April 3, 2014

The GM recall - what are the lessons in process safety culture?

You must be reading the news about the recall of 2.6 million cars GM made due to a problem in the ignition switch which could shut off the car while driving, disable the airbag, power steering and anti lock brakes. However it is reported that GM took 10 years from the time the problem was discovered and recalling the cars to fix the problem. Meanwhile 13 deaths have been attributed to this.
 In the ongoing Senate hearing, the recently appointed CEO of GM Ms Barra told the subcommittee, "that the new GM is more "focused on the customer" compared to a "cost culture" years ago at the automaker."

What is the commonality between a giant automotive maker and PSM? The answer is "cost culture". Beware of the cost virus in your organisation's PSM system.It can cause deadly accidents.
  
Read about the problem and recall in this link
Read about the testimony of GM Chief in this link

 Contribute to the surviving victims of Bhopal by buying my book "Practical Process Safety Management"

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