We also emphasise psychological and social well-being and the positive promotion of health for all employees.
A further important aspect of HSE work in StatoilHydro is to prevent occupational diseases and control adverse effects on workers' health.
Managing chemical health risk is an important area in terms of our sustainable development. During 2008, we continued and intensified our work on chemical risk management by performing systematic occupational hygiene measurements and risk assessments of work processes and work areas where exposure to hazardous chemicals could occur. In addition, we endeavour to develop and implement new technology to improve the chemical working environment.
To prevent work-related stress among employees, we recognise that the way work is designed, organised and managed is important. In recent years, StatoilHydro has developed "The Psychosocial risk management approach" (PRIMA) to manage psychosocial risk. The purpose of PRIMA is to increase a manager's ability and competence with regard to promoting a psychosocial working environment that meets our standards.
To avoid work-related musculoskeletal complaints among employees, we recognise that optimal workplace design, access and transportation, good working positions and flexible tasks are of vital importance. During the last couple of years, we have given special attention to ergonomics (human factors) in workplace design, in particular with respect to the design of control rooms, driller's cabins, crane cabins and operational support rooms used in integrated operations. These workplaces are typically manned 24/7 or pose particular challenges with regard to physical and cognitive ergonomics.
We recognise that noise and damage to hearing are significant challenges in our industry. Reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing damage is a priority and therefore also an important strategic area in StatoilHydro. Ongoing projects to identify, assess and manage noise are being carried out at Norwegian offshore installations. StatoilHydro is funding several new noise research projects in hearing protection and noise exposure. This includes an analysis of the hearing status of offshore workers as well as implementing a hearing loss simulator. We aim to establish new technology and new knowledge to prevent occupational hearing damage.
StatoilHydro has introduced the health promotion programme "Inspiration" - an initiative aimed at inspiring employees to make healthier choices in their daily lives. The workplace is an important arena for successful health promotion because many employees spend an increasing amount of time at work. The main focus of "Inspiration" is on physical activity, nutrition, a stop-smoking programme and substance abuse awareness.
We employ or hire occupational health and working environment professionals throughout StatoilHydro. We also use programmes to map the working environment and identify and control possible risks. Furthermore, we offer programmes for monitoring health in connection with relevant work-related risks to employees. In accordance with our policy, if work-related diseases and disorders, or risks of such, are suspected, the manager must implement actions and track them, supported by health and working environment personnel. Our monitoring activities are hands-on and actively involve on-site personnel, building commitment and knowledge among both our own employees and our contractors.
What have we achieved?
During 2008, we increased research and development activities relating to the chemical working environment. We also finalised construction of a full-scale test centre for drilling fluid technology. We contributed to construction of a pilot system for a promising new technology for the treatment of drilling fluids, "MudCube", which is expected to improve the drilling area working environment significantly in terms of reduced risk of noise and exposure to chemicals.
During 2008, we carried out an awareness course, "Management in Change and Transition," for 500 middle managers, in which the participants were trained in how to prevent and handle health-related consequences of change processes.
Human factors specialists have contributed to developing work processes and solutions for the use of integrated operations offshore on the Norwegian continental shelf. The increased use of integrated operations allows greater real-time interaction between disciplines, organisations, and companies, irrespective of their physical location, through the use of video links and a common IT interface. We believe that this promotes better, safer, and faster decision-making.
On offshore installations, the occupational health service includes primary health care that takes care of injured and sick personnel. In 2008, we completed a pilot project on StatoilHydro platforms on the Norwegian continental shelf called "The Health Pilot". The health services offshore are currently testing the use of telemedicine by videoconference. Platform-based nurses and medical doctors onshore are connected by videoconferencing equipment. Full implementation of Telemedicine by Integrated Operation on all Norwegian offshore installations is expected to take place in 2009. All installations are also covered by a search and rescue service.
In international operations, much good work has been done to ensure healthy conditions and healthy workers at all our locations. This work starts with baseline studies at the location followed by implementation of company requirements for health and the working environment. Before employees and their families are sent abroad, they undergo thorough medical screening and health advice tailored to the location.
Construction sites, production facilities and remote operations are supplied with on-site clinics and a system of inspections to ensure a healthy working environment, including food and water safety. The emphasis has to be on prevention of illness as well as high-quality treatment whenever necessary. To ensure rapid service to employees on international assignments and wordwide travel, StatoilHydro runs a phone line medical duty roster 24/7 from Norway.
