By any measure, 2025 has been a landmark year for safety performance in the chemical industry. Just last week, ACC announced a historic trifecta for our members: record-setting performance in transportation safety, process safety, and worker safety. These aren’t just numbers – they illustrate that when safety is embedded into the DNA of a company, everyone benefits. At the heart of this achievement is Responsible Care®, the chemical industry’s commitment to continual improvement in health, safety, and environmental performance. And this year, that commitment has delivered results that speak volumes.
Safety That Moves With Us
Every day, nearly a million shipments of hazardous materials move across the U.S. That’s an incredible figure, and a powerful reminder of the responsibility that comes with it. Since 2017, distribution incidents reported by ACC member companies have dropped by more than 35% – a clear sign of sustained progress in chemical transportation safety. This year, that progress reached a new milestone: the lowest number of distribution incidents ever recorded, with 85% rated as low or negligible severity.
This isn’t just about logistics – it’s about leadership. It’s about companies investing in smarter systems, better training, and a culture that prioritizes safety at every mile.
Safer Processes, Stronger Operations
Process safety is where operational excellence meets risk management. Our data shows that in 2024, Responsible Care companies had a record low number of Tier 1 process safety events, with 90% categorized as low severity. That’s a 22% improvement since 2017.
These numbers reflect more than compliance, they reflect a mindset. One where safety isn’t a box to check, but a core value that drives innovation, efficiency, and trust.
Protecting People, Building Trust
For the second year in a row, ACC members achieved a record low Total Recordable Injury and Illness Rate (TRIR), a key metric used by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and across industries to:
- Benchmark safety performance;
- Identify trends and areas for improvement; and,
- Demonstrate a company’s commitment to worker health and safety
A lower TRIR indicates fewer incidents and a safer workplace. ACC members’ TRIR isn’t just better than the overall chemical sector, it outperforms manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and more. Since 2017, Responsible Care companies’ TRIR has dropped by over 24%.
Making a Real Impact
This is what it looks like when safety becomes a competitive advantage. These record-setting milestones underscore the strength of the Responsible Care program. As ACC President and CEO Chris Jahn put it: “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.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Safety
While these achievements are worth celebrating, they’re just the beginning. Through the 2025 Responsible Care Strategic Review, ACC and its members are charting the next chapter of progress – one that builds on a strong foundation and looks boldly toward the future.
The Strategic Review will focus on expanding the reach and impact of Responsible Care, strengthening collaboration across the value chain, and embracing innovation to enhance safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. It will also explore new opportunities to integrate emerging technologies, deepen community engagement, and reinforce the program’s role in supporting sound policy and building public trust.
This forward-looking effort reflects a shared commitment: to continuously improve, to lead with purpose, and to maintain Responsible Care as a driving force for positive change across the industry.
