What is the primary intent of process safety management?

The primary intent of process safety management (PSM) is to prevent catastrophic process incidents. PSM encompasses a systematic approach designed to protect employees, the public, and the environment by controlling hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals.

By implementing rigorous safety protocols, training, hazard identification, and risk assessment measures, PSM aims to significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents such as explosions, leaks, or toxic releases. This focus on preventing potential disasters is crucial in industries that handle hazardous materials, as the consequences of a failure can be severe, affecting not only the company but also surrounding communities.

While enhancing productivity, minimizing costs, and increasing employee retention can be valuable outcomes of a strong safety culture, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of PSM: to ensure safe operations and prevent incidents that could have catastrophic consequences.