(13b) Developing Risk Management Maturity through Process Safety Indicators

Developing risk management maturity is a continuous and essential process for any organization dealing with high-risk operations, especially those involved in the chemical and process industries. This case proposes to examine how process safety indicators, both proactive and reactive, can be utilized as fundamental tools to drive risk management maturity within organizations with initially low maturity levels. Through the analysis of a diversified business group, comprised of companies operating in different market segments, the study aims to highlight the importance of process safety indicators in identifying risk areas, promoting continuous improvements, and sustaining a robust safety culture.

Building on fundamental principles and basic characteristics of Metrics and Indicators management elements, as outlined by recognized guidelines such as those from the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) and the American Petroleum Institute (API), this work argues that the effective implementation of proactive and reactive indicators is crucial for advancing risk management maturity. Proactive indicators, which predict and prevent incidents before they occur, and reactive indicators, which analyze past events to prevent recurrences, are both necessary for a comprehensive view of process safety.

Challenges encountered in implementing and integrating these indicators in a business environment with low risk management maturity are show in this case. This includes resistance to change, a lack of knowledge and understanding of the benefits of process safety indicators, and difficulty in establishing efficient data collection and analysis systems. Strategies to overcome these challenges, such as employee education and training, leadership involvement in the change process, and the implementation of technologies that facilitate data collection and analysis, will be discussed.

Furthermore, process safety indicators can be used to monitor progress in risk management maturity, identifying areas for improvement and promoting corrective actions were explored. Practical examples of how the indicators were applied in the companies of the business group will be presented, highlighting the lessons learned, observed improvements in process safety and safety culture, and recommended practices for the effective implementation of indicators.

Process safety indicators are indispensable tools for the development of risk management maturity. They not only provide a solid foundation for informed decision-making and the implementation of continuous improvements but also promote a safety culture that is essential for the long-term sustainability of high-risk operations. Through the effective implementation and integration of proactive and reactive indicators, organizations can significantly advance in their journey to achieve robust and effective risk management maturity.