STK0322 – What is Energy-Based Safety? A Science-Based Approach to Mitigate SIF Potential

Description

Date: 26 August, 2025, 13.00 UTC.

Estimated Time: 1 hr

Language: English

Summary of the lecture

Despite declining overall incident rates across many industries, Serious Injuries and Fatalities (SIFs) remain alarmingly steady. Energy-Based Safety represents a transformative shift in how we understand and manage hazards. In this steelTalk session, Karen Rochford introduces a science-based framework that strengthens workplace safety by focusing on hazardous energy sources.

This approach enhances workers’ ability to recognise hazards in their daily tasks, supports the prioritisation of those with high SIF potential, and guides the implementation of direct controls to mitigate risks. By concentrating on physical energy forms such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical, and kinetic energy, Energy-Based Safety improves risk awareness and informs more effective safety strategies.

What you will learn:

Understand the core principles of Energy-Based Safety and how they differ from traditional methods.
Learn to identify hazardous energy sources in your work environment.
Apply direct controls to reduce Serious Injury & Fatality (SIF) risk.
Discover how visualisation tools like the Energy Wheel increase engagement and safety awareness.
Explore real-world examples where Energy-Based Safety has improved performance metrics.

Speaker Introduction

Karen Rochford
HSEQ Group Supervisor,
ISN

Karen Rochford leads a global team of health, safety, and environmental professionals at ISN, the world leader in contractor and supplier risk management. With 17 years of industry experience, Karen specialises in reviewing and verifying contractor safety documentation, including written policies, certifications, and process implementation.

She holds a NEBOSH International Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, a Bachelor of Science in Quality Management, and a Bachelor of Technology in Environmental Protection and Management. Her team works closely with clients to identify leading indicators that reduce serious injuries and fatalities through ISN’s platform, ISNetworld®.