structures and ensuring that safety remains a top priority. This will include the design and implementation of safety systems that align with the evolving demands of the industry while safeguarding both staff and operations.
Conclusion
Through strategic infrastructure improvements, a commitment to changing safety culture, and focused enhancements to lifting practices, The Safety Department has successfully transformed Gibraltar Shipyard into a safer, more efficient workplace. With continuous improvements and a proactive safety-first approach, the shipyard is well-positioned for future success in a competitive and dynamic industry.
