In Korea, it was during the early 1970s that the petrochemical industry begun its full-fledged operation. During this period, the petrochemical industry along with the steel, automobile, shipbuilding, machinery industries, etc. started to consolidate its position as one of the key industries, encouraged by the governmental policies that sought to promote the heavy chemical industries. However, large-scale accidents that can greatly affect the management activities occur frequently. To respond effectively to these accidents, chemical plants execute risk management measures, fit for each business establishment's characteristics. This study focuses on the current status of risk management activities conducted by the petrochemical plants in Korea, and on the trends in the global market. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.