(57bj) Responsibilities and Accountabilities for Line Organization Roles to Implement a Successful Process Safety Management System

Responsibilities and Accountabilities for Line Organization Roles to Implement a Successful Process Safety Management System

Abstract

Charles A. Soczek

Principal Consultant (Ret)

DuPont Sustainable Solutions

Individuals filling leadership and supervisory roles within the line and supporting staff organizations have critical responsibilities and accountabilities for a Process Safety Management system to be successful. Responsibilities are for an individual, where they must take personal action. An example of this is a senior leader personally visiting to each site annually in his organization to conduct a review of the site goals and objectives and a walk through of the facilities. Accountabilities are markedly different from Responsibilities. A leader at any level is accountable for the performance of all the organization under his or her control. For example, if there is an accident in a manufacturing facility, the senior leader is accountable, but not responsible.

This paper will address the PSM responsibilities and accountabilities starting at the senior leadership levels to Site PSM element leader and operating supervisors. The goal is to develop a strong safety culture while achieving discipline in individual responsibilities.

Manufacturing organizations differ greatly in size and organization. As such, roles listed below may need to be combined or separated as appropriate for the organization. The guiding principle is PSM is implemented through the line organization with staff support. The following roles will be addressed.

Corporate Senior Leadership

Corporate Safety, Health, and Environment Leader

Corporate PSM Leader

Business Leader

Site Leader

Operating, Maintenance, and Technical Superintendents

Supervisors

Site PSM Committee Leader

Site PSM Element Leader