Intelligent Customer

For high hazard industries, there are numerous essential tasks that need to be completed by the organisation. While some of these are done by trained personnel, others are outsourced to suppliers. Contractor management is a crucial risk control system within the overall process safety management system. 

This means that the operating companies must have the right level of knowledge to make informed decisions when using contractors. To be an "intelligent customer", the organisation must understand, specify, monitor and accept the work that is sometimes technically demanding.

The major accident hazard industries have seen an uptick in the use of third parties, as well as more complex, multi-partner projects rolling out at a faster pace. While this can be beneficial, it can also be a cause for concern. 

When organisations receive technical documentation from third parties, they often lack the understanding of the material and can't confidently assure themselves that the work performed is adequate. This can be exposed in meetings with regulatory authorities or, in the worst case, after a disastrous incident. 

As we move towards a net zero goal, energy transition brings with it unique hazards, such as Hydrogen and Ammonia, which some organisations may lack the necessary knowledge and experience to handle. In these cases, a customer-centric and intelligent approach is essential. 

Once organisations have recognised the importance of this capability and the areas of their operations in which it can be used, they have two options for bringing this capability to life. 

• If you're looking to build your organisation's capability from the ground up, then you'll need to put in the effort and expertise to either hire in or upskill employees. While this approach may take longer, it will ultimately develop the competency of your organisation. 

• Organisations can unlock their potential by partnering with an experienced provider. With access to a vast array of expertise, such partnerships can help organisations rapidly progress organisational competence. 

Our process safety consultants have decades of experience in the field which can be passed on to your key team members as and when required.  Our support includes, but is not limited to. 

• Interviewing and assessing potential candidates for process safety roles.
• Providing coaching and mentoring to upskill your team. 
• Preparation and support for regulatory meetings. 
• Technical review of 3rd party documentation. 

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can provide process safety and regulatory support to your organisation.