On the job with Christian Schrøder: Zero Harm Safety Coach, A2SEA A/S

“I’m a safe person by nature – in everything I do,” says Christian. “At home, for example, I’m the one who checks the dishwasher, turning the knives so their sharp tips point downward.”

Being safe by nature is a perfect fit for a Safety Coach at A2SEA. The title describes a comparatively new role, but one that is vital to the company’s ability to spread its Zero Harm safety culture wherever it works. Christian’s job is to implement international and company rules and procedures on A2SEA’s vessels, as well as client safety requirements. He’s in daily touch with crew members of all ranks, training them in the systems and tools related to safety compliance. And it’s also his duty to communicate lessons learned from one part of the company to another.

“The HSE coach is the link between land-based organisation and the vessels. We spend a lot of our time implementing safety campaigns, and conducting on-board training in the presentation room aboard larger vessels or in the saloon on the smaller ones.”

Christian joined A2SEA in 2010, eventually training as a Deck Officer. Until recently, he skippered crew transfer vessels, making over 400 safe landings at offshore structures. In more than 20 years in the industry, his career spans a long list of maritime companies, including Maersk Tankers, Mortensen and Lange, Bresline, H.C.Grube and others.

Christian typically spends a couple of days aboard the smaller vessels, and as many as five days on A2SEA’s installation vessels.

“We’re not like an auditor. And we’re not here to boss people around. Instead, we’re strong on the teaching side. In the beginning, some of the crew are a bit reserved, but then they find out we come from the vessels ourselves and we understand the issues. Then they open up.”

Christian describes a key challenge of his job is to get people using new and existing safety systems the right way. He also works hard to help bring the vessel- and land-based teams more closely into alignment.

“My favorite part is when I have some doubters that are slow to catch on to the idea of new safety initiatives. Using my knowledge and being able to explain things in a way that convinces them is very satisfying.”

“I love this job – and the company. Safety certainly isn’t new to this industry but there’s always some room for improvement and I really enjoy helping to raise the bar.”

A2SEA’s Zero Harm Safety Coach initiative was nominated for the Renewable UK Health & Safety Award 2015. The award aims to promote the development, implementation and sharing of best practise in health and safety across the offshore renewables sector.

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