What is the primary goal of process safety management?

The primary goal of process safety management is to prevent chemical accidents. This focus stems from the need to protect employees, the community, and the environment from the potential harm that can arise from hazardous processes and materials. By implementing robust process safety management practices, organizations can systematically identify hazards, assess risks, and establish control measures to mitigate those risks. This framework not only aims to avoid incidents but also fosters a culture of safety where employees are engaged in the process, and safety is prioritized.

While compliance with regulations, minimizing costs, and enhancing operational efficiency are important considerations for organizations, they are often viewed as secondary benefits that can arise from effective process safety management. The foundational priority is creating a safe work environment, which directly correlates to preventing accidents by ensuring that safety procedures, training, and risk assessments are in place and adhered to. Thus, the emphasis is on proactive measures to avert incidents before they occur, ultimately contributing to a safer industrial environment.