Is PSM a Mirage or an Implemented Program?
Is PSM an implemented program? A recent article published by yahoo!life writes there is a gap between process safety goals and reality. Data from Sphera’s latest Safety Report reveals a persistent gap between the intent and reality of process safety management according to these PSM professionals.
When surveyed, 280 process safety and operational risk management professionals from around the world on the current state of process safety management (PSM) and operational risk management (ORM). Results show that
- 69% of respondents indicate there is a gap between their companies’ process safety goals and process safety as they experience it.
- 21% of respondents reported a gap between safety intent and the reality of what happens.
- 67% of safety-critical maintenance is achieved in a typical month illustrates the disconnect between intent and actuality.
The top three challenges identified by respondents as hindering effective PSM
- 46% management challenges
- 45% training and competency
- 34% insufficient engagement of the front lines to improve awareness
Respondents indicated that the top three key safety performance drivers are
- 66% reducing operational and major accident hazard risk exposure
- 57% operational excellence
- 49% regulatory compliance
Virtually all respondents (96%) said that technology enables effective PSM. However, adoption rates don’t yet reflect the perceived value, with only 11% of respondents indicating that their company utilizes the full range of technology solutions available.
As we go into 2023, let’s take a look at some wise words from Ron Smith,
In implementing or overseeing Process Safety Managment (PSM), never let yourself become:
– Satisfied
– Complacent
– Over-confident
– Indifferent
– Callous
– Uncaring
– Impersonal
– Confused
– Assuming
– Accepting
– Tolerant
– Overconfident
– Unemotional
– Uncaring
– Uninformed
– Siloed in your thinking
– Overly optimistic
– Overly pessimistic
– Annoyed
– Frustrated
– Angry
– Aggravated
– Exception inclined* (this one is the most likely to result in disaster I think)
* Willing to make exceptions to what you know to be best for safety due to convenience, expedience, yielding to pressure from above, prioritizing cost or production over safety, etc.
The list goes on and on, basically anything that might stand in the way of achieving effective PSM for the most important reason, concern for the safety of people!
Remember, if your head isn’t screwed on straight, you’ll see things from the wrong angle. Get your head on straight (get your thinking right) before you attempt to accurately assess risk potential in a situation or scenario or to decide on what best to do to prevent or mitigate serious consequences from the risk.
