Process Safety Management (PSM) is one of the most critical components of an OHS mission. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.
Teamwork and culture are the foundations for the future. Image by Freepik.com
“Each process must be broken down into what we call ‘process nodes,’ and every node must be evaluated and mitigated to an acceptable risk level,” says Christopher Mörsner, Head of Training and Consulting at the DEKRA Institute of Learning.
Mörsner cites human error, legacy systems and outdated equipment as the leading contributors to incidents. “Automation and training go hand-in-hand. We are not replacing people – we are supporting them to work more safely.”
Dekra Industrial’s and the IOL’s approach includes assessments that can develop into training opportunities, enabling clients to meet international and local statutory requirements such as SANS 1461, SANS 10108 and ISO 31000. “Dekra Global’s dynamic risk register is a proprietary tool that we use to model exact client environments and run simulations before any real-world implementation. It allows us to detect vulnerabilities and develop targeted mitigation strategies in advance,” he adds.
Bridging the gap in understanding
According to Mörsner, the most commonly misunderstood aspects of PSM are risk management and management of change. “Many clients overlook how a change in staff, layout or raw materials can introduce new risks to their process. If you do not factor in the human and procedural changes, you risk major liabilities.”
To bridge this gap, Dekra Industrial and the IOL always start with a baseline assessment. “Our goal is to identify potential failure points and educate clients on the true scope of their risk – not just from a compliance standpoint, but from a business continuity and reputational perspective too.”
Teamwork and culture: foundations for the future
Mörsner comments that successful PSM implementation throughout industry depends on collective responsibility. “It takes teamwork at every level. We work closely with operators, engineers and management to ensure alignment and understanding. Process safety management is not just a Dekra initiative: it is a collaborative process to achieve a common safety objective.”
As Dekra Global celebrates a century of safety leadership, its South African team continues to champion innovation and education in the name of protecting people, processes and the planet. “Through rigorous process safety management and industry-specific training, we are shaping a safer future – one process at a time!” Mörsner concludes.
Source: Dekra
