A study of selected variables affecting the loss control performance of chemical plants in Texas and Louisiana

Abstract

The primary objective of this research was to determine if, in chemical plants, a statistically significant relationship exists between past loss control performance, effectiveness of management and quality of loss control programs. Procedures were developed to measure each of these three variables. Visits were made to seventeen chemical plants, and data were collected from structured interviews with senior managers. A procedure, originally developed by Westinghouse to measure loss control programs, was modified for this study. The loss control program was divided into six factors, namely organization and administration, facilities control, industrial hygiene control, training, motivation and accident injury statistics. A numerical rating was then applied, using a Likert type scale, to give a Loss Control Program Index. A method was developed to measure management effectiveness based on an operations audit procedure. The management of a chemical plant was divided into five variables, namely process, plant, planning, controls and personnel. For each variable, standards for excellent performance were developed, and these standards emphasized technical capability, integrated plans directed by top management, firm controls and progressive personnel policies. A numerical rating was applied, again using a Likert type scale, to give a Management Effectiveness Index.