– We are very satisfied with this collaboration with Aker Solutions and the opportunity to test out HOP methods in an operational environment. We look forward to learning more about how the approach works both at the organizational level and in the "sharp end", says Jens Christen Rolfsen, department leader in Safetec.

"Human error"

HOP (Human and Organizational Performance) is an approach to HSSE that has gained momentum in the oil and gas industry in recent years. HOP builds on established knowledge and methods within safety management and has taken a lot of inspiration from the safety approach within aviation.

The understanding of how people, technology, work processes and the organization work together as a system is central in HOP. An important premise is that so-called "human errors" must be understood as symptoms of weaknesses in the system within which people work.

Work as intended vs work as done

The project in Egersund has already been launched with a seminar to establish the HOP approach for management, HSE professionals and safety representatives. The next activity is an introduction to HOP for other employees.

Further in the project, there will be meetings to review any variation between how work is described in the procedures and how it is performed “in real life”.

– We know from experience that when procedures and systems are not adapted well enough to the practical performance of a job, we find other ways to get the job done. This can increase the risk involved. There are many good learning opportunities here, says Jens Christen Rolfsen.