As outlined in our June article, CERN has a coordination structure in place to manage and oversee concurrent activities, including for the demanding LS3 period ahead. Clearly defined activities, announced in advance, are essential to allow teams and coordinators to optimise safety for everyone.

The preparation phase is fundamental:

1. Before starting any activity

• Take into account the applicable safety documents:
  • Work and Safety Coordination Plans (WSCPs)
  • Specific conditions imposed by the coordination teams
• Contractors should also consult:
  • The technical specifications of their contracts
  • The Working on the CERN site document (WoCS)
  • The Prevention Plans (PPs) and Special Health and Safety Protection Schedules (SHSPSs)

2. Gather information specific to your activity

• Location: identify the operational activities in the vicinity of your area that could pose risks to your workers.
• Schedule: take into account other work taking place simultaneously that is likely to impact your team.
• Working method: document the risks specific to your activity (existing procedures or contractors’ safety documents).

3. Assess the risks

• Risks related to your working method: potential impact on third parties (other workers/operators nearby)
• Risks arising from operational activities and other work being carried out in the vicinity that could affect your workers

4. Define compensatory measures

Reinforce the baseline safety requirements (as laid down in the safety documents) with additional measures to reduce residual risks (for example: request a lockout-tagout, adjust the working method, etc.).

For optimal preparation, liaise closely with all relevant stakeholders, conduct on-site technical visits to verify actual conditions on the ground, seek support from safety specialists and organise joint inspection visits (JIVs) – if, for instance, access to the area concerned was restricted during the preparatory phase or at the request of a stakeholder involved in your work.

Anticipating risks at the preparation stage means preventing incidents during execution.

Consult the Nine Safety Fundamentals at CERN. Safety first. Safety always.