Leaders in hazardous process plants should feel uneasy 02 December 2013

A change in the mindset and culture at the very top of plant organisations towards process safety is being called for by HSE chair Judith Hackitt CBE – starting with the boardroom.

Hackitt made her comments by live video link to delegates at IChemE's (Institution of Chemical Engineers) inaugural Hazards Australasia conference in Perth, Australia (26—27 November 2013 at the Hyatt Regency, Perth).

"Boards who do not focus on process safety have a very serious gap in their corporate risk register, and are potentially taking a gamble with the survival of their business," said Hackitt.

"All high-hazard industries have to make a commitment to leadership in process safety. Society is becoming less and less tolerant of mistakes," she continued.

"We are not yet at the point where process safety is part of the DNA of running a major hazards business."

For Hackitt, the issue is understanding that there is a leadership challenge here, with leaders needing to "know what they don't know and [be] willing to learn".

"We need leaders who can live with a chronic sense of unease and who can spot the warning signs of complacency creeping in," she explained.

"And we need leaders to give the same priority to process safety wherever they are in the world – because the threat of process related incidents occurring is the same worldwide,"

Hazards Australasia is one of a series of major conferences hosted by IChemE across the world to improve safety in the chemical and process industries.

So far this year, nearly 80 accidents have been reported in the sector, killing 244 people and injuring over 800 others.

Hence Hackitt's additional message for process safety professionals: "Be clear that your role is to create unease, not to provide false reassurance. It is essential that we all focus on this need for a culture of constant unease…which replaces complacency."

Brian Tinham

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.