Case study: Alberta-based electricity provider – Employee in charge definition

Challenge

The field operations group identified a critical safety risk around definitions of the roles of worksite employee in charge (EIC), qualified utility employee in charge (QUEIC), lead hand / crew EIC, and what constitutes a worksite, as used by its field crews. The roles needed to be refreshed and clearly interpreted by field crew members and leaders. This was a part of a larger program of safety risk improvements the company implemented.

Solution

MNP worked with safety leadership, representatives from the field familiar with how the roles are used in practice, and field operations leadership to understand the gaps in the current EIC definitions, as well as how the organization defines a worksite in the field. MNP and field operations leaders developed improved definitions and prepared leaders to deliver the updated information through a series of presentations to managers, their lead hands, and crews performing these roles every day.

Using a rollout approach, team managers were trained on the definitions, then trained their coordinators on the updates. The coordinators then presented the definitions to lead hands and their teams. At each level of rollout, the field operations project manager had discussions with the teams to ensure everyone clearly understood the definitions.

To measure that the message was understood across the organization, MNP developed and delivered a managers’ survey to capture feedback from the field, and developed a workshop with the managers to assess and focus further action based on responses and comments. Client field operations leaders also conducted field visits to audit tailboards and discuss how the field crews were implementing the definitions of worksite, worksite EIC, QUEIC, and crew EIC.

Results

A clear, consistent message was successfully delivered through consultation with field crews and the staged roll-out approach customized with each manager within 90 days. Field visits and documentation reviews by leaders confirmed understanding across crews. Worksites are being defined clearly and the crews understand the responsibilities they have regarding hazard communications. More than simple training, this approach reinforced management communications, feedback to understand impact, and a rapid decrease in potentially high risk safety issues.

Services provided

Energy and Utilities, Training, Change Management, Health and Safety, Construction