This informal CPD article Process Safety and Occupational Safety: A Comparison was provided by Synergen Oil and Gas UK, an independent engineering consultancy specialising in Process Safety, Technical Risk Management and Operational Safety services.
Safety in the workplace is a crucial aspect of any business. There are two main types of safety to consider: process safety and occupational safety. While both are important in creating a safe work environment, they focus on different areas. Understanding the differences between these two types of safety is crucial in maintaining a safe workplace for all employees.
What is Process Safety?
Process safety is a management system that prevents major accidents in processing facilities that contain hazardous materials. This includes the design, operation, maintenance, and modification of process plants and the impact of human and organizational factors on process safety.
Examples of Process Safety Hazards:
Fires and explosions
Toxic releases
Reactive chemical incidents
Pressure vessel rupture
Equipment failure
Importance of Process Safety
Implementing good process safety management is crucial in preventing these hazards and ensuring the safety of employees and equipment. This includes proper procedures and controls, as well as training for employees.
Examples of Process Safety in Different Industries:
Chemical plant: Potential for leak of hazardous chemical leading to fire or explosion
Facilities handling flammable materials: Preventing fires and explosions
Reactors and distillation columns: Controlling pressures and temperatures
Storage tanks containing toxic or combustible liquids: Managing risks
Process safety hazards in the workplace
What is Occupational Safety?
Occupational Safety is the study and practice of protecting workers from workplace hazards. It covers various topics, including ergonomics, slips and trips, manual handling, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), stress, workplace violence, and more.
Worker’s health and safety are managed at the executive level, involving employee compliance and quality oversight. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for worker health enforced by law.
Examples of Occupational Safety Hazards
Slips, trips, and falls
Electrical hazards
Ergonomic hazards
Exposure to hazardous materials
Fire and explosion hazards
Machinery hazards
Importance of Occupational Safety
It is important for employers to identify and assess the risks of these hazards, as well as train employees to recognize and report them. Regular inspections of the work environment can also help to ensure the safety of employees.
Differences Between Process Safety and Occupational Safety
Process safety focuses on the dangers associated with processing facilities that contain hazardous materials, while occupational safety involves the overall working environment and the hazards posed to workers in their day-to-day activities.
Importance of Both Types of Safety
Both process safety and occupational safety are important in ensuring a safe work environment. Process safety prevents major accidents involving the release of hazardous materials, while occupational safety protects workers from hazards present in their daily work activities.
Bottom line
Process safety and occupational safety are both crucial in maintaining a safe work environment for all employees. Process safety focuses on preventing major accidents involving hazardous materials, while occupational safety protects workers from daily work hazards.
By understanding the differences between these two types of safety and implementing appropriate measures, companies can create a safe and healthy work environment.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Synergen Oil and Gas UK, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
For more information from Synergen Oil and Gas UK, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively please visit the CPD Industry Hubs for more CPD articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
