How to evaluate process safety culture

It may seem that organizational culture is subjective and therefore difficult to measure. This article will show that an objective approach can be taken to survey and define process safety culture. With this data, gap analysis can be performed that compares survey data to the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) essential elements of process safety. This gap analysis can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses so that process safety performance can be improved. The survey method used, employs the CCPS process safety pillars, and categorizes responses according to the pillar elements, principles, and essential features required for excellence. The appropriate data collecting technique is shown that will give statistically meaningful results. Examples are given of grouping results by safety pillar categories and demographics of the survey population. Finally, a gap analysis method is shown that compares the survey results to CCPS essential elements so that improvement plans can be made. (C) 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2012