The implementation of Patrick Terminal’s safety management system resulted in an environment where Patrick Terminal management and stevedores were disconnected in relation to the management of some of the day-to-day workplace safety risks. As a result, there was little ownership of the safe work instructions by the stevedores, and some of the more experienced stevedores were probably no longer aware of the risks posed to them when they undertook unsafe ‘workarounds’ in the workplace and these were not identified by Patrick management.
Patricks terminsla have expanded the number of elements in their SMS to better help them manage safety in their terminals.
The ATSB has been advised by Patrick Terminals that although the company had a 13 element structured safety management system software package in place, as part of Patrick's continuous enhancement program, the package was upgraded to a 15 element SMS to include 'quality' and 'leadership', with an increased focus on assessing the site against the SMS.
This upgrade supports a more holistic approach to safety management at the Terminal in line with Patrick's broader safety initiatives and continuous enhancement strategy. The upgraded safety management elements include: legal compliance and requirements; risk and change management; audit, inspection and review; communication, consultation and involvement; incident management; and performance measurement and customer review. This upgrade is aligned to the recently implemented Patrick Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality Standards, which provide the framework for management systems and legislative compliance throughout the Patrick business. These standards define the performance standards expected within each business unit.
Additionally, in order to further promote and reinforce the required safety standards within the terminal and on board ships berthed at the terminal, Patrick has implemented a process of safety observations, whereby its supervisors participate in observing and discussing 'on the job' safety with employees and contractors relative to the tasks being carried out. The intent of the safety observation (also known as a 'safety conversation') process is to encourage two-way communication between supervisors and employees regarding safety and ways to enhance safety at Patrick sites. The safety observation process is a consolidation of existing supervision and consultation processes.
The ATSB is satisfied that the action taken by Patrick Terminals adequately addresses this safety issue.
