BSR's journey to 50 million safe work hours began on June 2, 2014, driven by the aspiration to reach key milestones under the motto: "Every shift is a commitment to safety. Every worker is a warrior on the production front." The company reached 10 million safe work hours on 28/2/2017, 20 million on 25/2/2019, 30 million on 10/3/2021, 40 million on 27/7/2023, and finally, the remarkable milestone of 50 million on 27/2/2025.

A Challenging Journey

Due to the nature of transporting, processing, and storing petroleum products—along with extensive maintenance and repair activities involving a vast number of machines and equipment - Dung Quat Refinery constantly faces potential risks of fire, explosions, and workplace accidents.

According to Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung, Head of the Safety, Health, and Environment (HSE) Division, BSR has prioritized building a robust safety management system since the refinery’s inception. The system was certified by DNV as meeting the requirements of OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 14001:2005. Additionally, BSR’s safety management system has been re-certified by BSI, complying with ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015, encompassing 196 procedures and guidelines covering safety, health, environment, and fire prevention. Moreover, BSR's HSE management system undergoes third-party assessments by organizations such as PSRG (USA) and DuPont Sustainable Solutions to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Recognizing these challenges and with close attention and timely directives from Petrovietnam’s leadership and specialized departments, BSR has continuously improved its Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) management programs and implemented comprehensive solutions to control risks effectively.

The company actively fosters a strong safety culture through various initiatives and activities, extending not only within BSR but also to its contractors. It remains committed to enhancing and refining the HSE management system for greater efficiency.

Additionally, BSR regularly conducts safety training programs for its employees and contractors working at the refinery, aiming to improve their skills, expertise, and awareness of workplace safety. The company also reinforces daily worksite supervision and execution responsibilities through the SAO-SAC program, ensuring continuous improvement in safety practices.

On-site, weekly and monthly safety inspections are conducted, along with unannounced checks, ensuring strict adherence to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards. These inspections, involving management at all levels—from team leaders to company executives—demonstrate BSR’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the refinery’s safe and stable operation. BSR also maintains regular communication with contractors, conducting periodic reviews to assess HSE performance. Contractors who excel in safety practices are recognized and commended, reinforcing a strong safety culture across all operations.

A key achievement was the 5th Turnaround of Dung Quat Refinery, successfully completed with over 2.7 million safe work hours. This TAM involved more than 4,800 contractor personnel and approximately 1,200 BSR employees, making security and safety a top priority. To ensure workplace safety, all personnel working at Dung Quat Refinery are required to attend safety training sessions and participate in security and safety awareness programs, reinforcing the company’s strong commitment to a safe working environment.

Dung Quat Refinery has numerous confined spaces with limited air circulation and lighting, requiring strict safety measures and close supervision by BSR. Workers operating in dusty or hazardous environments must wear protective gear, including dust- and toxin-resistant equipment. Additionally, the refinery has nearly 10 high-altitude work areas ranging from 70 to 110 meters, where maintenance personnel must meet strict safety requirements. Only those with professional certifications and working-at-height permits are authorized to perform tasks in these areas.

For work in confined spaces, dedicated personnel are assigned to provide lighting and ensure proper air ventilation to maintain a safe environment. Workers in these conditions are limited to 30–40 minutes per session before taking a mandatory break. Before each work shift during Turnaround, BSR’s HSE representatives brief workers on safety standards and regulations, covering scaffolding assembly, use of caged ladders, material lifting bags, and equipment inspections. This continuous training and safety awareness program for contractors ensures that all workers fully understand and follow safety protocols, protecting both themselves and their colleagues.

Commitment to Safety and Safe Operations

In 2025 and the years ahead, BSR will face numerous challenges, including increased refinery operating capacity, ongoing expansion and investment projects, stricter safety standards, new risks from energy transition and advanced technology adoption, as well as aging equipment and high corrosion risks due to processing various crude oils. External factors such as extreme and unpredictable climate conditions and natural disasters also pose additional uncertainties. However, building on its achievements in health, safety, and environmental management, BSR’s leadership and employees remain committed to ensuring the safe, stable, and efficient operation of Dung Quat Refinery, striving to reach even higher safe work hour milestones in pursuit of a zero-incident workplace.

BSR's General Director Nguyen Viet Thang emphasized the significance of this achievement: "This is more than just a number - it is a testament to our unwavering commitment and each individual's responsibility in adhering to safety regulations. It reflects a deeply ingrained safety culture that permeates every aspect of our operations. This milestone reinforces BSR’s position as a leading company in the refining and petrochemical industry in ensuring workplace safety."

This achievement is not only a testament to BSR’s effective safety management capabilities but also a reflection of the unity and collective determination of the entire team under the motto: “We are One Team - One Goal.”

The company’s leadership deeply values and acknowledges the tireless contributions of all employees and contractors. Every safe work hour they uphold serves as a solid foundation for BSR’s sustainable growth.

"While we have achieved significant milestones, many challenges still lie ahead. Expanding operations, executing upgrade and investment projects amid increasingly stringent safety requirements demand continuous effort. At the same time, we must proactively address new risks arising from energy transition and modern technology adoption. However, with the dedication, unity, and commitment of all employees, we are confident that we will overcome these challenges and continue to ensure safe and sustainable operations," emphasized BSR’s General Director Nguyen Viet Thang.

BSR