PROGRESSION IN THE QHSSE DEPARTMENT
The QHSSE Department has several levels of positions ranging from a junior role as a Level 1 Field Advisor to QHSSE Manager. Progression is dependent on performance, special abilities, synergy and overall work ethic.
The QHSSE Department is one where opportunities for progression arise when you least expect it.
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT IN HSE LEADERSHIP
Following his secondment as HSE Manager at GYSBI’s sister company, Sustainable Environmental Solutions (SES), Allan Lambert has now been promoted to the position of QHSSE Manager - Projects at GYSBI.
When informed about the opportunity, Allan was hesitant but excited about a new challenge. Despite the initial uncertainty about managing a waste facility, his proactive approach enabled him to develop a sound strategy and adapt quickly. Drawing on his experience at GYSBI, he influenced leadership to drive cultural change. His key achievements included improving recordkeeping, documentation, and reassessing tank cleaning operations, strengthening SES’s safety standards and trust in GYSBI’s approach.
The experience reminded him that “health and safety is a journey.” Exposure to these areas renewed his interest in pursuing process safety programmes.
Now as QHSSE Manager - Projects, he plans to apply his versatility and adaptability to raise project standards and mentor teams. His advice to others is to embrace challenges. “There is no growth in comfortability,” he says. Allan Lambert’s journey highlights how embracing opportunities and driving change can unlock professional growth and leadership success.
ALLAN LAMBERT
QHSSE Manager - Projects at GYSBI
2024 INCIDENT TRENDS
In 2024, GYSBI recorded ZERO incidents with the potential for life altering injuries.
Despite the exponential increase in employees over the years, the QHSSE Team has been able to consistently maintain a downward trend in incident occurrences since 2020 through an emphasis on SMART objectives and corrective actions.
KEY LEARNINGS & QHSSE IMPROVEMENTS
INTRODUCTION OF KELVIN TOP SET INVESTIGATION METHODOLOGY (KTS)
GYSBI has implemented the renowned Kelvin TOP-SET Incident Investigation Methodology company-wide, taking our commitment to safety and accountability to new heights. Our QHSSE Manager, now a certified Lead Investigator and Trainer, has spearheaded this initiative with remarkable success.
With a focus on empowering our workforce, he has personally trained over 100 employees, equipping them with the skills to identify root causes, prevent future incidents, and promote a safer, more proactive work environment. This initiative is not just about compliance — it’s about fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where everyone plays a role in enhancing safety performance.
CRITICAL CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
At GYSBI, corrective actions from investigations are systematically classified, with those meeting “Critical” criteria undergoing a rigorous verification process. These high-priority actions are closely tracked, monitored, and reviewed to ensure they effectively resolve the identified issues.
This structured approach underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing critical findings and maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.
VERIFICATION & VALIDATION
The Verification and Validation (V&V) process ensures both compliance and effectiveness in managing risks. Verification checks if corrective actions are implemented as planned, while validation confirms if these actions effectively reduce risks.
A practical example of this commitment is the Safe Start Checklist, introduced in 2024 and integrated into GYSBI’s Permit to Work (PTW) System. Operators perform initial inspections, which are then verified by QHSSE Advisors for accuracy. These Advisors further validate the process by monitoring operations to ensure that risk controls are effective, continually asking critical questions like, “Do we have the right system in place?”
This approach, driven by independent verification and active worker engagement, reinforces our safety culture and supports continuous improvement. Safe Start Checklists have proven to reduce life-altering injuries by 50%. Since its implementation in October, 125 checklists have already been completed for fueling activities.
PROMPT CARDS
The prompt card serves as a comprehensive reminder for the verifications and validations required for permitted work activities. This enables QHSSE Advisors to develop safeguards for Hot Work, Fluid Transfer and Working in Confined Spaces, thereby contributing to the safe execution of permitted activities.
INTRODUCTION OF LIMBLE INSPECTIONS
The GYSBI QHSSE team has significantly streamlined its inspection and maintenance operations using Limble, an intuitive maintenance management platform. Limble facilitates efficient tracking and upkeep of critical safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, breathalyzers, and first aid kits.
These features assist the QHSSE Department with ensuring all equipment remains functional and compliant. With asset tracking capabilities, the platform helps prevent equipment loss and enables detailed record-keeping of maintenance history.
Limble’s robust reporting tools also provide valuable insights into equipment status, maintenance trends, and cost-saving opportunities. By automating maintenance processes, the team can focus on essential safety tasks, enhancing overall efficiency and compliance.
GOARC IMPROVEMENTS & PROSPECTS
KEY IMPROVEMENTS
User Experience Enhancements:
◆ Light/Dark mode and improved navigation.
◆ Streamlined activity details with collapsible sections and reduced clicks.
◆ Enhanced question behaviour for repeatable sets and signatures.
Portal and User Management:
◆ Ability to add/modify users and customize notification triggers for safety reports.
◆ Hierarchical notifications with options like “Receive all” or “Disable.”
Activity and Workflow Management:
◆ Improved activity filtering and checklist validation.
◆ Quick record creation in the Shift Management Module (SMM)
Pool Assignment:
◆ Assign activities to user pools and allow dynamic “pull” actions.
◆ Parallel step handling with user-specific permissions.
PROSPECTS
Expand automation with AI-driven insights and predictive safety measures.
Offer modular features to cater to diverse organizational needs.
Adapt to international standards for global scalability.
Improve collaboration and compliance with advanced reporting and real-time tools.
GOARC V4.8.0 focuses on improving operational efficiency, safety compliance, and user experience, paving the way for scalability and global adoption.
EVOLUTION OF THE PERMIT-TO-WORK SYSTEM
In 2024, the Permit-to-Work (PTW) System underwent significant enhancements to meet the evolving needs of GYSBI’s QHSSE Management System, ensuring greater alignment with our safety and operational demands.
Updates included:
1. A more user-friendly platform for everyone, which made it easier to understand and open a permit.
2. Simplified verification methods.
3. Simpler way to choose users.
The PTW Map in the GOARC Permit to Work (PTW) module is an advanced feature designed to provide a visual and geographic representation of ongoing, planned, or completed work activities, particularly those associated with permits. This feature leverages real-time data integration, geolocation technologies, and an intuitive user interface to improve the situational awareness and operational oversight of work environments.
Benefits of the PTW Map in GOARC:
Awaiting Approval
QHSSE Assignment
QHSSE Area Verification
Required Docs/Hazards
Permission Granted
◆ Offers a comprehensive view of the site, helping stakeholders understand the real-time operational landscape.
◆ Facilitates coordination between teams by providing a shared visual reference for work activities and associated risks.
◆ Helps identify potential safety conflicts and risks before they escalate into incidents through effective SIMOPS management.
◆ Reduces time spent cross-checking permits and safety measures manually, as everything is accessible on one integrated platform.
The map is displayed daily at the pre-shift meeting. Supervisors can use the map to plan work activities spatially, ensuring that no two conflicting permits are issued in the same area simultaneously.
COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT
QHSSE ONBOARDING TRAINING
The QHSSE Advisor training programme is designed to ensure that all newly hired Advisors are thoroughly acquainted with GYSBI’s QHSSE Management System. This initiative aims to enhance their skillset across various disciplines within the organization, equipping them to drive continuous improvement in QHSSE performance and foster a stronger safety culture at GYSBI.
EXTERNAL QHSSE TRAININGS
In 2024, several internal and external training opportunities were provided to the QHSSE Department to improve its overall competency.
AUTHORIZED GAS TESTER
A team of senior QHSSE Advisors participated in OPITO-certified Authorized Gas Tester (AGT) training to enhance their expertise in critical safety procedures. This training equipped them with the knowledge to conduct gas tests for oxygen levels, flammable and toxic gases, and to perform gas testing within confined spaces. Additionally, they gained a deeper understanding of confined space hazards and the relevant legislative requirements, further strengthening GYSBI’s safety capabilities.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM MEMBER (ERTM)
Ten (10) QHSSE Advisors successfully completed Emergency Response Team Member training (ERTM) where they learnt what actions or steps they should take in the event of an emergency or accident.
FIRST AID TRAINING
Over the years, GYSBI has prioritized having QHSSE Advisors at both the Shorebase and Annex who are trained and certified in First Aid by the Guyana Red Cross. These Advisors are wellversed in emergency response protocols, guided by the three essential action steps: Check, Call, Care. This commitment ensures that our facilities are equipped with knowledgeable personnel capable of providing prompt and effective emergency care, reinforcing our dedication to safety and well-being.
NEBOSH
NEBOSH Internal General Certificate – The IGC has become an integral part of the QHSSE Team as it stands as a minimum requirement for all our QHSSE Advisors in the field and has been provided to several existing team members.
NEBOSH Diploma – Marvin McLennon
NEBOSH Environmental Management Certificate – Waynace Forde
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Board of Certified Safety Professional: Certified Safety Professional Credential Holder – Elroy Vankennie
QFQUAL Formal Coaching and Mentoring Course – Kwesi Roberts
HUMAN PERFORMANCE & SAFE CHOICE
– Changing Behaviors/Changing Lives
COACHING EVOLUTION
The QHSSE Department has advanced its coaching and mentoring approach by focusing on tasks performed at both the Annex and Main Base. Previously, the approach was reactive, with interventions made only when deemed necessary. However, the new proactive strategy ensures that every worker across all crews participates in structured coaching modules, which are periodically updated. This program combines both classroom-based learning and in-field coaching, promoting continuous development and reinforcing safe, effective work practices throughout the organisation.
Since the first module’s launch in November, 102 of 415 (25%) mandated workers have completed the coaching and several continuous improvements opportunities have been identified.
GYSBI VIDEO EDUCATION SERIES
Launched in January 2024, the GYSBI video series was created to deliver essential information to the workforce while showcasing key achievements. These short, engaging videos provide clear, concise content, combining visual and verbal elements to enhance understanding and retention.
So far, around 36 videos have been produced, with more on the way.
HUMAN PERFORMANCE & SAFE CHOICE TRAINING
Human Performance (HP) has become a cornerstone of GYSBI’s safety culture, driving a shift toward proactive, behavior-focused safety practices. To date, 93% of all managers, supervisors, and foremen have been trained in this new way of thinking, along with 90% of other employees. The Safe Choice training is 97% complete, covering both new recruits and refresher sessions where necessary.
In the spirit of partnership and collaboration, GYSBI has extended Human Performance training to personnel from ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and contractors such as Rig-Tech and Crane Worldwide Logistics, as well as tenants like ETS and SES. This Human Performance fluency training has made a lasting impact, positively influencing behaviours both on and off the job, further strengthening our commitment to safety and operational excellence.
REWARDS & RECOGNITION PROGRAMME
The QHSSE Department’s Reward and Recognition Program continues to celebrate employees’ efforts and promotes safety culture through the incentivization of safety participation with monetary and non-monetary prizes. Awards distributed in 2024 include:
Weekly Safety Report Winner – Best safety report of the week.
On-the-Spot Awards – Immediate recognition for exceptional interventions.
QUARTERLY PRIZES AND FINISH STRONG CAMPAIGN
At GYSBI, we recognize that our employees are the heart of our success. That’s why we’re thrilled to reward your dedication and engagement through our Go-Arc Points Program!
Top 30 Participants Win Big Every Quarter!
From Samsung tablets to laptops, and even tickets to the breathtaking Kaieteur Falls, our top 10 achievers each quarter enjoy spectacular prizes! But we don’t stop there — 20 more participants receive vouchers worth up to $10,000!
This year’s prizes so far:
◆ Q1: Samsung Tablets
◆ Q2: Kaieteur Falls Tickets
◆ Q3: Laptops
◆ Q4: 50K Grocery Vouchers
Contributions matter, and with every point earned, participants are one step closer to joining the winners’ circle.
FINISH STRONG CAMPAIGN 2024
To cap off an incredible year, we emphasized safety, teamwork, and excellence, ensuring a strong finish by prioritizing well-being both on and off the job — at work, at home, and on the road.
During the 2024 Christmas season, we went all out to show our appreciation by giving staff the opportunity to win big! In celebration of our employees’ hard work and dedication throughout the year, we offered exciting rewards, culminating in the ultimate prize: a brand-new car!
It was a memorable way to honour the commitment and achievements that made 2024 such a success!
Safety Was at the Heart of Our Success
The Finish Strong 2024 Campaign spotlighted essential safety practices to ensure the wellbeing of employees both on and off the job. Key focus areas included safe driving, fire and electrical safety, environmental awareness, proper manual handling, and drug and alcohol use prevention. By reinforcing these practices, the campaign aimed to foster a culture of continuous vigilance and safety excellence as we wrapped up another successful year.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT & CONSULTATION
The Employee of the Month initiative was created to recognize and reward outstanding performance, promoting a positive and motivating workplace environment. To facilitate this, an Employee of the Month Nomination Form was introduced, allowing managers and supervisors from all GYSBI departments to nominate employees who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and contributions during the nomination period. This initiative highlights our commitment to celebrating excellence and inspiring continued growth and success across the organisation.
The selection is made by GYSBI’s Management team based on the following Metrics:
All Employees of the Month are displayed at the Primary Entrance to the Shore Base and Industrial Estate for recognition.
Notably, two members of the QHSSE Department were selected during 2024 as Employees of the Month.
George Mohamed – July 2024 Employee of the Month
George Mohamed is a Senior QHSSE Advisor at Guyana Shore Base Inc. His outstanding performance includes effectively managing the QHSSE team while strictly adhering to all company procedures. He is also consistently punctual at work.
Leah Milo – September 2024 Employee of the Month
Leah Milo is the QHSSE Coordinator at Guyana Shore Base Inc. Her positive attitude and willingness to exceed expectations aligning GYSBI’s policies and procedures with industry standards, in promoting employee welfare, and enhancing the existing safety culture at GYSBI, are truly commendable.
JOINT WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE
In 2024, GYSBI’s Joint Workplace Health & Safety (JWHS) Committee embarked on a second round of Joint Workplace Occupational Safety and Health Committee Training offered by the Ministry of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Department.
Dedicated members of the JWHSC and the QHSSE Team, Waynace Forde and Allan Lambert, planned and spearheaded the delivery of a road safety presentation at the Houston Secondary School on November 26th, 2024, to improve Road Safety Awareness among the students.
In efforts to extend the company’s safety culture, contents for the development of a starter emergency station were donated to the school.
MANAGEMENT WALKTHROUGH/GATORADE RUNS
At GYSBI, we believe that meaningful improvement begins with conversations and take pride in maintaining an open-door policy. However, we also understand that true engagement goes beyond this — it involves leaders at the highest level stepping out of their offices and into the teams’ workspaces for interactive sessions.
These sessions foster open dialogue, where workers are encouraged to share feedback on key safeguards to enhance operational safety. Suggestions and recommendations are not only welcomed but also acted upon promptly. Actions are created, assigned, and addressed in real-time, reinforcing our commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and safety excellence.
POSITIVE SUNDAYS
Positive Sunday is a great initiative that was reinstated in 2024 to highlight the positives that were captured in the Positive Behaviour observations that were made during the week on Go Arc.
FOCUS ON THE ENVIRONMENT –
Collapsible Cups Initiative
TOWARDS A GREENER GYSBI
In November 2024, GYSBI launched a waste reduction campaign aimed at minimizing the use of single-use plastic and paper cups. As part of this initiative, reusable cups were distributed to Operations, Maintenance, and QHSSE personnel. This effort reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainability by encouraging environmentally friendly practices across the organisation.
The collapsible cup is an ideal solution due to its innovative design, which allows it to be compressed into a compact, space-saving form. Equipped with a convenient clip, the cup can easily be attached to overalls, bags, and other personal items, making it practical and accessible for employees on the go.
In 2025, all GYSBI employees received collapsible cups to completely remove the need for disposable cups.
The Hazardous Substances Staging Policy was developed to outline GYSBI’s requirements for the staging of hazardous substances intended for offshore shipment.
The key requirements of the Policy are: HAZARDOUS
Incompatible substances shall not be stored together.
Storage container must conform to the DNVGL-ST-E271, ISO 10885 or equivalent standards.
Staging of hazardous substances shall not exceed seven (7) days.
All staged storage units shall be adequately secured and labelled with hazard information.
PESTICIDES AND TOXIC CHEMICALS CONTROL BOARD (PTCCB)
TRAINING
Members of the Operations, Maintenance and QHSSE teams were sent for training on the transport of toxic chemicals and pesticides at the PTCCB. Employees in the Operations, Maintenances and QHSSE departments received training in proper methods of transporting hazardous materials and in spill response.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING CAPABILITIES
– Equipment Highlight
What does it do?
The Aeroqual S500 Air Quality monitor measures the concentration of common pollutants in the air.
What does it measure?
◆ Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5)
◆ Hydrogen Sulfide
◆ Nitrogen Dioxide
◆ Sulphur Dioxide
◆ Carbon Monoxide
◆ VOCs
Why do we use it?
The data collected is analyzed to determine level of exposure for employees and possible health implications where applicable or potential environmental impacts to determine the need for controls.
Aeroqual S500 Air Quality Monitor
MANAGEMENT REVIEW
– LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, the GYSBI management team highlighted key areas for improvement of the QHSSE Management System:
ISO SURVEILLANCE AUDIT
GYSBI’s second ISO Surveillance Audit was conducted by two representatives from Global Compliance Service (GCS) Guyana, from November 26th to 29th 2024, in line with the company’s existing scope of activities which covers, ‘The delivery of Shore Base Services, Logistics Services and Industrial Park Services in Guyana.’
Throughout the Audit, the company was commended for the immense efforts made towards the continual improvement of its Integrated Management System (IMS) and compliance with the requirements of the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Requirements and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health & Safety Management System Requirements.
While areas for improvement were identified, GYSBI maintains its ISO Certification, with no new non-conformances identified.
GYSBI’S VISITOR MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Since the roll out of the Visitor Management System (VMS) in 2023, the system has been able to facilitate the following security improvements:
1. Greater Security Oversight
2. Reduced potential for security breaches
3. Induction of Visitors on QHSSE Policies and Site Rules
4. Aid all types of investigations
5. Provides key data for audits, reports, etc.
6. Repository of security-related data that is useful on demand
7. Contributes to timesaving when visitors are entering and exiting facilities
8. Satisfaction and strengthening of ISPS compliance
9. Access to the back end offers great opportunities for problem solving and conducting fault checks when visitors or security encounter challenges.
10. Provides a seamless process to facilitate entry of personnel who have misplaced, lost or do not have their security passes in their possession.
STATISTICS ON VMS PARTICIPATION
INTRODUCTION OF SECURITY TEAM LEADS
In 2024, GYSBI introduced the Security Team Lead Role to further improve security management at the Shore Base and GYSBI Industrial Estate. The Team Leads also recently completed the Port Security Awareness Seminar conducted by the Caribbean Regional Drug Law Enforcement Training Centre (REDTRAC).
David Collins
David is a former Law Enforcement Officer who served the Guyana Police Force for six years. He was trained as a Narcotics Officer and was deployed to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport where he acquired training in customer service.
Yondell Whyte
Yondell served for 10 years as an aviation security professional with Secure Innovation and Concepts (SICI) as a Ground Security Coordinator at both of Guyana’s International Airports at Timehri and Ogle.
Jason Henderson
Jason is a former corrections professional who served the Guyana Prison Service for 10 years. He was a Chief Correctional Officer with several deployments at prisons across Guyana. Jason specializes in supervisory management and security operations.
Jarell Milling
Jarell is a former Law Enforcement Officer who served the Guyana Police Force for six years. He was trained as a Crime Scene and Criminal Investigator. As a Port Facility Security Team Lead, Jarell is keen on developing and maintaining security policies and procedures.
Edmond Jagroop
Edmond is a former Soldier who served the Guyana Defence Force for five years. He was trained as a Junior Leader and in Small Arms Ordinance. Edmond appreciates a good challenge and vastly recognizes and responds to situations in a timely manner.
Colin Hartman
Colin previously served as a Law Enforcement Officer in the Guyana Police Force for four years. He is trained in Crime Scene and Criminal Investigations as well as Corporate Communications.
Kwesi Jacobs
Kwesi has twenty-three years of experience in private security operations with strong competencies in asset protection, risk assessment, and planning. He has served in high-risk gold and diamond mining operations and within a bulk fuel supply terminal.
EXERCISE UMBILICAL CORD 2024
- Positives
On April 17th, 2024, Guyana Shore Base Inc. in partnership with SOL Guyana Inc., conducted a Port Facility Security Exercise which simulated a bomb threat against both port facilities. This exercise is a key pillar for maintaining ISPS Code and MARAD regulations compliance.
Key Partners
1. Guyana Fire Service (GFS)
2. Maritime Administration Department (MARAD)
3. Civil Defence Commission (CDC)
4. Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard (GDF CG)
5. Guyana Police Force (GPF)
Positives
• Security personnel at GYSBI Main Base responded promptly to instructions and coordinated well with all other departments and external agencies.
• There was excellent communication between the GYSBI PFSO and Sol PFSO.
• Excellent response from the emergency services, specifically the GPF and the GFS.
• The QHSSE Manager and Base Manager coordinated a smooth full muster of the GYSBI facility.
GYSBI’s PFSO deployed as part of the GDF contingent in response to Hurricane Beryl
In times of crisis, heroes emerge — and one such hero is Major Salim October, a valued member of our team and a dedicated Reserve Officer in the Guyana Defence Force. In July 2024, Major October was granted leave to serve in Operation Beryl in the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique.
Stepping away from his day-to-day responsibilities at GYSBI, he joined the operation alongside CARICOM counterparts, drawn from militaries, police services, and fire services, where his contribution exemplified commitment, bravery, and selflessness.
Reflecting on the experience, Salim said, “I was honored to serve as the Director of the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU) on a mission where I led a team of 25 officers and other ranks to render Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. We were instrumental in facilitating the restoration of critical lifeline infrastructure, establishing emergency telecommunications, managing emergency operations, providing technical assistance, and overseeing the planning, receipt, and distribution of humanitarian aid supplies. This deployment has left an indelible mark on me; the lessons and new skills learned will forever be used to sustain contributions to my workplace and society. I thank both GYSBI and the GDF for making this possible.”
We are proud to have individuals like Salim on our team, who rise to the occasion when they are needed the most.
Major Salim October’s story is a testament to courage, service, and the enduring spirit of those who put others before themselves.
QHSSE PROSPECTS FOR 2025
The QHSSE Team has identified its Prospects for 2025 and has already started working towards realizing those goals.
