SoCalGas revises safety culture improvement plan following CPUC evaluation

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held a workshop on February 6, 2025, to discuss the revised Safety Culture Improvement Plan for Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). The meeting focused on the importance of understanding and improving safety culture within the organization through collaborative processes and measurable indicators.

Key discussions emphasized the need for a structured approach to safety culture improvement. Participants highlighted the iterative nature of the process, which involves understanding current challenges, designing interventions, and implementing initiatives aimed at fostering a safer work environment. A significant point made was the necessity of establishing clear indicators to track progress and effectiveness. These indicators will help determine whether the initiatives are achieving their intended impact on safety culture.

The workshop also addressed the foundational elements required for successful implementation. It was noted that internal expertise, commitment from leadership, and adequate time for staff engagement are crucial for driving meaningful change. The discussions underscored a shift from traditional safety assessments, which often focus on compliance gaps, to a more open-ended, collaborative approach that encourages continuous improvement.

The CPUC's decision last year mandated SoCalGas to revise its plan based on feedback from organizational dialogues, leading to modified initiatives aimed at enhancing safety culture. The meeting concluded with a call for ongoing evaluation and adaptation of the plan to ensure it remains effective and responsive to the organization's needs.

Overall, the workshop highlighted the CPUC's commitment to fostering a proactive safety culture within SoCalGas, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, measurement, and adaptability in achieving long-term improvements.