with maintenance backlogs growing and operational standards more demanding, shutdowns are increasing in frequency which places companies under the gun to get them done fast or face serious losses.
Image: Photo: Supplied
By Jacques Maritz
Keeping petrochemical plants running smoothly is no small feat.
Regular maintenance shutdowns are a must, not just to keep things efficient and safe, but to tick all the boxes with stricter environmental regulations. However essential these periods may be, they bring petrochemical companies considerable challenges, including workforce shortages, escalating costs, and inflexible project deadlines.
Yet, with maintenance backlogs growing and operational standards more demanding, shutdowns are increasing in frequency which places companies under the gun to get them done fast or face serious losses.
This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can step up and save the day, with end-to-end solutions that streamline workforce management during shutdown periods.
The rising tide of shutdowns and the challenges faced
The increasing frequency of petrochemical plant shutdowns can be linked to several factors, driven by growing demand and an increasing urgency to comply with regulatory frameworks that are still evolving. Petrochemical products demand continues to rise and this growth places strain on existing plants which then require more frequent maintenance interventions for optimal performance.
Petrochemical enterprises often face the monumental task of managing shutdowns with limited in-house resources that lack the specialist skills and experience required to efficiently handle the complexities of onboarding large numbers of temporary workers, along with project execution in tight timeframes. This is where the right TES provider can bring a strategic approach that makes all the difference in addressing these critical needs.
Swift deployment and administrative efficiency
One of the biggest benefits of bringing a TES provider into play with petrochemical shutdowns is tapping into their ability to rapidly deploy skilled and experienced workers, even in remote locations. In the petrochemical industry, where every second of downtime can be measured in financial losses, this speed and flexibility to put the right skills in the right place proves invaluable. Reputable TES providers maintain a database of properly screened and trained personnel, providing plug-and-play workforce solutions that are ready to be deployed at short notice. These workers have already been on-boarded and trained, with the necessary expertise to handle the complexities of plant shutdowns to ensure efficient, smooth project progress.
Above the supply of skilled labour resources, TES providers take on responsibility for the administrative burdens that come with fixed duration workforce management. This extends to a full payroll service, HR and Industrial Relations (IR) management, and onboarding and offboarding processes, in line with each client’s specific site requirements. In taking over these responsibilities, TES providers offer welcome relief for the internal resources of petrochemical companies, freeing them to return their focus to core operational activities. This streamlined approach reduces the risk of delays and ensures compliance with labour laws and safety regulations.
Ensuring compliance and competence from start to finishMaintaining strict compliance with labour laws, safety regulations, and environmental standards is non-negotiable during petrochemical shutdowns.
This is where the right TES partner will more than earn their keep. They’re essential in upholding these strict standards by deploying personnel who are not only highly skilled but also competently trained in relevant safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
The TES provider functions as a dedicated resource, ensuring all aspects of the shutdown align with the highest standards to mitigate the risk of accidents and regulatory breaches. Extensive training guarantees that these interim workers are equipped to handle the demanding tasks inherent in petrochemical shutdowns. These professionals have the necessary skills and experience to deal with high-pressure environments and contribute to the efficient and safe completion of projects. In an industry where errors can have significant ramifications, this level of preparedness is critical.
Strategic partnerships for ongoing operational successTES partners excel in workforce logistics, ensuring seamless operations throughout the shutdown period. They create a structured and efficient work environment by managing administrative duties and maintaining strict compliance with safety regulations. This prevents delays, optimises cost management and ensures that shutdowns are completed on time and within budget.
However, for petrochemical companies to truly unlock the benefits of partnering with a TES provider on petrochemical shutdowns, a vital mindset shift needs to happen. Enterprises need to stop thinking of TES providers as mere labour suppliers and trust them to step up and become strategic partners that offer complete workforce agility solutions. This involves establishing long-term relationships and integrating their services into ongoing workforce planning, which gives companies certainty in the fact that they have access to a skilled and flexible workforce on demand, ready to tackle the challenges of petrochemical shutdowns.
Jacques Maritz, National Sales & Service Manager at Quyn International Outsourcing.
Image: Supplied.
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