A critical evaluation of process safety management in the petrochemical industry in South Africa

Abstract

This study investigates the critical connection between safety, environmental responsibility, and economic development in South Africa's petrochemical sector. Businesses aim to comply with environmental rules to cut costs, save time, and promote a safe work environment in response to global competition and increased awareness of environmental issues. The global recognition of the relevance of risk reduction has led to businesses developing innovative ways to improve safety. Some been linked to improved company performance and heightened confidence among shareholders. The petrochemical business has advanced significantly as technology changed the workplace, bringing new opportunities and risks. Yet accidents continue to occur despite global advancements in risk and safety management. This calls for an improved approach to safety in dangerous workplaces. The research highlights the importance of a safety management system (SMS) in improving working conditions and influencing employee behaviour and attitude towards safety, while also acknowledging the need for safer plant operations to fulfil market demands. A strong SMS can mitigate the new risks brought about by plant automation and can promote occupational health and safety. To solve the issues that arise from new developments, the research proposes an inherent safety engineering design process that prioritises knowledge enhancement, design efficiency, and the avoidance of mistakes and omissions. The petrochemical industry requires close attention to safety because it is inherently dangerous due to chemical reactions, hazardous ingredients, and explosives. The study highlights the effectiveness of process SMSs in allocating resources and improving overall safety conditions. It promotes a positive safety climate and management system within the petrochemical industry. The study examines Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) reports from petrochemical facilities to gain insights into safety engineering design. One complete approach emphasised is the intrinsic safety approach, which seeks to eliminate or limit risks during the design phase. The report emphasises the necessity of critical examination and ongoing improvement in safety systems within the petrochemical industry, acknowledging that design defects play a crucial role in accidents and incidents. The research is expected to contribute to the engineering field by allowing companies to improve their safety measures and learn from past failures, ultimately leading to a safer and more secure petrochemical industry in South Africa.