Connecting the dots to protect lives – engaging a global team in process safety
Internal communications is often not the 'sexy' work that gets communications practitioners out of bed. But it can be impactful, meaningful and powerful.
In 2023, global methanol producer Methanex faced a critical safety challenge after experiencing two Tier 1 process safety incidents, the most severe category of safety events.
Although no injuries occurred, these incidents highlighted the need to introduce a process safety framework.
Methanex partnered with Great Scott to launch a global campaign introducing the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers’ (IOGP) 10 Process Safety Fundamentals (PSFs) to over 1,200 manufacturing staff across six sites.
Methanex’s challenge was to make these principles resonate across a diverse, global workforce with a single campaign. Delivered in three languages (English, Chilean Spanish, and Arabic) meant campaign materials would need to hit the mark in multiple languages – and speak to everyone from the Plant Managers to the intern engineers.
The campaign aimed to reduce high-severity incidents and foster a culture where staff felt empowered to speak up about safety concerns.
Spoiler alert – they had their safest year on record!
Approach
Understanding site-specific culture, communication preferences, and past campaign successes was essential. This was the first time that Methanex had run a global safety campaign, so it was important local teams felt their insights were reflected in the delivery. They told us direct, unambiguous messaging was especially important in high-risk environments.
The campaign ran from April 2024 to February 2025 and was delivered as monthly packs of materials for each site, making it easy to roll out.
Presentations, posters and visual resources tailored to each site.
Messaging that encouraged staff to speak up, even when questioning leadership.
Monthly quizzes to reinforce learning, with regional results shared globally to foster friendly competition.
Branded prizes for sites to use in ways that worked for them.
Importantly, collateral was created to be long lasting and now forms part of the onboarding process for new staff.
The Impact
The campaign exceeded expectations.
More than 75% of staff at manufacturing sites took part in the campaign activities – but importantly, there was a significant increase in staff safety observations as awareness grew.
Most importantly, Methanex recorded its safest year ever, with reductions in recordable injuries and no major Tier 1 incidents.
