Effectively Utilizing Calarp/RMP/PSM Contractors to Assist in Optimizing Process Safety Culture, Compliance with Standards, and Workforce Involvement

Since the inception of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Process Safety Management (PSM) in 1992, facilities have frequently contracted process safety consultants to satisfy regulatory needs, as well as assist in complying with industry best practices.

The primary objective of this paper is to provide tangible suggestions for effectively utilizing process safety contractors for assisting in optimizing process safety culture, compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices, as well as tips to improve workforce involvement and coordination. The core of this paper will detail various management styles of the prevention program and an evaluation of influences on process safety culture based on varying degrees of involvement from the facility and usage of contractors. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of contractor involvement and its efficacy relative to the scale of the facility and intricacy of corporate structure based on anecdotal evidence and industry experience.

Key topics include:

• Overview of different types of process safety culture in relation to prevention program management and contractor usage,
• The Challenge – Striking an optimal balance between contractor use and facility involvement whilst maintaining economic viability,
• The Challenge for Multi-Facility Corporations – Ensuring changes in corporate standards are successfully communicated to all children facilities ranging from documentation updates and organizational changes,
• Suggestions and Improvements – Implementation of effective prevention program management systems to ensure workforce involvement and accountability, as well as practical allocation of contractor resources to accomplish critical tasks whilst balancing facility resource commitment.