IIF Activities in Barzan Onshore Project

The underlying intent of the IIF program is that each and every person working on the project is able to return safely to their family following its completion. For realizing this aim, all involved must have this thought in common – “I am responsible… Together we will be the best!”　

To accomplish this, the first step is to really get to know each other; the second is to do away with any barriers which separate us. If there is a language barrier, gestures, or pictures and other visual materials can be used to communicate. Workmen on the project also have things they want to convey, but may find difficult to express or find the opportunity to do so. Here we introduce the IIF activities being carried out on the Barzan Onshore Project.

To get the IIF activities off the ground, the first step was to create IIF Unit Leaders for each area of the project. These groups were made up of members from the client (RasGas), JGC, and management level representatives from subcontractors. The work of these groups started with the premise, based on the Japanese saying which says “Three arrows as a group are stronger than three separate arrows”, that an approach by a single individual is not as effective as a concerted effort to communicate by a team. In this way, people’s attitudes and behavior can be changed for the better. 

Before embarking on the IIF Site Check, confirmation is made of how the topic for that day can best be conveyed to the workmen. Also, the areas to be visited are decided upon with the aim of ensuring that all areas are covered evenly.

At the IIF Site Check, the workmen and the Unit Leader refer to a world map to help introduce themselves, and a 3D model is used to explain clearly the area where they are working and the aim of the work, emphasizing the important role they are playing in the accomplishment of the project as a whole. A “flip chart” is then used to explain the topic for the day.

During the IIF Site Check, a commitment is sought from the workmen involved. This can be related directly to safety and quality, or to other points such as work progress. Recognition of attainment of the goal committed to is expressed in the form of a presentation.

As the IIF Site Check progresses, the original intervention with 2 or 3 workmen attracts others and, as lively opinions and comments are exchanged, a positive and often smiling mood pervades the gathering.

In addition to its initial purpose, the IIF Site Check becomes an occasion for direct contact between the site managers and the workmen. The workmen are a little reticent at first but, once the initial barriers are overcome, concerns about workplace safety and product quality are raised together with more mundane matters such as problems with the food provided and requests for something to be done about flea infestations in the camp and the like. Hearing about these problems directly from the workmen often means that they can be referred to the Camp Organizer’s Meeting for remedial action.

A Coupon is issued each time to any workman who demonstrates special effort regarding the Topic or offers a constructive suggestion. A workmen who receives 10 of these coupons is presented with a Certificate of Appreciation and a commemorative gift from the management at the morning TBT (Tool Box Talk)in front of his fellow workmen.

Communication is encouraged during the IIF Camp Check when the checkers share the same meal as the workmen, confirm the quality and quantity of the food served and use the opportunity to hear directly from the workmen about their living conditions. By investigating the matters raised and acting promptly upon the results, the general welfare of the workforce is promoted.