Is there something wrong in our industry?

2018/2019 saw a number of distressing incidents in the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical industry. At the beginning 2020 there was a tragic multiple fatality incident in Tarragona, Spain. Insurers have noticed the increase - see: U.S. refiners, chemical makers pare insurance coverage as accidents boost costs - Investing.com

It seems to me that we need to know why, and that more of the same is not going to 'cut the mustard'. It is all too easy to look to improved implementation of an organisations Safety Management System.

I examined the websites, and ESG reports where available, of companies where 11 of the most recent incidents have occurred. In 9 of 11 of these organisations it is clear that they have Safety Management Systems, and that these SMS's are to recognised standards.

During the last 20 years I have visited for the purpose of safety assessment some 70 industrial sites. What I find are voids, quite serious voids in the implementation of Safety Management Systems- almost everywhere I go.

Whilst certification is now the norm, either to OHSAS 18001, or more lately ISO 45001, or other certifications. But then I have to re-read the certification standards again. They are primarily focussed on driving continuous improvement - which is a super! But they do not imply the achievement of a particular standard of implementation. Nevertheless it seems often that the management of the sites do feel that their certification implies such a level.

What I did not find in my review of the available information on the 11 incidents was evidence of external audit/ assessment/ survey in the corresponding organisation. Not an audit against a certification, but an audit versus Recognised and Generally Accepted Good Practices, and ways in which those practices are being achieved and exceeded.

It has been said that "You cannot mark your own homework". Internal audit has its place, but it takes and external team with fresh eyes to see the situation as it is.

More than this, though , it takes managerial openness and honesty. To "Embrace the Red" to use High Reliability Organisation terminology.

May I invite all readers to join this debate, it is an important one in finding a solution. For surely a solution needs to be found. Several of the sites affected by the 2018/19/20 fires and explosions may never be restarted. There were multiple fatalities. Environmental damage. Accepting the status quo is surely not adequate for todays society.

Trevor Hughes is an independent Professional Process Safety Consultant. He has worked extensively with DSS and Marsh carrying out consultancy for safety improvement and insurance purposes respectively.