Our Approach
We integrate policies, programs, and initiatives to protect employees from work-related health and safety risks and hazards, promote preventative care, and aim to advance the overall well-being of our employees at home and work, with tailored efforts based on job type and operating environment.
Our management system includes the following 15 operational control procedures that set the minimum standards for controlling health-related risks across our operations globally:
- Blood borne pathogens
- Chemical management
- Crystalline silica
- Ergonomics
- Extreme temperatures
- Fatigue risk management
- First Aid
- Food and kitchen hygiene
- Fit for remote assignment medical exams
- Hearing conservation
- Hydrogen sulfide management
- Industrial hygiene
- Malaria prevention
- Medical surveillance
- Respiratory protection
Our procedures meet or exceed global health standards, and we align to regulatory requirements in all areas of operation. Our tiered approach enables customization of internal procedures based on local requirements or risk profiles and alignment with customer and government requirements.
Occupational health risk identification and mitigation, including standards, policies, and programs is managed through our Global Health team. Global well-being initiatives are managed within the HR, in close coordination with our Global Health team. Company management has a leadership role in the communication and implementation of health-related activities.
All Baker Hughes employees are expected to adhere to requirements related to their role and job type. Our teams are also encouraged and empowered to take personal responsibility of their own health and the health of those around them through advocacy efforts, participation in voluntary programs, and by using available resources.
The mental health and emotional well-being of our employees is a critical priority. We work with our health benefit providers and internal teams to offer employees health and wellness programs, telemedicine access, health screenings, immunizations, fitness reimbursements, and virtual wellness tools. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) gives employees and their family members direct access to professional coaches for in-the-moment counseling or referrals to community experts and extended care providers to help navigate daily life, manage remote work, cope with major life events, among others. Understanding the pressures on our international rotators, travelers, and expats who tend to be away from home for extended periods, we offer additional mental health services and access to trained professionals in multiple languages and formats through our relationship with International SOS (ISOS), our health and security risk management partner. These services have been especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic with extended quarantine and isolation periods.
Throughout the year, we hosted global events with Baker Hughes leaders and external experts, further embedded mental well-being into leadership engagements, and provided resources and tools to all employees. We also conducted targeted initiatives focused on populations working in higher risk environments. For example, we participated in a study with the University of Houston to evaluate the effects of mindfulness on offshore safety. Based on these learnings, we piloted our new Time 2 Refocus program in North America, aimed at improving situational awareness by incorporating mindfulness techniques into daily routines. A substantial reduction in incidents was observed in the first half of 2021 compared to the same time period the prior year following the program's implementation, and we were recognized by the Center for Offshore Safety with a Safety Leadership Award for our innovative approach and strong performance. Earlier this year, we worked with Headspace, a global leader in mindfulness, to provide all Baker Hughes employees' access to their premium services.