(8b) Leading Indicators – The Corner Stone of a Committed Process Safety Culture

In 2007 CCPS published a comprehensive work on Process Safety Leading and Lagging Metrics.  At the 10^th Global Congress, in 2013 Vision 20/20 was introduced, which at its core relies on a Committed Culture.  This paper examines the critical link between metrics and culture.  It explores some case studies where developing and implementing effective leading indicators, and asking informed questions about performance creates or reinforces a culture committed to Process Safety excellence.  The paper provides examples of how meticulous verification of performance through leading indicators, results in more disciplined adherence to standards, more intentional competency development and more effective application of lessons learned.  While it can be debated which comes first – the culture or the performance, there is no doubt that the when the two work together significant improvement can result.

This simple and practical approach can be applied in any facility or company.  It is an enabler of cultural change from the board room to the control room, and every team in between.