What is Management of Change (MOC)?

In general terms, Management of Change (MOC) is the principle of properly assessing, addressing, and controlling the potential impacts of any proposed changes to the workplace—ideally, before the changes take place—with the goal of reducing operational risk. It’s considered a central part of safety management. 

Following an MOC protocol means that every time a change is to be made to a process, people, or procedures, a formal change assessment is completed. Facility EHS leaders assess the possible impacts from a change made to the workplace, identify negative outcomes, and put controls in place to stop those negative outcomes from happening.

Failing to assess the potential impacts puts the facility at risk; one change, and one unexpected event happening as a result, could cause explosions, fires, and/or catastrophic releases that affect the surrounding environment, water, and employee health and safety.

In addition, implementing a management of change process also helps organizations maintain compliance with safety regulations.