June 4, 2026
10:30AM - 11:30AM

Advanced Process Safety Track

The Power of Collective Competency in Navigating Non-Routine Operations

Speaker: Wes Sasser

Successfully managing special, abnormal, or non-routine activities requires more than individual expertise—it demands a unified approach built on collective competency. By bringing together diverse perspectives and technical knowledge, teams can provide independent, objective reviews that identify emerging safety and reliability concerns before they escalate. This collaborative process ensures the consistent application of safety standards and reinforces safeguards across personnel and process safety domains.

In this session, attendees will explore practical, real-world examples that illustrate how collective competency can mitigate risk during non-routine operations. These examples will highlight both successful applications and common pitfalls, offering insight into how teams can strengthen decision‑making under complex or uncertain conditions.

Participants will leave with actionable takeaways, including strategies for enhancing team communication, tools for conducting effective independent reviews, and methods for proactively identifying and addressing vulnerabilities during field execution. By leveraging shared guidance and proactive risk management, collective competency not only minimizes unexpected events but also builds stronger operational resilience.

In complex environments, harnessing the strength of the team is not just beneficial—it is essential for safe, reliable performance.