E&K Blockchain QHSE ltd

Workplace Auditing

Workplace auditing regarding Health & Safety issues is mandatory for all businesses and activities (i.e. offices, commerce, industry, construction, transportation, training, tourism, etc.).

Risk management requires in-time and in-depth documentation of potential “deficiencies” (gaps) that can be found in each level of a workplace. Auditing is essential in order to properly identify and evaluate those gaps, in every level of a corporation, such as legal, administrative, organizing, processing, facilities, working conditions, infrastructure, personnel, subcontractors, etc.

Hazzard Identification & Risk Assessment

• Hazard. Anything that can cause injury or illness to human, damage or destruction to equipment or facility, impact on the environment or even negatively affect the operation and / or the reputation of a company.
• Risk. Combination of likelihood and severity of an undesirable event that occurs due to the risk.

Hazard identification and Risk assessment are the “heart” of Occupation Health and Safety.

1. Hazard identification is a process of great importance. Scientific knowledge, experience, systemic method are some of the key ingredients that are required and are accompanied with on – site visits and data documentation.
2. Risk Assessment is a process that follows hazard identification. In international level, specific methods are applied and modern software are used that yield reliable results concerning the risk assessment.

Blockchain QHSE has the knowledge, experience and tools to provide reliable, in-depth and documented Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment for each business, facility and activity.

Blockchain QHSE has developed H&S Auditing – Inspecting Programs for every case and business, such as Industrial Safety Audit, Gas & Oil Safety Audit, Construction Safety Audit, Offices Safety Audit etc.

H&S Audits are developed according to the current national legislation and the existing international good practices, although each project is unique (tailor made) and developed in collaboration with the concerning business, thus meeting its specific needs, i.e. corporation’s internal processes, H&S management systems, etc.

Upon completion, H&S Audits are accompanied with a H&S Audit Report, which consists of the information and finding of the Audit, their analysis and a specific and in-depth Corrective Action Plan with suggestive corrective measures against pending gaps that were found during the Audit. Those measures are presented in an order (prioritization), taking into account the criticality of identified risks.

Studies & Plans

Risk Assessment Study

Risk Assessment Study is an essential managing tool regarding Occupational Health and Safety. Aim of Risk Assessment Studies is:

• In-time identification of risks that could affect employees, facilities, equipment, operation, production processes, etc.
• Systemic categorization of occupational hazards and classification depending on their criticality.
• Detailed documentation of general and personal preventive and measures against occupational hazards.

Preparation of a Risk Assessment Study includes:

• Hazard identification
• Identification of all parties that are exposed to risks
• Risk and adequacy of existing corrective measures assessment
• Documentation of additional corrective measures that have to be implemented
• Corrective measures implementation
• Reassessing the effectiveness of corrective measures

For a proper conduction of a Risk Assessment Study, relevant circular in accordance to European Directives have been issued. Specialized tools and computing systems allow the detailed and precise risk assessment and evaluation in all kinds of activities, regardless complexity and specifications.

Blockchain QHSE follows international scientific developments has the needed experience, expertise and adequacy to conduct Risk Assessment Studies for any kind of occupational activities.

Health & Safety Plan 

For the construction sites in compliance with European Directive 92/57, the developments of H&S Plan is required.

The HSP includes H&S rules that will be implemented in the construction site, specific corrective measures that need to be implemented against hazardous activities as well as data for:

1. Safe crossing in construction site’s workplaces and safe access to each working position.
2. Description of the project’s tasks
3. Pedestrian and vehicle circulation in the construction site
4. Analysis of the methods used in each project’s task
5. Establishment of storage spaces and means of waste disposal
6. Establishment of restrooms, dining areas and First Aid stations
7. Scaffolding construction study

OHSOMS

The Occupational Health & Safety Organization and Management System

The minimum requirements of the OSHOMS are:

• Declaration of Health and Safety Policy
• Appointment of Safety Officers, Safety Coordinators and Occupational Physicians
• Subcontractors’ H&S management system
• Safety procedures regarding accident investigation, first aid, personnel training, etc.
• Safety Guidelines in working activities and necessary, specialized studies required.
• Project’s H&S schedule of audits and meetings
• Full conduction of H&S Plan
• Detailed documentation of hazardous sources and risk assessment for each task and sub task of the project
• Project’s operation and maintenance manual, upon each activities’ completion

Emergency Response Plan

Emergency Response Plans is a precautionary measure and is drawn in order to organize and manage cases of emergencies that can take place in workplaces, i.e. fire, earthquake, sabotage, robbery, terror attack, etc.

The Emergency Response Plan is unique for every business.

The ERP identifies hazards, foresees events, assesses risks and assigns roles and responsibilities to parties, assesses available means & equipment, determines the actions’ flow-chart, describes the means of contact & information transferring, etc. thus, in emergencies, everyone can act without wasting valuable time.

At the same time, draws up the Escape Plan for each space, in order to have all successive actions that must be taken in the event of an emergency, and restart the operation of the facility after the event.

Escape Plans

In sudden events, finding the closest escape route and information transferring must be done with clarity and without delay, for everyone inside the facility, employers or third parties.

The Escape Plans are floor plans of each level of the business, where escape routes, emergency exits, assembly points, firefighting equipment, first aid stations, emergency numbers etc., are depicted.

Employers are obligated to post Escape Plans in key locations throughout the facility.

Blockchain QHSE offers integrated services regarding issues of Emergencies and undertakes the conduction of Emergency Response Plans and Escape Plans.

Additionally, Blockchain QHSE undertakes the training of employees regarding the implementation of Emergency Response Plans as well as, the conduction of Fire – Safety & Evacuation Drill, coordinated by the Safety Officer and with the participation of the Fire Brigade.

ΑΤΕΧ Studies

Explosive Atmosphere is defined as an air mixture containing flammable substances in form of gases, vapors, concentration of droplets or dust, where after ignition, combustion is spread throughout the non-burning mixture.

Explosive Atmosphere Studies also known as ATEX Studies (Atmosphere Explosible), are obligatory in compliance with the European Directive 1992/92, 16^th of December 1999 European Parliament and Council (E.E. L 23/57/28-01-2001)”.

It is an employer’s obligation to evaluate specific risks deriving from explosive atmospheres, and to compile & update the Explosion Protection Document – ATEX Study.

Explosive Atmospheres can be formed even in activities where risk of explosion is less or not at all obvious, thus ATEX studies concerns a number of facilities and is mandatory in activities such as:

• Chemical & Petrochemical production industries
• Petroleum products facilities
• Fuel storage spaces
• Battery charging and storing spaces
• Paint industries
• Lumber industries
• Storage facilities or product processing accompanied with dust creation such as grain silo, sugar, flour
• Cement industries
• Power Plants

ΑΤΕΧ Studies evaluate, assess and document:

1. The possibility of an explosive atmosphere’s formation and duration.
2. The possibility or presence and activation of ignition sources, materials used, applied methods and their interactions.
3. Potential risks of explosions of equipment, machinery, etc.
4. Employees’ protection measures
5. Space classification in criticality zones (Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2, Zone 20, Zone 21, Zone 22)
6. Technical means
7. Organizational means

Blockchain QHSE undertakes the conduction of ATEX Studies applying a certain methodology where building’s, facility’s and businesses’ specifications as well as all regulations and guidelines of legislation are taken into account, along with all applied international standards.

SEVEZO III, HAZOP

Prevention and management of Major Industrial Accidents (MIA) has been addressed by Europe through Directives SEVEZO (I, II, III). SEVESO is a city locating in Italy where a Major Industrial Accident occurred in 1976 and thus the Directive was named after the city.

SEVEZO Study is an essential tool regarding Major Industrial Accidents and the assessment of their effects in population, facilities and environment.

Industrial facilities under the Directive SEVEZO III are obligated to conduct and send to corresponding Authorities the Safety Study or its notification, depending of the existing quantities of dangerous substances.

The study includes data regarding the facility, quantities of stored materials and the assessment of the possibility of Major Industrial Accident occurrence, considering the facility’s location along with the neighboring facilities that are more or less dangerous and the possibility of a chain – reaction event “Domino” occurrence.

Information included in the SEVEZO III Study is related to:

• The facility’s environment
• Production method and process
• Dangerous substances
• Risk of accidents and prevention measures
• The severity of the accident, its consequences to neighboring areas – facilities and its extent
• Means of protection and intervention combating the incident

Each corporation that has in its facilities dangerous substances in the form of raw material, product, by-product, residue or intermediate product, including ones expected to occur in case of accident, in quantities equal or exceeding critical points mention in legislation, is obligated to send to corresponding authorities the Major Accident Prevention Policy and Safety Study.

ΗΑΖΟΡ

HAZOP Study (Hazard and Operability) is a detailed and analytical examination process of a complicated procedure or operation, existing or being-planned, in order to identify and evaluate thoroughly, risk causing issues that might affect facilities and personnel.

HAZOP study is a team project. It requires the participation of engineers of various specialties and the implementation of specific methodology, for the technical-scientific part as well as the administrative part, i.e. meeting scheduling, communication, data transferring and documentation.

HAZOP study is based on the principle of analyzing the overall complex process in a number of simpler sections called “knots” and are evaluated separately.

Blockchain QHSE undertakes the conduction of Safety Studies and the Notification Files according to SEVEZO III Directive as well as the composition-organization of Scientific HAZOP Study Teams, abiding by rules and regulations of legislation, the specifications of each facility and the international regulations and standards.

Workplace Ergonomics

Workplace Ergonomics contributes substantially in Occupational Health and Safety.

Specifications of workplaces requirements, in compliance with European Directive 89/654/EOK” in compliance with Council’s directive 90/270/EOK”, considering international standards and good practices.

Proper ergonomic workplace planning is linked with the use of proper equipment and body stance. It concerns office working environments along with activities taking place in industries, commercial businesses, etc.

Ergonomic planning evaluates the needs of the workplace and contributes to:

• The health of employees and prevention of vision, musculo-skeletal problems, etc.
• Employees’ mental health & well-being
• “Healthy” aging with minimum implication due to working conditions
• Employee’s increased productivity

Blockchain QHSE undertakes the Facilities & Workplace Auditing regarding ergonomics, whether they are operational or the initial Facility & Workplace Ergonomic Planning if they are in the design phase, for each working activity.

ADR, RID

Good’s Transportation also includes cases where, occasionally or regularly, dangerous substances -according to a specific categorization described by national legislation- are transported.

Depending on the category and classification of the dangerous substances, specifications and restrictions are set concerning their transportation.

Specifications and restrictions are defined by Dangerous Goods Safety Advisors in order to achieve safe loading and transporting conditions, from the supplier to the customer.

Carriage specifications for each dangerous substance is described in detail in the Diagnostic CDGSC Study.

ADR is the acronym (Accord european relatif au transport international des merchandises Dangereuses par Route) of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.

In addition, there is an agreement concerning international carriage by rail, which refers to the RID acronym (Reglement International concernant le transport des marchandises angereuses par chemin de fer).

Blockchain QHSE undertakes the conduction of the ADR/RID Studies.

Trainings & Education, are investments for the corporation, so before choosing the Training Provider, employers must ensure that:

• Employees will acquire skills and knowledge that will improve their work, thus creating a direct ROI
• Employees will take specific courses and receive knowledge in rules and obligations.
• Specific training needs will be covered, i.e. per project, typo of work, group of employees, i.e. senior executives, middle hierarchy employers, permanent subcontractors, newly-recruited, etc.
• Training programs must be integrated, based on internationally applied programs and good practices as well as recognized and certified.
• Participants will be evaluated in terms of understanding the training course’s topics
• Participants will evaluate the trainers and training programs

Blockchain QHSE recommends this approach to every business and has the experience and expertise in planning, organizing and implementing Training & Educational Programs.

Employee Training & Practice

Blockchain QHSE provides businesses with the opportunity to:

1. Select from a list of available training programs
2. Plan jointly, a suitable training program depending on the businesses’ needs.

Depending on the businesses’ needs and requirements, training programs can be developed in two phases:

1. Theoretical Training, that includes presentations, interactive participation, use of audio and video, workshops and evaluation tests.
2. Practical Training, that includes the practical application of the training course and exercises such as, working in heights, working in confined spaces, first aid, firefighting, rescue, safe use of equipment and tools, proper use of PPEs, etc.

The venue and way of organizing the training program, can be adjusted to fit the specific needs and requirements of each business.

Depending on the subject, training programs concern human resources of a corporate organization in its entirety, and address to:

• Management and company executives (skills development)
• Middle-Management (Department Executives, Supervisors, etc)
• Groups or workers depending on their activities, nature or workplace such as, technical projects, industry, machinery operators, production workers, maintenance workers, sales employees, office employees, etc.
• Subcontractors and third-party employees that are involved in the operation of the business.

Management of Environmental issues as well as Quality Assurance and Control, are directly linked with the Occupational H&S Management.

In many cases, Quality-Health-Safety-Environment have the same management framework/foundation, described as QHSE Management and are usually managed by one administrative department.

Project Quality Management & QA/QC

The Project Quality Program (PQP) is an organized quality control process during the construction phase of a project.

The PQP includes all the necessary tools for the project’s monitoring, data collection and documentation of work activities that have been implemented and their archive.

Blockchain QHSE develops Projects Quality Programs that include:

• Conduction of essential H&S studies
• Overseeing the project’s quality
• Procedures & instructions to be applied in the project, in-writing
• H&S training and PQP implementation during the project

Blockchain QHSE in collaboration with experienced engineers, assures the quality control (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) and Environmental Management in all types of projects and businesses. Among others, the associate is responsible for:

• Promoting and improving quality in every level of the business
• Coordinating & conducting Internal Quality Auditing
• Auditing-monitoring corrective/preventive measures, complaints and non-compliances
• Monitoring the documentation of the Quality System and Environmental Plan
• Contacting the Certification Service Provider along with third parties, regarding issues of quality and environmental management
• Personnel training concerning quality issues and environment protection

In case of occupational incidents/accidents, the businesses is obligated to:

• Investigate the cause of the accident
• Analyze and evaluate the results of the investigation
• Suggest prevention measures for future incidents

Accident investigation is a crucial process of substantial importance that requires specialized expertise, method and experience.

Correspondingly, the Investigation & Cause Analysis Report of occupational accidents that includes suggestions regarding preventive measures, is of considerable importance as it also has legal status.

For an effective incident investigation, we must identify:

1. The immediate causes
2. The underlying causes, aka root causes

For every serious injury there are smaller-scale accidents, near misses and unsafe behaviors. By analyzing the root causes, it is possible to reduce probability the accident occurrence.

The Root Cause Analysis allows employers-businesses to locate the systemic causes of accidents along with the direct causes.

Blockchain QHSE has the expertise and experience in using specific analysis and accident investigation methodology, as Fault Tree Analysis, 5M/8M, Five Why, Fishbone Diagram (Ishikawa), etc.