A collective commitment to safety as LS3 approaches
CERN is soon to enter a demanding and important phase in which safety will be more important than ever. The third Long Shutdown (LS3) is a key step in preparing the accelerator complex and infrastructure for the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC). The scale and complexity of the LS3 work will be felt by all of us, whether through increased traffic and congestion on the site or through the need to stay alert to temporary signage and the constant movement of people and equipment in shared spaces. Delivering the HL-LHC programme is essential, but doing so safely is even more important.
LS3 is not only a technical endeavour; its success depends on people working together with a shared sense of responsibility. Day-to-day decisions, both large and small, have an impact on safety. And that includes desk-based working as much as technical activities. Something as simple as reporting a tripping hazard in a walkway, a blocked emergency exit or even a spilled drink near electrical equipment can have profound consequences. Safety is not a matter for a single group. It concerns all of us.
Our Safety framework provides the essential structure, but upholding CERN’s Safety Policy means more than just respecting the Safety Rules; it’s about embracing our collective commitment to the LS3 Safety Objectives and integrating the newly introduced 9 Safety Fundamentals into our daily routines. These fundamentals – such as being road safe, respecting barriers and access restrictions, protecting people from energy hazards and using the right tools and PPE – are designed to address the most significant risks we face and to serve as a clear, practical guide for everyone at CERN.
How can we safely achieve the numerous and diverse goals of LS3? A good starting point is to think about how we do things when no one is watching. A strong safety culture means taking the time to assess situations before starting work, reporting any incidents and near-misses and supporting colleagues when needed. It is learning-oriented, transparent in reporting, proactive in informing and adaptable to change. It’s the result of daily commitment and is built through knowledge, understanding and collaboration.
As we prepare for the challenges of the HL-LHC era, raising awareness and understanding of the diverse safety considerations that impact us all is more important than ever. The Territorial Safety Officers (TSO) Meet-Up on 23 April and the CERN Safety Day on 4 June in Restaurant 1 will provide unique opportunities for our community to explore the many facets of safety, from everyday risks to complex hazards, and to discover how each of us can contribute to a safer CERN.
LS3 will be both exciting and challenging, but it is also an opportunity to show how effective we can be when we stay focused on working safely. You can expect regular communication about safety across all its facets – people, installations and the environment – so that everyone remains informed, vigilant and committed. By maintaining this focus, we can ensure that LS3 is carried out efficiently and with the necessary level of care across CERN.
Safety first. Safety always.
Mark Thomson, CERN Director-General & Benoît Delille, Head of the HSE Unit
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