A Beginner’s Guide to OSHA’s Process Safety Management Standards

Process Safety Management (PSM) is a critical component of workplace safety for industries handling highly hazardous chemicals. If you’re realizing that you need to understand OSHA’s PSM regulations better, you’re not alone. Whether you’re responsible for compliance at your facility, new to process safety, or looking to enhance your knowledge, knowing where to start is […]

Training Your Team on All Aspects of Incident Management

Workplace Incident

No matter how strong your safety program is, incidents can happen. What sets a great safety culture apart is having a process for responding to and learning from these events. By training your team on all aspects of incident management, you can empower them to act quickly, confidently, and effectively when the unexpected occurs. The […]

Establishing a Mechanical Integrity Program

Energy organizations such as chemical manufacturers, oil and gas production companies, and even pharmaceutical manufacturers aim to maintain Process Safety Management (PSM) programs to ensure the safety of their employees and surrounding communities. Many of these organizations are familiar with the requirements of PSM, including conducting Process Hazard Analyses (PHA) and documenting and training for […]

OSHA Expands Grain Handling Safety Program to Address Rising Deaths and Injuries in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska

Corn dump at animal feed factory

On October 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an expanded regional emphasis program aimed at addressing worker safety concerns in the grain handling industry. This five-year initiative seeks to reduce the alarming number of preventable deaths, amputations, and injuries in the region. Rising Fatalities and Injuries in […]

Understanding HAZOP

Chemical Manufacturing Facility

Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) is a structured technique used to examine systems and manage risks. HAZOP is a highly effective tool for brainstorming and conducting qualitative risk assessments. It takes an inductive approach, meaning it evaluates risks from the ground up by drawing on the knowledge and experience of subject matter experts (SMEs) who […]

Conducting a Thorough Process Safety Audit

Process safety is a vital component for organizations managing hazardous processes. Regular audits play a crucial role in identifying potential risks, ensuring compliance, and enhancing safety management systems. Conducting a well-structured process safety audit (PSA) allows organizations to uncover gaps in their operations, ultimately protecting employees, assets, and the environment. What is a Process Safety […]

Understanding the Latest Facility Siting Regulation Updates

Facility siting is an essential process that evaluates the potential hazards posed to buildings and personnel in industrial settings. As mandated by OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard (29 CFR Part 1910), this assessment is crucial for ensuring a safe working environment in facilities handling hazardous materials.  Because industrial sites are constantly changing, keeping facility […]

Navigating EPA’s New Methane Reduction Requirements

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently published new rules under Clean Air Act Section 111, setting standards for methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. These rules, known as the OOOO rules, are designed to significantly reduce methane emissions by regulating both new and existing sources across the onshore production, processing, natural gas transmission, […]

CSB’s Emphasis on Enhancing Chemical Plant Safety with Remote Isolation Equipment

In a recent call to action, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) emphasized the importance of remote isolation equipment in chemical facilities. As a leader in Process Safety Risk Management, IFO Group is committed to helping businesses implement the latest safety measures to protect their workers, facilities, and surrounding communities. The CSB’s […]

The History of Process Safety Management

The 1910.119 Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), was created to enhance the safety of workplaces that handle highly hazardous chemicals. This standard was prompted by several catastrophic industrial incidents that highlighted the need for more stringent safety regulations.  These incidents led to wide recognition in the […]