Towards a healthier workplace
In-office stretching, part of a healthier lifestyle
Occupational health concerns have shifted over the years. During the exploration and construction phases, efforts were focused on ensuring that both our business unit and contractors established standards that allowed for prevention and early-stage detection of new occupational illness cases. Additional priority came from the need to guarantee adequate medical emergency attention and resources for BP operations, attributable to Casanare's then basic health infrastructure and hospital network.
Today, emphasis is placed on the prevention of occupational illnesses by implementing risk controls and conducting close observation of personnel with greater levels of exposure. Contractors have been coached into setting up medical surveillance programs for early detection and treatment of potential cases. And on the external front, massive royalty expenditure coupled to BP support through advisory, training and the donation of equipment has all helped to build up hospital infrastructure and medical personnel to adequate levels.
BP Colombia's Medical Division is responsible for leading the drive to create healthy workplaces, by setting in motion diverse initiatives designed to act over risks with potential for affecting workers in and around sites, especially operations facilities.
These initiatives, that complement the company's periodic check-ups, are also executed under the framework of the Integrated Management System (IMS) and address the following issues:
Today, emphasis is placed on the prevention of occupational illnesses by implementing risk controls and conducting close observation of personnel with greater levels of exposure. Contractors have been coached into setting up medical surveillance programs for early detection and treatment of potential cases. And on the external front, massive royalty expenditure coupled to BP support through advisory, training and the donation of equipment has all helped to build up hospital infrastructure and medical personnel to adequate levels.
BP Colombia's Medical Division is responsible for leading the drive to create healthy workplaces, by setting in motion diverse initiatives designed to act over risks with potential for affecting workers in and around sites, especially operations facilities.
These initiatives, that complement the company's periodic check-ups, are also executed under the framework of the Integrated Management System (IMS) and address the following issues:
Noise
Aside from ensuring that people use the adequate ear protection, always, efforts are geared toward controlling the sources that generate excessive noise levels. Personnel working in and around noise-producing equipment are subject to periodic audiometric assessment in order to prevent the appearance of new illnesses or the aggravation of existing conditions.Ergonomics
Forced postures, cumulative trauma, overexertion, repetitive movement and stress are all feed stock for musculoskeletal disorders such as spasms, chronic shoulder, neck and back pain and similar ailments.For some years now, the Good Postures Programme has concentrated on improving the ergonomic designs and conditions at facilities and work stations, as well as acting upon the behavioural side in order to produce a significant reduction in reported cases.
With its systematic approach, Good Postures not only detects and controls risks and predisposing physical conditions, but it also resorts to innovative in-the-office rehabilitation, relaxation and stretching sessions that promote the general well being of our employees, 100% of which are enrolled in the initiative.
Skin care
Spurred by the evidence tying skin lesions and ultimately cancer to sunlight's harmful components, BP started a preventive campaign based on awareness workshops complemented by the installation of sun block dispensers at Casanare's work sites and facilities. Given the area's sun-drenched weather, employees and contractors are also encouraged to use adequate clothing to protect exposed areas like face, arms and neck, glasses with sun protection and take the good practice back home to families.Manual handling
Loads have traditionally posed an occupational problem because inadequate handling conduces to all sorts of negative impacts on employees and contractors. The ensuing campaign is centred on controlling and ensuring that appropriate manual handling techniques are applied at all work sites. Loads are weighed and tagged and exposed workers are trained in proper lifting techniques.Chemical handling
Hazardous substances are part of the oil industry, no doubt. The emphasis in Colombia is on eliminating chemical management-related injuries or illnesses. This is being achieved by enforcing rules on use of personal protective equipment, joined by awareness campaigns around the effects chemicals have on human health. Special care is given to making sure that exposed personnel receive constant medical oversight and accompaniment.Avian flu
Although cases have not been reported within the Colombian poultry industry, let alone bird-to-human transmission, BP has followed WHO guidelines and set up comprehensive operations and recovery plans in case the international organization's threat level is escalated.Endemic disease
Casanare is no stranger to yellow fever, malaria and dengue flu. Cases of food poisoning have also been documented over the years. Biological hazards like poisonous snakes, caterpillars and insects are quite common. In addition to widespread vaccination of worker population, awareness campaigns and signage also help remind people of tropical-zone risks and mitigation measures.Integral health management
Finally, the Sanamente programme (roughly translates ‘Healthily') extends to employees ample information and activities that favour an integral approach to personal health. Better nutrition practices, exercise plans, in-house yoga sessions and even traditional infusions at coffee stations are all part of this drive to induce people to leading more salubrious lifestyles.The Medical Division's efforts are clearly bearing fruit as no new occupational health illness cases were reported in 2007.
