The Tribune

Some 36 Bahamas Oil Refining Company International (BORCO) workers have been recognised as safety stars, after the company last year launched a Safety Star Programme geared towards improving ‘safety culture’.

Designated safety coaches were identified within the company, and assigned the responsibility of conducting daily Safety Observation Rounds (SORs) in the workplace.

During daily observations, safety coaches immediately recognised employees and contractors who showed correct safety behaviours, and they were immediately issued lapel safety star pins along with a congratulatory safety card.

“This programme has truly increased the level of safety awareness within our facility, as evidenced by the increased reporting of unsafe situations,” said Dexter Brooks, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental (HSSE) team leader.

“More persons are not only recognising unsafe situations but, most importantly, they are being reported on a timely basis – this was our goal and it’s wonderful to see it come to fruition.”

Mr Brooks was quick to point out that potential unsafe situations that are recognised and reported are corrected immediately, or temporary controls put in place.

They mitigate risks, reducing the chance of potential incidents and/or injuries. “The amount of safety stars being awarded monthly is increasing and we expect greater participation during 2014,” said Mr Brooks.

During 2013, a total of 36 employees were recognised with safety stars, and an overall Safety Star employee/contractor was recognised.

Theresa Moxey, an employee of Curley Tail Services – a commercial, custom residential and industrial contracting company – was awarded the BORCO 2013 Safety Star grand prize.

“Theresa and those who were recognised are diligent workers who performed their function safely, corrected unsafe conditions or pointed out infractions like wearing hard hats, using cell phones, etc… in unsafe areas,” said Mr Brooks.

“At BORCO we encourage our employees and contractors to work safely at all times. The benefit of the Safety Star Program at BORCO is improved motivation to work safely, and ultimately reduce the potential for incidents and personal injuries. Our 2014 safety Star Program is in high gear and we expect an even higher level of participation.”