Hazards XXII - Process Safety and Environmental Protection, UK

Making the case for sustained investment in process safety can be difficult in the current economic climate. Nevertheless, history reminds us that the financial and human costs of a major incident will far outweigh any savings that might be made when finances are tight.

As we enter a new decade, cost control is not the only challenge preoccupying the process sector. In the developed world, political pressure for tougher action on carbon emissions is driving a demand for ever greater operational efficiency and lower energy consumption. At the same time, the shift to alternative feed stocks and new, more sustainable processes prompts a need for fresh thinking among safety professionals.

Rapid growth in the developing world presents a different set of challenges. Expanding markets, lower labour costs and a less tightly regulated operating environment represents both a challenge and an opportunity for multinational companies. But the lack of training and knowledge, which can be a characteristic of new labour markets, can render organisations vulnerable. Cultural issues are also a major factor in an era where human factors are a key consideration in the management of process safety.

The impact of new and complex supply chains, a burgeoning SME sector, escalating energy demand and the increasing importance of biochemical engineering to the process industries poses additional headaches.

It is clear that the need to demonstrate ‘duty of care’ and the best possible arrangements for knowledge sharing in the sphere of safety and environmental protection is more important than ever.