Elevating Workplace Safety in Calgary: Integrating Industrial Hygiene with Human and Organizational Performance (HOP)

Workplace safety is paramount in ensuring the health and well-being of employees and the efficiency of operations. In Calgary, a city known for its diverse industries including oil and gas, construction, and manufacturing, enhancing workplace safety is crucial. Integrating Industrial Hygiene (IH) with Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) offers a comprehensive approach to improving safety outcomes.
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UNDERSTANDING INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE

Industrial Hygiene focuses on identifying, evaluating, and controlling environmental factors that may cause illness, injury, or discomfort in the workplace. Key aspects include:

• Hazard Identification: Recognizing potential sources of harm, such as chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic hazards.
• Exposure Assessment: Measuring the extent of employee exposure to harmful agents.
• Control Measures: Implementing engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate risks.

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Exploring Human and Organizational Performance (HOP)

HOP is a systems-based approach to safety that emphasizes understanding human behavior and organizational factors that influence performance. Core principles of HOP include:

• Error is Normal: Recognizing that humans are fallible and errors are inevitable.
• Blame Fixes Nothing: Focusing on learning and improvement rather than assigning blame.
• Context Drives Behavior: Understanding the context in which work occurs to identify why errors happen.
• Learning and Improvement: Continuously seeking opportunities to learn and enhance processes.
• Response Matters: Responding to incidents in a way that supports recovery and learning.

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Integrating IH with HOP

Combining IH with HOP creates a robust safety framework that addresses both environmental hazards and human factors. Key integration strategies include:

• Comprehensive Hazard Analysis: Using IH techniques to identify hazards and HOP principles to understand how human and organizational factors influence risk.
• Holistic Training Programs: Developing training that covers both technical aspects of hazard control and the behavioral aspects of safety.
• Incident Investigation: Applying IH methods to determine the presence of hazards and HOP approaches to understand the role of human behavior and organizational context in incidents.
• Continuous Improvement: Leveraging IH data to inform HOP-driven initiatives for ongoing safety enhancements.

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CASE STUDY: IMPLEMENTING IH & HOP IN CALGARY OIL & GAS INDUSTRY

Scenario: A Calgary-based oil and gas company aimed to reduce incidents of chemical exposure and improve overall safety culture.
Approach:

1. Hazard Identification and Control: The IH team conducted a thorough assessment of chemical hazards and implemented engineering controls such as improved ventilation and enclosed systems. PPE was provided where necessary.
2. HOP Integration: Training sessions were held to educate employees on the importance of safety protocols and the role of human behavior in maintaining a safe work environment. Employees were encouraged to report near-misses and potential hazards without fear of blame.
3. Incident Analysis: Following an incident of chemical exposure, an investigation was carried out using both IH and HOP methodologies. The IH team identified a failure in the ventilation system, while the HOP analysis revealed that maintenance protocols were not followed due to unclear communication.
4. Improvements: The company improved its maintenance protocols, clarified communication channels, and continued to monitor the effectiveness of the ventilation system.

Results: 
​The integration of IH and HOP led to a significant reduction in chemical exposure incidents and fostered a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

CONCLUSIONS:

​Integrating Industrial Hygiene with Human and Organizational Performance provides a comprehensive approach to workplace safety in Calgary. By addressing both environmental hazards and human factors, organizations can create safer work environments, reduce incidents, and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement. This holistic approach not only protects employees but also enhances overall operational efficiency and productivity.

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