Introduction

Conduct of Operations (CoO) is a term that defines execution of operational and management tasks in a deliberate and structured manner.

It is sometimes called Operational Discipline and is closely tied to an organization’s culture. The overall objective of CoO is structuring
operational tasks in a manner consistent with the organization’s risk tolerance to ensure that every task is performed deliberately and correctly, minimizing variations in performance.

By correctly, we mean “Everyone, doing the right thing, at the right time, every time.” Minimizing variations in performance reduces risk and enhances operational integrity.

Organizational drift and human factors can both negatively affect organizational integrity. In tough times, it can become difficult for some
organizations to reconcile and accept the cost of staying in business with continually working safely.

Between 70-90% of failures are attributable to human or organizational failure. To reduce failures, organizations must focus on mitigating these factors.

CoO entails putting management systems into place to ensure operating and engineering disciplines are effective and that they continuously improve the entire process safety culture.