(6d) Disasters: An Objective Review of Problem-Solving in Bhopal

The manufacturing industry offers a wide variety of rewarding career options for those who are interested in solving complex technical problems. Indeed, industry’s success depends on the creative talents and skills of employees who are responsible for addressing unique problems with effective solutions. However, changes made to solve specific safety, reliability, and/or productivity problems in our production units often contribute to a more immediate and dangerous situation. How can an updated review of the decisions and actions that factored into the Bhopal disaster help us to protect the lives of our assets, ourselves, and others? This presentation uses the Bhopal disaster to demonstrate how the way we solve problems today will influence process containment tomorrow. The resulting explanation creates a healthy and protective sense of vulnerability that anyone with responsibilities in a manufacturing organization can readily apply.