McDermott Always Better is a quality, safety, and operational excellence framework used across McDermott operations to standardize expectations, reduce risk, and improve project outcomes. This evergreen profile explains what the program encompasses, how it is implemented, and which metrics stakeholders commonly track to evaluate performance.
What McDermott Always Better Covers
The program focuses on several core areas that cut across engineering, fabrication, installation, and support services. These include safety execution, quality control, schedule adherence, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement practices. Each area contains specific standards, checks, and audits designed to ensure alignment with contractual requirements and industry best practices. By unifying these disciplines under one banner, McDermott seeks to provide clients with predictable, transparent, and reliable delivery.
Operational Principles and Implementation
Implementation of McDermott Always Better typically begins with training and competency development for project teams. Standardized work processes, job hazard analyses, and pre-task planning are applied to manage risks before work begins. Key tools may include management-of-change procedures, performance dashboards, and periodic internal audits. These mechanisms aim to surface issues early, enable rapid corrective action, and support data-driven decisions throughout a project lifecycle.
Quality Management Systems
Quality management under McDermott Always Better relies on documented procedures, inspection logs, nonconformance tracking, and corrective action workflows. Materials, welding processes, and test protocols are aligned with applicable industry codes and client specifications. Independent verification and audits are often employed to confirm compliance and to validate that field execution matches design intent.
Safety Performance and Monitoring
Safety is a central pillar, supported by behavior-based observation programs, incident reporting systems, and leading and lagging indicators. Common metrics include total recordable incident rate (TRIR), severity rates, and process compliance percentages. These indicators are reviewed at project and organizational levels to identify trends, allocate resources, and refine preventive measures.
Notable Metrics and Benchmarks
While specific targets can vary by contract and region, organizations often track a small set of high-impact metrics to gauge the effectiveness of McDermott Always Better. The table below outlines typical attributes, verified detail or common ranges, and the source context for reference.
| Attribute | Verified Detail or Common Range | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) | Varies by project and year; industry context used for benchmarking | Internal Safety Reports, Industry Benchmarks |
| Percent Nonconformance Closed within Target Time | Often tracked as a percentage with internal targets | Quality Management Systems, Project Reports |
| Schedule Performance Index (SPI) | Values around 1.0 indicate on-track performance | Project Controls, Earned Value Management |
| Client Satisfaction or Survey Score | Project-specific results; not a single public figure | Client Feedback, Post-project Reviews |
| Training Completion Rate | Approaches near 100% for assigned personnel on active projects | Learning Management Systems, HR Records |
Key Features and Differentiators
Several features distinguish McDermott Always Better from generic quality and safety programs. These include integration across engineering and construction teams, the use of digital tools for audit and inspection tracking, and structured feedback loops with clients and subcontractors. The emphasis on pre-task planning and competency verification aims to reduce variability and enhance predictability. Collectively, these features support more consistent execution and clearer accountability.
Relationship with Subcontractors and Partners
Effective implementation of McDermott Always Better often depends on clear expectations for suppliers and subcontractors. Requirements may include certifications, pre-qualification processes, and periodic performance reviews. Contract documents commonly outline how compliance will be monitored, how nonconformances will be addressed, and what escalation paths exist for disputes. These agreements help align incentives and reduce friction across the project supply chain.
Status and Continuous Improvement
McDermott Always Better is typically treated as an evolving framework, with updates driven by lessons learned, technology advancements, and changes in client and regulatory expectations. Internal reviews, incident analyses, and benchmarking against industry data inform refinements. This continuous improvement approach is intended to keep the program relevant as project types, locations, and operational conditions change over time.