SEB wants visible safety leadership in Baleh HEP contractors
KUCHING: Senior management and Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) representatives from contractors involved in the development of the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) were reminded to prioritise safety in every aspects of the project for their workers as well as the local community and to be visible safety leaders for their organisations.
Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili made the call when addressing top management from contractors involved in the development of the 1,285MW Baleh Hydroelectric project, scheduled to be completed by 2025.
Calling the session the start of a safety leadership coalition, Sharbini reminded the officials not to underestimate the safety challenges of the project which is set to be the biggest infrastructure project in Sarawak in the coming years, with almost 3,500 people from various different nationalities expected to be working together at peak activity level.
“I would like to emphasise that even if we have the systems, structure, and competencies, we still need the right safety leadership,” said Sharbini.
“Strong leadership is vital because it is central to the culture of the organisation that in turn, influences employee behaviour and safety.”
He added that a safety leader should be respectful of the people and their personal well-being as well as being a safety role model at the same time.
“Role models in safety should be recognised, appreciated and rewarded accordingly to encourage others to emulate them,” Sharbini added.
The meeting was also to learn from the contractors on their HSSE initiatives and goals, to synergise the safety culture at all levels.
“We urge that you strictly comply with our Life-Saving Rules. If you choose to break the rules, you choose not to work with Sarawak Energy. Together, let us practise safety first so that ‘everybody goes home safely,” said Sharbini.
The contractors are JEC Designabuild-Perbena Emas JV, Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd, SinohydroAF Construction JV and CGGCUntang Jaya JV. Also present at the meeting were Sarawak Energy’s senior management staff.