Safe and healthy workplace

Statkraft is working actively to achieve our goal of zero injuries in a working environment that promotes health. The health and safety aspects must be identified and assessed prior to all operations and maintenance activities. The concern for health and safety is an important element of project development and in choosing partners and suppliers. All injuries and hazardous conditions are recorded, analysed and followed up in a systematic manner.

Organisation of the HSE work

All employees are responsible for ensuring that work is carried out in a safe manner and in accordance with internal and external requirements. The HSE Group staff has been significantly strengthened over the course of 2009. In addition, several business areas have their own HSE staffs. HSE is a key element in the cooperation between the employee organisations and the management, for example through established working environment committees and safety delegates.

Common management system for health and safety

Over the course of 2009, a common management system for health and safety was developed in Statkraft, based on the international OHSAS 18001 standard. The work to implement the system throughout the Group will continue in 2010. This will ensure a uniform methodology and approach to HSE, regardless of unit and geographical location.

Emergency preparedness plans have been prepared for all work sites and regular emergency drills are held to ensure efficient handling of emergency situations.

HSE training for all employees

Expertise and training related to desirable HSE conduct is a key factor in achieving zero injuries. Basic HSE training is integrated in both the introduction for new employees and management programs. A mandatory web-based HSE course has been developed for all employees and contractors engaged in operating and construction activities. Safety delegates and members of the Working Environment Committee attend 40-hour HSE courses with regular updates. A more comprehensive HSE e-learning module is being prepared and will be implemented in 2010.

In 2009, the BBS concept, Behavioural Based Safety, was tested in some parts of the organisation. The concept entails job observations followed by safety conversations. The project has received positive feedback and will be continued and expanded in 2010.  

Safety also for third parties

In 2008-2009, a preliminary project was implemented which assessed the risk in 1500 river system plants in Norway. Risk-reducing measures were recommended for 432 of the plants, and these will be implemented over the next four years. Typical measures will be signposting, deployment of rescue equipment and building handrails.

One fatal accident was recorded for third parties in consolidated operations in 2009. At Arcata power plant in Peru (owned by SN Power), a member of the local community drowned in an intake duct.