Process safety management is intended to:

• A. Increase production speed
• B. Lower costs by sacrificing safety
• C. Focus on labor safety only
• D. Prevent catastrophic process incidents

Answer: (D)

Process safety management focuses on preventing major, catastrophic incidents that can arise from hazardous chemical processes. It uses a systematic, hazard‑based approach to identify and control risks throughout a process’s lifecycle—design, operation, change, maintenance, and emergency response—so that large releases, fires, explosions, or toxic exposures are unlikely or contained. The goal isn’t to speed up production or cut safety for cost savings; it’s to manage the process hazards so that severe accidents cannot occur and their consequences are minimized. While worker safety is important, process safety covers broader risks that can affect people beyond the immediate workplace, the environment, and facility integrity.