Timing and Anticipation of Decisions to Adopt or Develop Inherent Safety

Timing and Anticipation of Decisions to Adopt (or Develop) Inherent Safety 

It is generally acknowledged that taking action as early as possible in the design, planning, and construction of industrial plant is vital for the realization of the most 

It should be emphasized, however, that awareness in industry is not only an issue for individuals. Awareness of individuals is heavily influenced by social factors such as communication and cooperation with other key-actors and by (formal or informal) corporate incentives. Ultimately, awareness in industry is mainly a collective awareness. The collective awareness in a company is greatly dependent on (but also reflected by) the existing corporate culture. The corporate culture is known to reflect the real core values of a company (which is not by definition the same as the official core values such as presented in senior management statements ) on what is being rewarded or not in everyday practice, on subjects and issues that can be addressed or instead are offlimits, and on missing elements in the awareness of managers and employees. 

Therefore, awareness that influences willingness, and leadership, but also new forms of communication and cooperation and a possible shift in corporate (safety) culture, are all crucial elements for ISP. Good and successful examples set by companies seen as peers may also strongly stimulate industry. Indeed, the production of the same pesticide produced by Union Carbide in Bhopal using a batch process was accomplished by DuPont using an inherently safer continuous flow process. 

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