Channeling Norms into DAMS:

The ArchDAMS approach is an operational framework that divides large operations into unitized spheres of operation, each staffed and managed by willing dutyholders. Every team member is assigned specific duties, which collectively ensure the safety of their respective sphere of operation. When every operational sphere functions safely, the entire operation remains secure.

The efficacy of the system lies in its simplicity—if every dutyholder fulfills their responsibilities, which are specifically designed to maintain a safe operation, the likelihood of unsafe conditions significantly decreases.

The approach establishes robust barriers to prevent Accidents, mitigate Risk, reinforce a strong Culture of safety, and control Hazards. It achieves this by empowering Dutyholders with concrete Accountability and equipping them with the necessary Means to excel in every Sphere of operation.

Dutyholders represent a critical link in any system where human decision-makers are pivotal. Unlike automated systems where outcomes can be somewhat guaranteed barring malfunctions, the inclusion of humans introduces variability.

Our capacity for free will leads to both innovation and unpredictability.

This human factor underscores the tale where Everybody, Somebody, Nobody, and Anybody illustrate the pitfalls of undefined responsibility, a scenario all too common in traditional safety management systems where the norm often involves delineating roles and responsibilities without clear ownership, leading to a lack of accountability until prompted by audits, senior management reviews, or, worse, accidents.

The ArchDAMS approach addresses this by clearly assigning dutyholders to every task within every sphere of operation. Responsibilities become official only when acknowledged and accepted by the appointed dutyholders.

This method doesn't preoccupy itself with the allocation of duties based on roles; instead, it focuses on identifying and assigning actionable duties to specific individuals who agree to undertake them. This ensures clarity and accountability, providing a direct line of responsibility in the event of accidents or incidents.

For instance, within the scope of conducting risk assessments, the ArchDAMS methodology designates a dutyholder specifically responsible for confirming site conditions prior to the approval of the site-specific risk assessment controls.

This dutyholder's role is explicitly defined, and their acceptance of this responsibility whilst voluntary for them is mandatory for the system. It is their personal duty, not a duty related to their job title or position, and it will be reassigned to another named individual if they are unable to perform it.

The flexibility within the ArchDAMS framework allows individuals to assume multiple roles, adapting to the dynamic nature of operations without losing sight of their specific responsibilities.

The essence is to maintain absolute clarity on the duties each person has committed to, ensuring every task is underpinned by a foundation of accountability.

Every expectation within the ArchDAMS framework is matched with precise accountability.

Dutyholders are stringently accountable for their responsibilities, overseen by appointed individuals endowed with the authority and resources necessary for ensuring accountability is maintained objectively and with empathy.

Their role is not to pass judgement on an individual's value but to enforce the completion of tasks within the broader system, emphasising task-specific accountability over personal criticism. This early intervention is narrowly focused and aimed at duties that dutyholders have willingly undertaken.

The norm within many safety management systems ranges from blame-centric environments, where accountability devolves into acrimonious disputes, to lax systems where incomplete tasks silently merge into ongoing work, overlooked as long as no accidents occur.

Then, there's the over-idealized culture of trust and care, which, while well-intentioned, can sometimes skirt the edge of addressing actual accountability. Striking the right balance is rare, with traditional management versus union dynamics often exacerbating the situation.

In contrast, accountability within the ArchDAMS approach transcends mere blame or punitive measures. It cultivates a culture steeped in discipline, care, respect, and effective teamwork. Accountability is seamlessly integrated with trust and care, methodically clarifying responsibilities to eliminate any confusion.

Consider the scenario where a senior manager responsible for the verification of the preparation and communication of a risk assessment neglects this duty. In the ArchDAMS approach, the accountability for this specific duty rests solely with them and they are held accountable for its completion.

This clear delineation of duties ensures that omissions are directly addressed to the responsible party, unlike conventional methods that may allow responsibilities to be evaded.

By injecting transparency into performance management, ArchDAMS not only promotes a disciplined approach but also fosters a supportive, trusting, and caring environment.

The efficacy of completing any task hinges as much on the means available as it does on the duty itself. "Means" encompasses a broad array of resources, from processes and procedures to equipment, as well as the essential instruction, information, knowledge, and authority required for safe task execution.

A common shortfall in many safety management systems is the allocation of generic duties to roles without ensuring the assignees possess the necessary information, knowledge, authority, or resources to fulfil these tasks effectively.

This often raises questions about the locus of responsibility for safety—whether it lies with safety officers, line managers, or senior executives.

The ArchDAMS framework, with its modular design, intricately weaves resource and means planning into the development of task-specific controls. This methodology not only incorporates safeguards to prevent dutyholders from being overstretched or resorting to shortcuts but also adapts to the fluid nature of work environments, ensuring resources and responses remain flexible and responsive to any changes.

Consider the scenario where a senior manager is responsible for a comprehensive review of the risk assessment process for a particular activity.

Within the ArchDAMS framework, they are equipped with detailed information about the dutyholders involved, the confirmed evidence of these dutyholders' acceptance of their responsibilities, and documentation of each task's completion status alongside the activity phases.

This enables the senior manager to perform thorough reviews, whether at the desk for completed tasks or on-site for ongoing operations, ensuring a complete understanding of all requirements.

Furthermore, they are vested with the authority to inquire and receive insightful responses from those knowledgeable of their oversight role, enhancing the review process's effectiveness and accountability.

The ArchDAMS approach adopts a modular strategy for safety management, reflecting the compartmentalised structure of operations prevalent across industries. This method ensures seamless integration of safety practices into daily workflows, making them an intrinsic part of operations rather than an external addition.

The approach is so deeply embedded within the operational framework that it becomes nearly indistinguishable from other routine processes.

Rather than standing apart or seeking visibility for its own sake, safety becomes a critical component within the operational ecosystem, serving as a central hub for information.

This pivotal role transforms the safety team from being peripheral guardians of safety protocols to central figures in operational intelligence. They become the go-to source for comprehensive insights, leveraging their position to subtly promote safety priorities.

Traditionally, safety in the industry has often been sidelined, acknowledged during specific events like Safety Day or given a cursory nod at meeting commencements, struggling for consistent engagement. Information sharing with safety teams is typically selective, guided by the discretion of others.

Contrastingly, ArchDAMS repositions safety from an occasional concern to a core element of every project phase, indispensable to the entire operation. It ensures that safety considerations are central to all decision-making processes, elevating the safety team’s role to that of key policy influencers.

By merit, they gain significant influence, from technical discussions to strategic board meetings, enhancing their capacity to guide and shape organisational safety culture effectively.