Transforming industry, one process at a time
Dekra’s process safety management (PSM) approach
As Dekra celebrates its 100th anniversary globally, locally Dekra Industrial and its adult-based
education and occupational skills training division, the DEKRA Institute of Learning (IOL) remain
steadfast in their mission: to support safer workplaces across Africa through intelligent, industry-
specific training and safety assessments.
Process Safety Management (PSM) is one of the most critical components of this mission: designed
not only to safeguard workers and facilities but to create a proactive safety culture which protects
lives, infrastructure and the environment.
Process safety versus occupational health and safety
Christopher Mörsner, Head of Training and Consulting at the DEKRA Institute of Learning, notes
that there remains a common misconception among companies regarding the distinction between
occupational health and safety (OHS) and process safety. “Occupational safety primarily addresses
frequent, lower-risk incidents – whereas process safety management focuses on rare but potentially
catastrophic events, including explosions or hazardous chemical releases,” Mörsner explains.
PSM involves systematic evaluation and control of hazards linked to chemical processes, dust
generation, flammable atmospheres or hazardous by-products. “A single event in process safety
can lead to multiple fatalities, widespread property damage and environmental impact,” he says. “It
is not just about compliance. It is about foresight, accountability, and building resilience into every
operational process.”
Creating awareness through real-world context
Process safety failures are not limited to large-scale chemical plants. Even everyday foodstuffs such
as sugar, beer or cornflakes can pose serious risks if the by-products of their manufacturing
processes – such as airborne dust or volatile compounds – are not stringently controlled. “Static
electricity, poor grounding or non-compliant batching procedures can trigger devastating secondary
explosions. These risks are often hidden in plain sight,” Mörsner observes.
He highlights that process safety management is essential across a wide range of industries
including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, distilleries, power generation, petrochemical, and oil
and gas. In terms of this, Dekra’s PSM framework is tailored to each client’s specific risks and
infrastructure, and there is no generic checklist.
“Each process must be broken down into what we call ‘process nodes,’ and every node must be
evaluated and mitigated to an acceptable risk level,” he says.
Technology, human error and training
Mörsner cites human error, legacy systems and outdated equipment as the leading contributors to
incidents. “Automation and training go hand-in-hand. We are not replacing people – we are
supporting them to work more safely.”
Dekra Industrial’s and the IOL’s approach includes assessments that can develop into training
opportunities, enabling clients to meet international and local statutory requirements such as SANS
1461, SANS 10108 and ISO 31000. “Dekra Global’s dynamic risk register is a proprietary tool that
we use to model exact client environments and run simulations before any real-world
implementation. It allows us to detect vulnerabilities and develop targeted mitigation strategies in
advance,” he adds.
Bridging the gap in understanding
According to Mörsner, the most commonly misunderstood aspects of PSM are risk management
and management of change. “Many clients overlook how a change in staff, layout or raw materials
can introduce new risks to their process. If you do not factor in the human and procedural changes,
you risk major liabilities.”
To bridge this gap, Dekra Industrial and the IOL always start with a baseline assessment. “Our goal
is to identify potential failure points and educate clients on the true scope of their risk – not just from
a compliance standpoint, but from a business continuity and reputational perspective too.”
Teamwork and culture: foundations for the future
Mörsner comments that successful PSM implementation throughout industry depends on collective
responsibility. “It takes teamwork at every level. We work closely with operators, engineers and
management to ensure alignment and understanding. Process safety management is not just a
Dekra initiative: it is a collaborative process to achieve a common safety objective.”
As Dekra Global celebrates a century of safety leadership, its South African team continues to
champion innovation and education in the name of protecting people, processes and the planet.
“Through rigorous process safety management and industry-specific training, we are shaping a
safer future – one process at a time!” Mörsner concludes.
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About DEKRA Industrial and DEKRA Institute of Learning
With 100 years in 2025 across many vertical industry sectors through its global parent company,
Dekra Industrial SA has established a formidable reputation as a leader in inspection services, non-
destructive testing (NDT), material testing, laboratory services, Advanced NDT, asset integrity
services, and NDT inspection and corrosion control with rope access and lifting. The company also
offers comprehensive vendor inspection and expediting services, as well as vehicle mapping.
Together with these services, Dekra Industrial also offers industry training through its adult-based
education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL). The IOL is QCTO-
accredited and delivers online learning across all industries, in both public and private sectors, with
training pitched to all levels of competency, focusing on HSE, ISO and continuing professional
development (CPD)-aligned courses. Classroom-based and distance learning are also available.
Dekra Industrial’s service portfolio and offering is powerfully integrated, complementary and
comprehensive. Rooted in a ‘safety-first’ mindset and driven by process safety awareness, Dekra
Industrial and the IOL offer clients a completely holistic solution.
As part of the global Dekra group, which has a presence in more than 50 countries on five
continents, Dekra Industrial RSA provides solutions its holistic service offering across a multitude of
industries, including power generation, oil and gas, construction, petrochemical, manufacturing,
fabrication, pulp and paper, rail, mining, steel industry and foundries within South Africa and pan-
Africa.
Dekra Industrial SA has 51 percent black woman ownership and has achieved a current overall
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) status of Level 1.
The company is also RD 0034-compliant – a nuclear safety compliance standard – and is one of the
few NDT companies locally to hold the ISO 45001:2018 certification; as well as DNV certification,
giving Dekra Industrial access to many inspection opportunities in the maritime sector.
As part of Dekra Global’s SEMEA region, DEKRA Industrial RSA is strategically positioned to offer
expanded services across Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including oil-rich markets
such as Saudi Arabia.
Dekra Industrial, together with the IOL, strive to be recognised as the ‘heroes of safety’ and to make
a tangible difference to their clients and communities.
