Personnel change management: A vital component of process safety

Abstract As Process Safety Practitioners, we know the value of change management for technical, equipment, and operational modifications. What about changes to or involving those persons who drive the development of the process safety management (PSM) system and the compliance within it? There should be a process that guides how employees with new process safety responsibilities are onboarded and how knowledge is transferred from incumbents to those in new roles to maintain continuity in process safety programs when employees leave or acquire additional duties. Process safety compliance systems may wane over time if the orientation and initial training of these personnel are ineffective, and these resources are not well prepared to support the advancement of continual improvement efforts. This article describes a four‐step process and strategy used to facilitate changes for personnel in Vital Process Safety Roles, support the control of risk as these ongoing changes take place, and help new process safety personnel become competent in their new responsibilities.