Reducing the unplanned shutdowns of plants is the key to the competitiveness of chemical enterprises. Refining and petrochemical enterprises have strict requirements for management on the unplanned shutdowns of plants. This paper mainly discusses the specific methods for reducing the unplanned shutdowns of ethylene plant from the aspect of systematic management improvement, including improving the hidden danger management and the risk control system, and improving the risk assessment and the scientific decision-making management system. A risk control system with prevention and control as the main focus and with full participation is established through standardized management, including standardized management on large compressor units, standardized management on cracking furnaces, and standardized management on rotating equipment, static equipment, electrical and instrumentation disciplines.