(89b) Implementing Process Safety Management Across Borders for International Corporations

This paper explores the evolution and maturity of Process Safety Management (PSM) systems within a multinational organization, focusing on the development and implementation of sustainable PSM programs across various global locations. The study benchmarks the organization’s PSM practices against industry standards, offering an internal perspective on the key stages of PSM development. It highlights the critical challenges faced and the strategies adopted to build and maintain effective PSM systems in complex and diverse operational environments. The paper provides a comprehensive comparison of different industries, with particular emphasis on the food and chemical sectors, to offer a broader understanding of PSM maturity across various contexts. Within these industries, the organization operates a wide range of assets, each presenting unique safety challenges and major accident hazards. These hazards are managed through a tailored PSM approach that accounts for the complexity of assets and processes involved in both the food and chemical sectors.

A core focus of the paper is the strategies implemented to support the company’s growth through the acquisition of multiple operating assets in different regions. It evaluates how new facilities are integrated into the company’s global operations and transitioned to align with corporate process safety policies and standards. These strategies include harmonizing safety practices across diverse facilities, aligning regional operations with global safety benchmarks, and ensuring that newly acquired sites adhere to the same rigorous safety protocols as established locations. The study also delves into several key factors influencing PSM maturity across regions, including demographic differences, workforce capabilities, training programs, and varying regulatory frameworks. By analyzing these factors, the paper identifies critical success factors for building a robust and adaptable PSM culture in an international organization.

Ultimately, the paper provides a roadmap for organizations aiming to enhance PSM practices and improve safety performance on a global scale. It offers actionable insights on how multinational companies can develop a consistent, sustainable approach to process safety while accommodating the unique challenges posed by regional differences and industry-specific hazards. Through its examination of real-life challenges and strategies, the paper contributes to the understanding of PSM maturity and offers practical guidance for organizations striving to achieve higher levels of process safety.