MULTISKILLING: IMPLICATIONS FOR SAFE OPERATIONS

摘要

Recent research funded by the Health and Safety Executive has produced a characterisation of "good practice" in the introduction of multi-skilling. The work was commissioned following the fire and explosion at the Texaco Refinery, where concerns were raised about the impact of multiskilling on the adequacy of the emergency response in the control room. The study included a review of published audits and of the causes of major accidents to identify the impact of multiskilling. The study reports on six case studies from high risk industry, including a rail control centre, nuclear power generation and chemical manufacture. A life cycle model was developed which provides practical advice to all those involved in the conception, planning and assessment, implementation and audit of multiskilling, and the ongoing skills maintenance and review. This paper covers research based on six industrial case studies, and describes the subsequent findings that will assist companies during the implementation of multiskilling. The practical guidelines and life cycle model provide a sound basis to aid companies undergoing these types of changes in terms of planning and implementing.