ABSTRACT
One of the many challenges in today’s work environment is the need to continue to seek efficiencies in the way we deliver and perform business functions, from the perspective of continuously improving both existing processes and efficiencies in cost and schedule delivery. The ES&H function is one of support-an integral component of the overall structure that produces a quality product and meets schedule and performance commitments. It is the responsibility of the ES&H manager and professionals to lead and identify methods for continuously improving their programs and field execution. This chapter addresses two methods by which improvement can be achieved:
• Assessing the organization to identify actions that will improve operational performance and costs
• Evaluating how the organization is performing by the tracking of issues and looking for trends that, if remediated, could achieve improved performance and costs
A primary means of identifying areas for improvement is through the use of assessments. The term assessment refers to a systematic method for evaluating people, processes, and equipment in order to determine whether defined procedures, protocol, and operations are being conducted in accordance with requirements and specifications and to identify opportunities for continuous improvement. The use of assessments is driven by both regulatory requirements and companies wanting to gauge how well operations are
being conducted, how proficient management is, and whether the company is meeting regulatory and contractual requirements.
