American Chemistry Council Celebrates Record Safety Achievements in the Chemical Industry
Unprecedented Safety Milestones Achieved by ACC Members
On June 25, 2025, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) heralded a groundbreaking accomplishment as its members achieved a remarkable trifecta in safety performance metrics. This significant milestone indicates record lows in transportation safety, process safety, and worker safety across the organization.
Chris Jahn, President and CEO of ACC, emphasized the importance of these achievements, asserting, "This trifecta of record safety performance is a powerful demonstration of ACC and our members' leadership in operational excellence." The success is a testament to the steadfast commitment to the Responsible Care initiative, aimed at safeguarding employees, communities, and the environment.
Detailed Insights into the Achievements
Transportation Safety
The safe transportation and handling of chemicals is a priority for ACC members. Recent data highlights the necessity of ensuring safety during the nearly one million shipments of hazardous materials that take place daily across the United States. ACC members have worked diligently and reported the lowest number of distribution incidents to date. Notably, since 2017, they have successfully reduced these incidents by an impressive 35%. This reduction is pivotal in mitigating risks associated with hazardous material transportation.
Process Safety
The commitment of Responsible Care® companies to operate safely has been instrumental in their success. The Responsible Care Process Safety Code creates a robust safety culture that permeates all levels of operations, from management systems to leadership practices. ACC members have documented a significant achievement in process safety, having reduced Tier 1 process safety events by 22% since 2017, marking the lowest recorded number of such incidents in history.
Worker Safety
Worker safety continues to be a hallmark of ACC members' operations. Over the past decade, these companies have managed to maintain an annual average of less than one recordable injury or illness per 100 employees—an achievement that exceeds the safety performance of many sectors, including manufacturing and retail.
For the second consecutive year, ACC members have reported a record low total recordable injury and illness incidence rate (TRIR). When compared to the data from 2017, these members have decreased the TRIR by over 24%, further demonstrating their commitment to a safe working environment.
Commitment to Responsible Care
The implementation of Responsible Care is mandatory for all ACC manufacturing members, with adherence to guidelines being verified through third-party audits. Every year, participating companies share transparent reports on their performance in various environmental, health, and safety metrics, showcasing the effectiveness of the Responsible Care initiative.
The recent announcement follows the 2025 Responsible Care® Sustainability Conference, where ACC celebrated outstanding efforts among its members, recognizing individuals, companies, and initiatives that have shown superior performance in line with Responsible Care objectives.
Jahn also stated, "Safety is the foundation of trust in our industry. Our members understand that protecting people and the planet is essential to earning and keeping that trust. These record-setting results show what's possible when safety is embedded in everything we do."
Conclusion
The American Chemistry Council's achievements are not merely numbers; they represent a powerful movement towards enhanced safety standards within the chemical industry. The trifecta of record performance in transportation, process, and worker safety illustrates a collective commitment to responsible practices that prioritize safety and sustainability. By continuing to champion the principles of Responsible Care, ACC and its members set a precedent in operational excellence—one that inspires confidence and fosters a safer future for all.
The ACC’s mission is not only to advocate for chemical products but also to promote sustainable and safe practices among its members, ensuring a better, healthier, and safer world for future generations.