Health and Safety
Safety underpins everything we do. Refining and petrochemical manufacturers and midstream companies prioritize protecting employees, contractors, communities and the environment. Our members continually look for ways to enhance safety and know that sharing knowledge is one of the most effective ways to improve performance. This commitment and teamwork have made our industries leaders in safety—consistently earning top workplace ratings year after year.
Leading the Way in Safety Among U.S. Manufacturers
Nothing is more important to the refining and petrochemical industries than safety. AFPM member companies maintain strong safety records and continually work to improve performance to protect people, communities and the environment.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which track workplace injuries and illnesses across nearly 500 manufacturing sectors, refining and petrochemical companies consistently rank in the top tier for safety performance. Injury and illness rates in these industries are lower than most other sectors, including mining, food, ship building and paper. When sectors beyond manufacturing are included, refining’s rate is also below those in business services, agriculture and air transportation, among many others.
Collaboration: A Cornerstone of Safety and Progress
Safety in the refining and petrochemical industries is built on a comprehensive foundation; one that prioritizes both process safety and occupational safety. But true progress happens when we go beyond individual efforts and work together. Collaboration is essential to the success of every project and organization.
By connecting professionals from different companies, disciplines and backgrounds, we create space for shared learning and innovation. Our collaborative programs bring people together to exchange ideas, advance technologies and strengthen the safety, reliability and sustainability of our industries. We also work with key government agencies, including OSHA, the Chemical Safety Board (CSB) and EPA, to share information and continuously raise the bar for safety performance.
Celebrating Safety Leadership
AFPM's focus on contractor engagement directly supports our operational goals at Turner Industries. A well-trained and safety-conscious contractor workforce translates to increased efficiency and improved project execution. Access to AFPM’s safety resource information ensures that everyone working at any site across the country is armed with the knowledge necessary to work safely."
The 2025 DSA recipients:
- ExxonMobil Product Solutions Company Baton Rouge Plastics Plant, Louisiana
- Marathon Petroleum Corporation El Paso Refinery, Texas
- Marathon Petroleum Corporation Kenai Refinery, Alaska
- Marathon Petroleum Corporation Michigan Refining Division
“Safety isn’t just a priority—it’s our foundation. The petrochemical and refining industries have set a high bar, not because we are required to, but because we know that the well-being of our workforce and communities depends on it. Thanks to the dedication and resilience of industry professionals, we continue to lead in safety, proving that excellence is not just an aspiration but a daily commitment."
— Chet Thompson, President and CEO, AFPM
