Trish Kerin named finalist for Engineers Australia Risk Engineer of the Year

Internationally recognised process safety expert and keynote speaker Trish Kerin has been named a finalist for the Engineers Australia Risk Engineering Society Risk Engineer of the Year award, recognising more than two decades of contribution to process safety, risk management and the engineering profession.

Kerin has spent 25 years working in process safety, helping organisations understand and manage the risks associated with major hazards and prevent incidents that can have devastating consequences for people, communities and the environment.

Her career has combined engineering practice, operational experience, leadership, education and advocacy. As the inaugural Director of the IChemE Safety Centre, Kerin led the development of a process safety framework now applied by organisations globally. During her 11 years leading the Centre, she grew it from six founding members in Australia to more than 120 organisations across six continents and almost 10 industry sectors.

Her contribution to risk engineering has also included developing guidance for industry, innovative risk assessment methodologies including Delta HAZOP, lessons-learned resources, academic materials and executive briefings designed to help leaders make better process safety decisions.

A particular focus of Kerin’s work has been the identification and management of weak signals – the early indicators that something may be changing within a complex system. She developed The Platypus Philosophy®, a practical approach designed to help organisations recognise, interpret and manage weak signals before they develop into significant events.

Kerin has also made a sustained contribution to engineering education and professional development. She has authored more than 35 published articles, contributed to the OHS Body of Knowledge, spoken at conferences around the world and mentored engineers and safety professionals internationally. As a Superstars of STEM, she has also worked with school and university students to promote engineering careers and the importance of process safety.

Her service to the community includes seven years as an industry representative on the WorkSafe Victoria Major Hazards Advisory Committee, followed by her appointment as its independent Chair in 2023. She also served six years on the NOPSEMA Advisory Board.

Kerin’s achievements have been recognised through numerous awards, including the Trevor Kletz Merit Award, Women in Safety Network Leader of the Year and the John A Brodie Medal. In 2025, her podcast Process Safety with Trish and Traci received a Jesse H Neal Award for Best Podcast.

The Risk Engineer of the Year finalist recognition adds another significant milestone to a career dedicated to making engineering safer, stronger and more effective for society.