Page 13 - Serious Incident Prevention How to Achieve and Sustain Accident-Free Operations in Your Plant or Company

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Preface

Riding a wave is easy; starting a wave is a much more ambitious
task. My objective for the first edition of Serious Incident Prevention,
published in 1999, was to start such a wave. The book communicated a
vision for breakthrough levels of improvement in the prevention of seri-
ous incidents through safety management processes that incorporate the
critical elements required for success. The old approach tends to focus on
compliance with OSHA, DOT, EPA, or other regulatory requirements as
the primary basis for an effective process. The new wave recognizes the
critical need for increasing employee involvement and ownership, devel-
oping improved measures and feedback systems, improving the quantity
and quality of recognition, and incorporating other proven performance
management principles into the safety management process.
It is satisfying to see that the ripples have started to grow in number
and strength. Line managers, safety professionals, and others are show-
ing increased understanding and appreciation for the need to take a more
effective, systematic approach in preventing serious incidents. Programs
previously focused on regulatory compliance are being adjusted to in-
clude other critical actions required for success. Feedback from industry
and other organizations continues to reinforce that the same performance
management principles that have proven effective in improving quality

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