RISKS TO PROCESS SAFETY IN A CONTRACTED OUT ENVIRONMENT (CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANTS AND CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY)

摘要

Over the last 25 years we have seen the demise of large chemical and manufacturing companies into smaller business units by a series of sales, floatations, divestments, management buyouts etc. With the division of previously large companies into multiple small autonomous units, there has been a reduction in the number of companies who retain significant safety or engineering capability in-house. This has led to a much greater reliance on the use of Consultants and Contractors for the provision of primary safety, technical and design support. It also appears that there is a limited number of consultants who are capable of providing a high level of safety knowledge.It ts dear that there are a number of risks involved in the extensive contracting out of core responsibilities to external companies and third parties. These risks are:• Lack of responsibility of the consultant in ensuring that safety recommendations are feasible within the operating environment• Lack of understanding of the key recommendations made by the consultant• Failure of the company to recognise the importance of the recommendations made by the consultant• Failure of the company to correctly specify the contract and delivery of the problem• Lack of resources to implement consultant recommendations or recommendations are unreasonable• Failure of the consultant to deliver an engineered solution in the hope of obtaining further workThis paper considers the use and relationship between operating companies, contractors and consultants and the issues for sustainability and corporate responsibility within a highly regulated (COMAH) environment. In particular, the risks and responsibilities of using external personnel on important projects and the ability to retain corporate knowledge and the responsibility for decision making are considered. Also, considered is the choice of contractor/ consultant and how we ensure competency in a rapidly changing industrial climate.Generally, an independent consultant provides management advice or recommendations, typically in the form of a report, whether written or verbal. The client does not have control over the result of the service or the manner of performance for the task.For the company, how do we ensure that key knowledge is retained within the organisation and indeed, what is the minimum level of knowledge that is needed in-house to retain the ability to be able to properly select an external organisation to provide specialist assistance. In particular, how do companies ensure an adequate level of Risk Management for the hazards found on the site within a contracted-out environment.The question is posed as to what level of contracting out is viable and sustainable.This paper is not a condemnation of contractors and consultants and nor should it be taken as one. Indeed, without the work carried out by these people, industry could not function as efficiently as it currently does. This paper is simply an examination of the potential risks that occur due to over-reliance on external resources.