[At the shipyard] Episode 3: Prevention, a priority

10h30 at the naval base, the daily meeting on prevention, essential to ensuring safety on this worksite, is held in the offices of the teams in charge of the multimission frigate's (FREMM) Technical Stop.

The Production manager (IRP) talks to the participants around the table - three Prevention Officers from Naval Group, the frigate's Prevention Officer and the Ship Deputy Commander, whose duties include the prevention of occupational risks for the crew. All eyes focus intently on the wall screen displaying work permit requests sent through the Naval Group's prevention management software.

Benoît, one of the three Naval Group Prevention Officers explains: "This tool allows us to prepare a list of upcoming work and to identify the potential risks involved. While it also proposes suitable preventive measures for each activity, the final decision is taken based on our experience and an in-depth knowledge of the ship's systems". Workers must put in their requests at least 48 hours before intervening on the worksite.

"Yesterday, we performed a preliminary analysis of these requests with the French Navy's Prevention Officer", continues Benoît. "Some of these operations call for specific equipment such as safety barriers, fire extinguishers and anti-pollution kits. We also ensure that workers duly comply with procedures as well as general and specific safety instructions."

Over and above these measures, anyone entering the worksite must be equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), wearing a safety helmet, protective clothing, safety gloves and safety shoes at the very least. A coloured sticker at the back of the safety helmets catches the eye. It contains a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip, making it possible to track the number of people working on board and at the bottom of the dry dock in real time.

The prevention meeting continues and requests are examined one after the other. Hazardous Work Permits, in particular, are looked into very closely. These permits may concern, for example, authorising work around open flames or access to confined spaces such as diesel oil fuel tanks. Benoît points out: "When one of us raises a request to have a permit processed, we do so with good reason. The permit is issued once we all validate preventive measures applicable to the work in question".

At 11h30, the Ship Deputy Commander is the last to sign the report, which includes the list of works authorised for the following day.

Nonstop vigilance

Later in the day, Benoît inspects the worksite. He begins by checking the conformity of the lifting equipment operated by a handler. Further on, he reminds an employee of the importance of leaving their workstation in order at the end of the day. "We nip potential conflicts in the bud and regularly remind workers of safety rules. We are authorised to stop work if we come across a high-risk situation. Our aim is to ensure that workers are in good health when they begin and end their day on the worksite!"

Prevention Officers from the Operational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) Department had started preparatory work several months prior to the Technical Stop. The list of work to be done was analysed in order to identify the associated risks and anticipate solutions. Prevention Officers then calculated the manpower required for worksite surveillance: roundsmen, firefighting supervisors and security guards.

"Naval Group really makes every effort to ensure suitable working conditions for all," continues Benoît. We also provide the means required to equip the facilities set up near the dock, notably the prevention office each worker is obliged to pass through in order to access the worksite," he adds.

The general and specific prevention plans are presented to subcontractors and personnel of the French Navy, to share and explain the rules applicable to the worksite, before they start work related to the Technical Stop. "Safety is our priority", concludes Benoît.

To be continued: [At the shipyard] Episode #4: Coordinating between various contributors