Security & Safety
Vision / History
The Chemistry Council of New Jersey (CCNJ) and its member companies are firmly committed to the safe, secure, and responsible manufacture, use, and management of chemical products. Protecting employees, communities, and the environment is a foundational priority for New Jersey’s chemical industry, and our members continuously work to strengthen safety, security, and product stewardship across their operations.
CCNJ works in close coordination with federal and state agencies, regulators, and industry partners to advance policies and practices that promote safe operations while ensuring the efficient and reliable use of chemical products that are essential to modern life. Through collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement, our industry has built a strong record of performance and accountability.
Health & Safety Leadership
CCNJ’s quarterly Health & Safety Committee meetings provide members with timely updates on regulatory developments, legislative priorities, and emerging issues affecting New Jersey’s chemical industry. These meetings feature presentations from subject matter experts, regulatory agencies, and member companies, with a focus on:
- Industrial hygiene and worker protection
- Health and safety best practices
- OSHA compliance and management strategies
- Lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives
Through this forum, CCNJ helps ensure that member companies remain informed, prepared, and aligned with evolving health and safety expectations.
Chemical Facility Security
Security of chemical infrastructure is a shared responsibility and a critical component of public safety. The Chemistry Council of New Jersey is an active participant in the New Jersey Domestic Security Task Force’s Infrastructure Advisory Committee, where CCNJ represents the Chemical Sector. In addition, the CCNJ Chemical Plant Security Committee meets regularly to discuss security policies, regulatory updates, training opportunities, and best practices.
In September 2003, the Security Best Practices guidance documents for chemical and petroleum facilities were developed and released by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in collaboration with the Chemical and Petroleum Sector Infrastructure Advisory Committees, including CCNJ. These Best Practices became mandatory for certain regulated facilities in November 2005 under the Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act (TCPA) and Discharge Prevention and Containment (DPCC) programs.
NJDEP continues to provide guidance and resources to assist facilities in complying with these requirements, which complement the extensive security measures already implemented by the chemical industry to safeguard facilities, employees, and surrounding communities.
Commitment to Stewardship and Continuous Improvement
Many CCNJ member companies also participate in nationally recognized product stewardship and performance programs, including the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® program and SOCMA’s ChemStewards® program. These initiatives go beyond regulatory compliance and emphasize continuous improvement in safety, security, environmental performance, and community engagement.
Companies participating in these programs consistently demonstrate superior performance. In fact, worker safety records for participating chemical companies are more than four times better than the average U.S. manufacturing sector, reflecting the industry’s strong culture of safety and accountability.