Enhancing Adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in the Oil and Gas Industry

Despite the critical importance of adhering to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ensuring safety, efficiency, and consistency in daily operations, oil and gas operators occasionally deviate from them. Deviations from SOPs can stem from various factors, including but not limited to inadequate training, lack of motivation, and the prevailing organizational culture. What steps can operators take to prevent such deviations from occurring?

Factors Contributing to Non-Compliance and Operational Risks

1. Inadequate Training
   Insufficient, infrequent, outdated, or impractical training can prevent operators from fully realizing the risks involved in certain procedures or the importance of performing all steps in the specified order. Operators may perceive some procedures as cumbersome or irrelevant, leading to non-compliance, as they might not recognize the potential consequences of following their own methods.
2. Overconfidence and Experience
   Seasoned operators may exhibit excessive confidence in their skills and expertise. This confidence can lead them to take shortcuts or depart from established procedures, posing risks to both safety and operational efficiency. In high-demand environments, operators might cut corners to manage the workload, further highlighting the complex interplay between individual judgment and organizational norms.
3. Low Motivation
   Without clear motivation, there may be a lack of attention to detail and a lower commitment to maintaining high standards and completing tasks efficiently. Lack of motivation can be contagious, leading to a negative work environment and affecting the morale of other team members.
4. Organizational Culture
   If management occasionally overlooks deviations or fails to impose consequences for non-compliance, operators may perceive that SOPs aren’t strictly necessary. This inconsistency can erode the overall culture of safety and adherence to protocols.

Proven Strategies to Enhance SOP Adherence

1. Invest in Comprehensive Training

• Frequent and Relevant Sessions: Provide regular, comprehensive training that explains the rationale behind SOPs and facilitates periodic revisions. Keeping SOPs up-to-date and relevant ensures they remain practical and effective.
• Simulation-Based Learning: Use simulators to give operators hands-on experience in a controlled environment, allowing them to practice and internalize procedures.
• Practice Drills:  If simulators are not available, practice drills can be arranged as an alternative. These drills involve a role-playing exercise where all key players simulate the execution of the procedures, providing a practical way to practice and refine their implementation.

2. Involve Operators in SOP Development

Operators are the ones living these procedures every day. Involving operators in the development and review of SOPs can foster a sense of responsibility and commitment to following them. Operators who understand the reasons behind procedures are more likely to adhere to them.

3. Build a Culture That Prioritizes Safety

• Visible Leadership Commitment: When management champions procedural compliance, it sets the tone for the entire organization.
• Recognition and Rewards: Celebrate employees who consistently follow procedures and demonstrate safe behaviors.

4. Improve Communication and Feedback

• Open Channels: Encourage open communication between operators and management about the practicality of procedures and any challenges faced.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implement mechanisms for operators to provide feedback on procedures and suggest improvements.

5. Enforce Accountability

• Clear Consequences: Establish and communicate the repercussions of non-compliance.
• Consistency Enforcement: Apply rules evenly at every organizational level to maintain trust and fairness.

How Partnering with Becht Can Improve SOP Compliance

Becht can assist organizations in reshaping behaviors toward SOP compliance, ensuring that safety and efficiency are prioritized without sacrificing production. Becht’s expertise helps organizations address the reasons for non-compliance through enhanced training programs that provide regular, comprehensive sessions explaining the rationale behind SOPs. The Becht approach also emphasizes operator involvement in the development and review of SOPs, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment. By cultivating a culture that prioritizes safety and adherence to protocols, Becht ensures SOP compliance is maintained, reducing risks and enhancing overall performance.

To learn more or discuss next steps, contact Becht or visit the website.