Pipeline Safety Starts at the Top and is Driven by Frontline Workers
Nathan Hammer
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On March 25, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy made waves in the pipeline industry by announcing a new push from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to encourage all regulated pipeline owners and operators to voluntarily adopt Pipeline Safety Management Systems (PSMS). This advisory, detailed in a recent Federal Register bulletin, isn’t just a regulatory nudge… it’s a call to action rooted in a simple truth: safety isn’t a checkbox, it’s a culture. And that culture starts with leadership.
At the heart of PSMS lies its first element: Leadership and Management Commitment. PHMSA’s framework, aligned with API Recommended Practice 1173, puts this principle front and center for a reason. Safety doesn’t trickle up from the field without the support of up top--it cascades down from the boardroom. Leaders set the tone by defining goals, establishing processes, and fostering trust. Whether you’re answering to regulators, shareholders, or the communities your pipelines run through, this element is the foundation for accountability and a clear vision for risk reduction. Duffy’s announcement underscores this, signaling a shift toward proactive safety management over reactive compliance. Let’s dive into why this matters, and how operators--especially those new to PSMS--can turn this principle into practice.
Why Leadership Commitment is Non-Negotiable
Pipeline systems are complex beasts--3.4 million miles of them crisscross the U.S., carrying everything from natural gas to hazardous liquids. A single failure can mean environmental damage, economic disruption, or worse, loss of life. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has long championed PSMS, pointing to incidents like the 2010 San Bruno explosion and the 2021 San Pedro Bay release as evidence that safety can’t be left to chance. Duffy’s announcement echoes this urgency, tying PSMS adoption to President Trump’s agenda of unleashing American energy responsibly.
Leadership commitment isn’t just a feel-good buzzword… it’s the glue that holds a safety program together. When executives prioritize safety, it’s not an afterthought tacked onto operations; it’s woven into every decision, from budgeting to maintenance schedules. PHMSA Acting Administrator Ben Kochman hit the nail on the head:
“Safety Management Systems bring about a much-needed evolution… that will ultimately lead us to achieve our goal of zero incidents.”
That evolution starts with leaders who don’t just talk the talk but walk the walk.
For operators, this means accountability isn’t optional. Regulators like PHMSA may not mandate PSMS (yet), but stakeholders--communities, insurers, and even employees--expect it. Leaders who embrace this element signal to their teams that safety isn’t a burden, it’s a mission. And in an industry where trust can erode faster than a corroded pipe, that’s a competitive edge.
Sean Duffy’s Announcement is a Game-Changer for PSMS
Duffy’s move isn’t coming out of nowhere. It builds on years of groundwork---API RP 1173 was issued in 2015, and today, 86% of the U.S. gas distribution network operates under some form of PSMS. But here’s the catch: many smaller operators, especially those serving fewer than 25,000 customers, haven’t jumped on board. That’s where this advisory comes in. It’s not a rule with teeth (fines or jail time aren’t on the table—yet), but a loud-and-clear message: get ahead of the curve.
The announcement ties into broader policy too. Section 205 of the 2020 PIPES Act already nudged PHMSA to promote SMS frameworks, and the NTSB’s Safety Recommendation P-24-002--stemming from the San Pedro Bay incident--added pressure. Duffy’s framing it as part of an energy-forward agenda is savvy: it’s not just about safety, it’s about ensuring pipelines can keep delivering without interruption. For operators new to PSMS, this is a wake-up call… and an opportunity.
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Building Leadership Commitment from Scratch
If you’re an operator dipping your toes into PSMS, Element #1 can feel daunting. You’re not just tweaking procedures--you’re reshaping how your organization thinks.
Here’s how to start strong:
1. Define what “safety first” means for your operation. Is it zero leaks? Faster incident response? Lower emissions? Make it specific, measurable, and loud. Announce it internally and externally—your team and stakeholders need to hear it from the top.
2. Actions speak louder than memos. Allocate budget for safety training, equipment upgrades, or risk assessments. Show up at safety briefings. Ask tough questions about risks. If leadership ducks responsibility, your field hands will too.
3. Safety thrives on openness. Encourage reporting of near-misses without fear of reprisal. Share data—good and bad—with your team. A leader who hides problems breeds a culture that does the same.
4. You don’t need a perfect system day one. Focus on one pipeline segment or facility. Test your commitment there--set goals, track progress, adjust. Success builds momentum.
5. PHMSA’s advisory isn’t a solo act. API RP 1173 offers a roadmap, and industry peers who’ve adopted PSMS can share lessons. Don’t reinvent the wheel--adapt what works.
From Commitment to Action
Once leadership buys in, the real work begins. For new PSMS adopters, the next move is to formalize that commitment. Draft a safety committment and program signed by top brass—make it public. Assign a senior leader to own PSMS implementation; they’ll bridge the gap between vision and execution. Then, audit your current state: where are your risks? What’s your team saying? Use that to set priorities.
Duffy’s announcement hints at what’s coming: voluntary today could mean mandatory tomorrow. PHMSA’s already got the data--86% adoption isn’t 100%. Operators who lag risk scrambling later. Start now, and you’re not just compliant--you’re ahead. Train your leaders, engage your workforce, and benchmark against peers. Safety isn’t static; it’s a journey. Element #1 is your first step.
The Bottom Line
Leadership and Management Commitment isn’t just the first element of PSMS--it’s the heartbeat. Sean Duffy’s push on March 25, 2025, isn’t a random policy blip; it’s a recognition that pipelines power the nation, and safety powers pipelines. For operators new to this, the message is clear: don’t wait for a mandate. Lead from the top, empower frontline workers, build trust, and act decisively. The stakes… human, environmental, economic… are too high to do anything less.
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