Key Actions
Our target of maintaining a leading position in terms of our Process Safety Event Rate supports our strategic goal of maintaining a strong focus on traditional risk control while preparing for the new technologies defined in the OMV HSSE Strategy 2030. By providing training and enhancing our safety culture, we ensure that our operations continue to prioritize safety and effectively manage risks from unplanned releases due to process safety incidents. This action is defined in our Process Safety Management Standard, through which we reinforce our commitment to safeguarding both our workforce and the environment. The action related to E2 Process Safety falls outside OMV’s definition of key actions.
Training and Safety Culture
As outlined in our Process Safety Management Standard, training programs are crucial to ensuring that all operating personnel and employees are familiar with our safety procedures. Employee competence in process safety is ensured through a well-defined training plan, continuous communication, and sharing lessons learned. Scenario-based emergency drills involving the site emergency management team are conducted periodically at the refineries alongside regular fire service drills.
We have set up an OMV Process Safety Network with an online collaboration platform including a reference library and discussion board. Regular virtual sessions facilitate knowledge exchange across the Group, with participants coming from various OMV countries and fields of expertise. This helps foster continuous learning. Top management participation in these online sessions sends a clear message that process safety is important and demonstrates process safety leadership and commitment.
In 2024, a project to improve process safety competency was initiated for OMV employees, with specific training for operational personnel in development. Periodic Group Process Safety Committee meetings with Executive Board member involvement took place, during which performance, achievements, and challenges were reviewed. Quarterly half-day events and the annual Process Safety Day fostered knowledge sharing, with up to 200 participants, including senior management.
In the F&F division, the new LOTOTO (Lock out, tag out, try out) system was introduced at the Lobau Tank Farm and Schwechat refinery, alongside comprehensive training. Regular feedback rounds and practical exercises ensured ongoing improvement, while P&ID (Pipe & Instrumentation diagram) training was organized for shift staff. Employees and contractors were sensitized to the process, leading to a positive response and exemplary usage of the new system.
To enhance our safety culture, assessments of the Group-wide Life-Saving Rules were conducted at our operated sites in 2024 (including Borealis), focusing on process safety. Action plans were developed for identified deficiencies, and good practices were shared. OMV Petrom improved the quality of data in the risk register and prioritized process safety actions based on risk reduction and effort required. Our HSSE Strategy supports our transformation by expanding our product portfolio, entering new markets, and collaborating with partners to develop joint safety cultures. Safety Centers at the Burghausen, Schwechat, and Petrobrazi refineries, established in 2024, play a crucial role in implementing and practicing our Life-Saving Rules This annual training targets blue-collar employees and contractors that are working in our refineries in Austria, Germany, and Romania.