How Do We Prevent Losing Sight in Risk Assessments

Every year companies invest capital and the time of their internal resources to comply with process safety regulations, Recognized And Generally Accepted Good Engineering Practices (RAGAGEPs), company and industry guidelines, and other specialized studies aimed to protect the safety and health of their personnel and communities, minimize impacts to the environment, ensure continuity of operations, and secure future sustainability. While there is a clear business case for investment in process safety, all too often, even when significant hazards/ risks are uncovered, there is a hesitancy to make or accept recommendations, lack of support and follow through to drive identified recommendations to completion, that would ultimately improve safety and continually manage operational risks.

Have you seen these issues?

• Hesitancy to highlight potential hazards/risks, and to propose/ document recommendations to management.
• Open recommendations with no clear action plan.
• Assessment reports that are shelved, filed away, and collecting dust.

This presentation will provide case studies with insights and lessons learned based on AcuTech’s global consulting practice. The review will include a comparison of both qualitative (e.g., PHAs) and quantitative risk assessments (QRAs) projects, focusing on why some studies are successful - leading to action, while others flounder - never gaining traction. While all companies have good intentions when they start the risk assessment process, some can lose sight when the process moves from study completion to action and follow-up.

Real-world examples of the obstacles and pitfalls will be assessed to determine why good studies can fail, including:

• Process Safety Culture
• Engagement/ Buy-in to the risk assessment process
• Skepticism in the results/ lack of transparency
• Non-practical recommendations
• Non-regulatory recommendations
• Costs to implement recommendations
• Imperfect processes and management systems

Practical takeaways will be the traits of successful world-class companies, and a roadmap to overcome deficiencies and enhance your process safety management program to achieve your desired results and future risk management objectives.