Safety as a managerial decision: DTEK Grids’ approach to protecting employees
In late April, Oleksandr Tatarenko, head of the occupational, industrial and environmental safety department at DTEK Grids, spoke at the XIII All-Ukrainian Forum “Occupational Safety 2026” in Kyiv. During the event, he shared practical experience of implementing E-briefings at the DTEK Grids Distribution System Operators and told how the company is building a sophisticated employee protection system in the difficult and risky conditions.
Every day, DTEK Grids specialists are working inside live electrical installations, at height, during severe weather and in conditions of military threats. In order to reduce the risks, DSO energy workers combine digital solutions, clear action algorithms and regular work with the culture of safety. E-briefings became one of the new tools: it is a project that solves the matter of registering safety briefings in digital format, which is highly important in the event of personnel staying at the remote locations, and it is a continuation of the transition to digital document flow.
Since the beginning of 2022, approaches to safety changed significantly at DTEK Grids. The focus has shifted from formal supervision to proactive actions — predicting risks, analyzing dangers and preventing accidents even before they occur. An innovative safety program gives significant result: increases employees’ awareness, enhances personal responsibility and forms trust in the system, which is really working to preserve life and health.
The XIII All-Ukrainian Forum “Environmental Safety 2026” became a professional platform for thoughtful conversation about how responsibility for the people transforms into managerial decisions at the companies, industries and state levels. The event united representatives of authorities, business, HR community, occupational H&S services, experts and media. Occupational safety was viewed here not as a formality, but as a part of management, impacting business’ sustainability, employer’s reputation and community trust.