Project Overview

The BC Maritime Learning Teams (BCMLT) Project is a pioneering initiative aimed at embedding Learning Teams methodologies into the daily operations of British Columbia’s maritime industry. This project will empower organizations to improve risk management, enhance operational learning, and foster safety practices rooted in continuous improvement and adaptability.

The project includes the development of foundational resources such as the ‘Learning Teams 101’ training, a competency framework, facilitation guides, and tools to support over 150-200 participants. Through workshops, training, and mentoring, the BCMLT Project will provide facilitators with the necessary skills to guide Learning Teams effectively. All resources will be publicly available, and a case study will be published to share the learnings gained during the project.

Key Benefits

• Improved Risk Visibility: Equip organizations with tools to better understand and manage operational risks, especially those not immediately visible.
• Worker Engagement: Foster proactive worker participation in safety efforts, creating a more engaged and motivated workforce.
• Increased Resilience: Develop systems that can adapt and absorb shocks, minimizing the likelihood and impact of incidents.

Learning Teams

Learning Teams are an operational learning methodology that are used to enhance safety management by focusing on understanding the difference between “Work as Imagined” (WAI) and “Work as Done” (WAD). By facilitating discussions among workers, Learning Teams uncover how work is really done, which often reveals discrepancies in safety practices and operational procedures which can be improved to drive improvement in health and safety.

Project Goals

• Empower Workers: Encourage workers to actively participate in risk management and share insights on everyday work practices.
• Reduce Workplace Risks: Identify and address discrepancies between WAI and WAD to mitigate risks.
• Develop Skilled Facilitators: Train a network of facilitators capable of embedding Learning Teams into their organizations.
• Integrate HOP Principles: Apply Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles to improve safety in the complex marine environment.

Project Structure and Phases

1. Stakeholder Engagement and Preparation (3 months): Initial engagement with industry leaders, mapping stakeholders, and defining the scope of Learning Teams for the maritime context.
2. Training and Resource Development (6 months): Creation of training materials and workshops to equip facilitators with hands-on learning experiences.
3. Pilot Implementation (6 months): Initial application of Learning Teams within selected organizations, followed by evaluation and feedback.
4. Scaling and Full Implementation (12 months): Roll-out of Learning Teams across the sector, supported by ongoing mentoring and assessment.
5. Evaluation and Case Study (3 months): Project performance evaluation, publication of findings, and sharing of resources across the industry.

Long-Term Impact

The BCMLT Project aims to establish a lasting legacy of continuous learning, improved safety, and resilient operations within the maritime sector. By embedding Learning Teams into everyday work processes, the project will equip the industry with the tools needed to adapt to future challenges and ensure long-term operational success.