The age-old debate about the virtues of health and safety knowledge sharing was reopened last month when the president of the Institution of Chemical Engineers called for new lines of communications between companies in the high hazard sector.
IChemE chief, Judith Hackitt, said a “culture change” was needed at a boardroom level to accelerate an industry-wide drive to prevent and mitigate major incidents.
The idea is a simple one really: in addition to learning from past incidents or ‘near misses’ at a company’s own site, industry leaders should also talk to each other about their own experiences.
Some sites, of course, already engage in this glasshouse level of transparency. Proponents of greater openness, however, say they should do more.
Those who sit on this side of the bench often cite competitive protectionism between companies as a roadblock in the drive towards knowledge sharing – a fear of trade secrets being leaked, clouding otherwise better judgment.
The Voice Of The Chemical Industry
One UK trade body has drawn a clear line in the sand. The Chemical Industries Association encourages safety knowledge sharing through the channels of a members network.
According to The Chemical Industries Association, their ‘network of expertise’ provides companies with the opportunity for ongoing discussion on the issues that matter within their field.
Responsible Care Cells
The CIA operates eleven Responsible Care Cell groups across the UK which are attended quarterly by SHE managers and professionals. The sessions, which place an emphasis on the process industry sector, are not designed for consultants or training providers.
Rather, Responsible Care Cell groups provide a forum in which industry figures can engage in peer to peer learning across all aspects of health and safety.
Sector Networks
The CIA also offers more sector specific networks for managers tasked with a specialised focus on some of industry’s more hazardous materials.
These sector networks include:
- Biocides
- Chlorine
- Ethylene Oxide
- Hydrogen fluoride
- Isocyanates
- Sulphuric acid
To Share Or Not To Share?
The issue of knowledge sharing is a key issue in the industrial safety sector. IChemE president, Judith Hackitt, believes now is the time for a brave “new world” of knowledge sharing – a sentiment clearly shared by the CIA.
But where do you stand on the issue of knowledge sharing? Do you see it as a threat to the competitive nature of business or as an essential component in the drive to prevent and mitigate major accidents?
Votes out folks.
Related reading:
- Unite calls for public inquiry into offshore flight safety
- 5 things employers should know about oil and gas workers
- Guide to Process Safety Leadership PSLG Principles
- Peeling back the layers of protection
- UK press “mocks” health and safety says HSE chair
- Free personal protective equipment training for your site
