Elle Osborne, Global HSE Director, Baker Hughes
Join Elle as she discusses the way Baker Hughes has evolved the traditional concept of Stop Work Authority into a broader, more proactive framework they call Start Work Safely. This shift ensures safety accountability is embedded across all functions, not just at the frontline, helping reduce incidents while creating more opportunities for organizational learning.
While Stop Work Authority remains a valuable tool, its current application has notable limitations. It often signals that multiple layers of control have already failed, making it a last resort rather than a preventive measure. Additionally, cultural and psychological barriers, such as fear of speaking up or unclear empowerment, can hinder its effectiveness.
Learn how Baker Hughes Start Work Safely model has addressed these issues by encouraging every employee to assess conditions and confidently ensure all is in place before work begins, ultimately fostering a safer, more engaged, and more informed workforce.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how shifting from a reactive “Stop Work” model to a proactive “Start Work Safely” approach empowers all employees, not just frontline workers to engage in safer decision-making from the outset.
- Discover how applying safety authority to all roles improves the organization’s ability to learn from near-misses and everyday work, leading to broader cultural shifts and fewer repeat incidents.
- Understand the challenges with the current application of Stop Work Authority, including its reactive nature, psychological barriers, and limited reach across non-operational roles.
- Learn how to drive systemic safety improvements, not just emergency interventions
