Shaun John Stephen is a distinguished HSEQ leader with a proven track record in orchestrating comprehensive safety systems and fostering a culture of excellence. Shaun excels in directing emergency preparedness drills, conducting audits, and driving incident investigations to mitigate risks effectively. His expertise extends to strategic planning, ensuring adherence to international standards, and delivering unparalleled safety and quality performance across diverse projects. With certifications in ISO standards and an MBA in Safety and Quality Management, Shaun brings a blend of technical proficiency and leadership acumen to every endeavour, making them a cornerstone in promoting workplace safety and operational efficiency.

In 2023, a comprehensive approach to safety and health management yielded notable achievements. Management Walkthrough Safety Inspections were refined, engaging personnel across management tiers and resulting in a heightened inspection rate, instilling a culture of hands-on commitment to safety. The strategic amalgamation of Quality and HSE Departments expanded the purview of safety efforts, ensuring worksite safety alongside maintaining quality standards in equipment and reports, thus bolstering customer satisfaction. A shift towards understanding root causes led to a decrease in warning issuance, prioritising guidance and motivation for safety improvement among staff and subcontractors. Employees were empowered to reject unsafe conditions, reinforcing a proactive safety culture. Regular camp inspections were instituted to uphold staff well-being, recognising the correlation between employee satisfaction and performance. Notably, securing ISO 9001, 45001, and 14001 certifications for UAE and Saudi branches underscored the organisation's dedication to internationally recognised safety and quality standards, solidifying its reputation as a leader in safety excellence and organisational efficiency.

In 2023, my workplace implemented several initiatives to enhance Workplace Safety and Health protocols. Firstly, due to an uptick in health-related issues like dizziness, fainting, and elevated blood pressure, a health campaign was organised. This involved free health checks and consultations by dieticians to address concerns promptly.

Secondly, after experiencing three Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) from 2021 to 2022, daily and activity-specific Toolbox Talks were intensified. These sessions enabled teams to identify risks comprehensively and devise effective mitigation strategies.

Additionally, a shift in addressing safety violations occurred, focusing on constructive dialogues rather than punitive measures. This approach unearthed systemic issues, leading to targeted interventions for holistic improvement. Lastly, a more inclusive risk assessment approach was adopted, involving workers in providing feedback on Method Statements and Risk Assessments. This enriched documents with insights into overlooked hazards, fostering a culture of proactive safety consciousness. These initiatives collectively ensured a safer and healthier workplace environment.

In 2023, several Workplace Safety and Health initiatives were implemented to address emerging concerns and enhance safety protocols at my workplace.

Firstly, in response to a noticeable increase in health-related issues such as dizziness, fainting, elevated blood pressure, weight, and stress, a proactive approach was taken. A health campaign was organised, inviting a hospital to conduct free health checks for employees, coupled with consultations by dieticians to promote overall well-being.

Secondly, building on lessons learned from past incidents, particularly three Lost Time Injuries (LTIs) between 2021 and 2022, a renewed emphasis was placed on daily and activity-specific Toolbox Talks. These interactive sessions empowered site teams to identify risks comprehensively and devise effective mitigation strategies.

Furthermore, a shift in approach was initiated regarding safety protocol violations. Rather than solely resorting to punitive measures, violators were engaged in constructive dialogues to uncover underlying causes for non-compliance. This approach revealed systemic issues beyond individual actions, prompting targeted interventions for holistic improvement.

Lastly, a more inclusive approach to risk assessment was adopted, recognising the nuanced nature of site conditions. Workers were actively involved in providing feedback on Method Statements and Risk Assessments, enriching these documents with insights into potential hazards overlooked in standard assessments. These initiatives collectively fostered a culture of proactive safety consciousness, ensuring a safer, and healthier workplace environment for all.

The impact of my initiatives on Safety and Health management and performance within my company has been profound. With the support of top management and the collective efforts of the team, significant improvements have been achieved. Management gained a heightened awareness of ground-level issues, realising the potential financial implications and the indirect effect on staff morale if swift action wasn't taken. This awareness catalysed a culture shift where site personnel embraced their role in ensuring safety management. Empowered with knowledge and confidence, they became proactive in identifying and addressing risks, understanding the link between safety and overall company reputation and personal well-being.

By empowering ground staff to prioritise safety and providing them with the authority to halt operations, if necessary, precautions weren't in place, and a culture of accountability and diligence was fostered. This not only ensured the safety of personnel and assets but also bolstered site productivity and performance. Continuous training reinforced the importance of safety protocols, mitigating complacency, and reinforcing the commitment to safe practices. Overall, these initiatives have not only elevated safety standards within the company but have also had a positive ripple effect across the company, setting a benchmark for excellence in safety and health management.

In my view, a safety influencer embodies authenticity, relatability, accessibility, and trustworthiness. I've demonstrated these attributes consistently in my daily work, positioning myself as a potential recipient of the WSHAsia Safety Influencer Award within my workplace and industry. By actively engaging with both management and frontline workers, I've fostered authenticity through transparent communication and firsthand experiences shared during site visits. This personal approach has cultivated trust and openness, empowering individuals to voice concerns and advocate for safety without fear of repercussion. Additionally, maintaining a relatable demeanour has enabled me to understand and address the diverse needs of all stakeholders, ensuring that solutions are equitable and beneficial for everyone involved. Accessibility is key, as I've made myself available around the clock, providing support and guidance whenever needed. Lastly, my commitment to staying informed and sharing relevant insights via platforms like the company's SharePoint demonstrates my dedication to fostering a culture of safety rooted in best practices and evidence-based strategies. Through these efforts, I've sought to inspire positive change and drive continuous improvement in workplace safety and health.