Horizon North Logistics : The Importance of Safety in the Workplace

For Horizon North, nothing is more important than the safety of our employees. Our simple goal of 'achieving and maintaining incident and injury free operations' has been set to ensure that we send each of our workers home safely to their loved ones at the end of a workday.

While we have made great strides in incident reduction over the last several years, we remain dedicated to continual improvement and training to ensure the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) aspects of our operations remain best in class. We believe all injuries are preventable, and that leadership in safety within all facets of our operations is a key ingredient in continuing to reduce our number of incidents.

Horizon North's Guiding Principles of Safety

To reflect the importance of safety in the workplace, Horizon North has established a set of four guiding principles to ensure the safety of our employees, our customers, the public, any other person involved with our operations, and the environment.

• Work will not be conducted without a pre-job risk assessment and a safety discussion appropriate for the level of risk.
• All persons will be trained and competent in the work they conduct.
• Personal protection equipment will be worn as per risk assessment and minimum site requirements.
• Emergency response plans, developed from a review of potential emergency scenarios, will be in place before commencement of work.

These four guiding principles provide a foundation for Horizon North's 10 Rules in Safety, which are tailored to our operations and the areas where safety is of paramount concern.

HNL's 10 Rules in Safety

1. Work Responsibilities and Conduct

Horizon North expects that every worker will work safely at all times and in all places, undergo proper orientation and indoctrination, and be trained and competent in the work they conduct.

2. Permit to Work

A permit must be obtained for work that involves non-routine tasks, tasks that impact others and/or work that is of higher risk (i.e. confined space entry, work on energy systems, hot work, etc.). It ensures proper control measures and emergency procedures are put in place.

3. Energy Isolation

Energy isolation minimizes the risks associated with any accidental or unexpected start-up of machinery or plant, movement of materials during services, or any other interaction or contact with, or exposure to, hazardous energy.

4. Working at Heights

Employees cannot proceed with work at heights of 6 feet or higher above ground without appropriate planning, training and equipment, including fall arrest or travel restraint systems.

5. Confined Space Entry

Entry into a confined or restricted space cannot proceed unless appropriate planning and training have been completed and all sources of energy affecting the confined space are isolated.

6. Lifting Operations

Workers must use proper lifting and handling methods to protect themselves and others from injury and to make the job easier and safer. When cranes, hoists or other mechanical lifting devices are used, the lift will not commence until an appropriate assessment and training has been completed.

7. Facility Fire Safety

Facility fire protection is essential to the safety of workers and any occupants, particularly when it comes to the unique risks associated with our remote locations, where there is high potential for destruction of a facility. Fire prevention and early warning are a top priority in all Horizon North operations.

8. Vehicle Safety

Driving safely requires adequate planning for the risk associated and requires constant attention and awareness of road hazards. Driving is the major cause of incidents at Horizon North and has potential for serious injury and death.

9. Substance Abuse

HNL strictly prohibits the possession or use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or other substances that can affect an employee's senses or responses while on the job. Horizon North's Substance Abuse Policy outlines the expectations of all employees.

10. Journey Management

Journey Management is the process of implementing and exercising controls to minimize road transport related risks and reduce exposures to people and equipment involved in work-related driving.

The Importance of Safety in the Workplace

At Horizon North, we never compromise on safety, because lives depend on it. Before executing any task that has safety implications, no matter how small, we remind employees to Stop… Think… and Go, for their own safety and that of their peers.

• Stop… Look at the area you are working in and its surroundings. Identify any hazards or potential hazards.
• Think… Think about your job and detail the steps involved. Think about the tools and equipment needed to ensure safety for all.
• Go… Resolve, remove or control hazards. Proceed with the work when you are satisfied the job and your surroundings are safe.

Remembering these three simple words before everything you do can help avoid incidents in the workplace and ensure everyone gets home at the end of the day.

Read more about Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) at Horizon North.