In today’s world, creating a safe and healthy work environment is no longer a requirement. It is a fundamental responsibility for businesses of all sizes, and environmental health and safety (EHS) measures are fundamental to achieving this goal.
Environmental health and safety (EHS) refers to a comprehensive approach focused on protecting employees from workplace hazards, protecting the environment from pollution from business activities, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
So, in this article, we will look into strategies that can be implemented to ensure adequate environmental health and safety, especially in our workplaces.
Let’s dive right in.
Why are Environmental Health and Safety Measures Important?
An effective EHS program benefits businesses, workers, and the environment.
Here’s a quick explanation of why prioritizing EHS practices is important;
1. Fewer Workplace Injuries and Illnesses
Private-industry employers reported 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021, up 7.5 percent from the previous year.
In addition, the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 374 million non-fatal workplace accidents occur worldwide each year.
A strong EHS program focusing on hazard identification, risk mitigation, and safe work practices can significantly reduce these numbers and create a safer work environment for your employees.
Case Study: In 2019, a large manufacturing plant implemented a comprehensive EHS program that included regular safety inspections, training employees on hazard identification and safe work practices, and investing in improved ventilation systems.
Within two years, the plant reported a 40 percent reduction in workplace injuries and a significant increase in employee morale.
2. Improved Employee Morale and Well-Being
Employees who feel safe and valued because of their employer’s safety efforts build trust, increase job satisfaction, and improve overall morale. This increases employee engagement and productivity.
A 2022 study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 85% of employees feel more engaged and motivated when their workplace prioritizes health and safety initiatives.
3. Increase Regulatory Compliance and Reduce the Risk of Fines
EHS regulations are constantly changing, and staying current can take time and effort. A well-designed EHS program ensures compliance with relevant regulations set by organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
This protects your employees and the environment and minimizes the risk of costly fines and penalties for non-compliance.
Did you know that in 2021, OSHA issued over $136 million in fines for various workplace safety violations across the industry?
4. Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs and Insurance Premiums
Workplace accidents and illnesses can lead to large compensation claims and higher insurance premiums. Companies can enjoy significant cost savings by implementing effective EHS practices and reducing the frequency and severity of workplace incidents.
A study by the National Safety Council estimates that the total cost of workplace injuries and illnesses in the United States is over $1 trillion annually.
5. Increased Productivity and Operational Efficiency
A safe and healthy work environment with fewer interruptions due to accidents and illness leads to increased productivity and operational efficiency. Reduced lost time due to injury or illness allows employees to focus on their core work.
6. Positive Brand Image and Popularity
Consumers are increasingly worried about companies’ dedication to safety and sustainability. A robust EHS software demonstrates an organization’s commitment to the proper well-being of personnel and the surroundings. It complements its emblem image and reputation as an accountable and moral organization.
An example is MSA Safety, a leading manufacturer of safety products and services. Industry publications consistently rank the company as a “Top Workplace” for its commitment to employee safety. MSA Safety’s safety programs include comprehensive training, hazard assessments, and employee involvement in safety initiatives.
Five Pillars of an Effective Environmental Health and Safety Program
Creating an environmental health and safety (EHS) program requires a multifaceted approach. Here, we discuss five key strategies that form the basis of successful EHS practices.
Strategy 1: Active Risk Identification and Assessment
The basis of an EHS program is the proactive identification and assessment of potential hazards in the workplace. This includes a comprehensive analysis of your specific work environment.
1. Identify workplace hazards
Thoroughly examine the work environment, equipment, materials used, and work processes to identify potential hazards.
This includes physical hazards such as slips, falls, noise, and extreme temperatures; chemical hazards such as toxic or flammable substances; biological hazards such as viruses, bacteria, and allergens; and ergonomic hazards such as poor posture and repetitive motions.
2. Regular EHS Risk Assessment
Schedule regular inspections to stay ahead of the curve. This may include inspections by safety committees, consultation with EHS professionals, and employee involvement by closely monitoring changes in the work environment and how work is done.
These inspections help identify new hazards or changes in existing hazards and allow corrective actions to be taken before an accident occurs.
3. Risk prioritization
After identifying such hazards, classify risks by the probability of their occurrence and the severity of the ensuing consequences. A risk matrix may be the most straightforward but most suitable tool for that. Beforehand risk evaluation ensures that the allocated resources are placed in the right projects and that the risk mitigation measures undertaken are centered on the goal.
To illustrate, for an activity that is potentially dangerous and entails serious adverse outcomes, such as working with hazardous chemicals, more stringent safety precautions and risk warnings should be considered than for an activity with no serious consequences, such as stapling papers.
Strategy 2: Implementing Safe Work Practices and Procedures
The best practices that fall into this category are implementing safety procedures and providing all workers with the necessary safety tools and training.
Once these hazards are identified, their appropriate safety measures and procedures should be spelled out. This two-pronged approach ensures employees have the knowledge and tools to do their jobs safely. With this two-way approach, the employees are well-equipped safety-wise because they have all the knowledge and necessary tools:
1. Develop EHS policies and procedures
Create safety procedures on paper for each type of work and equipment employees use during their workplace area. The instructions should be self-explanatory, straight, and easy for the employee to understand. Aim to write with simple words rather than technical terms to make understanding easier. Use illustrations such as flowcharts and diagrams to bring the information into the picture sharply and completely.
2. Employee training and education
Develop training for the staff on EHS aspects, hazard recognition, and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). All trainees should understand the language even if they are not fluent and must reserve a certain amount of time to devote to this knowledge.
However, consider the staff’s training year after year, rather than only one-timer. Train people continuously and maintain safety precautions in the workplace so everyone can work safely and feel secure.
3. Signage and labeling
Use clear and visible signs to alert employees of capacity hazards and provide protection instructions. Proper signage placement is critical. Ensure positive signs are strategically positioned in regions where dangers exist and effortlessly visible by employees.
Additionally, ensure proper labeling of chemical compounds and materials as per protection rules. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must also be conveniently available for worker reference.
Strategy 3: Empowering a Way of Life of Safety
A sturdy EHS software goes beyond written policies and techniques. It’s about fostering a culture of safety in which every person feels empowered to prioritize safety and file ability dangers. Here’s a way to obtain this cultural shift:
1. Employee Participation
Encourage energetic worker involvement in EHS tasks. This can also include organizing safety committees, looking for feedback on safety processes through surveys or idea boxes, and profitable personnel for identifying and reporting hazards.
When personnel sense their input is valued, they may take possession of protection and actively participate in creating a safe painting environment.
2. Open Communication
Create an open and obvious verbal exchange environment where personnel feel comfortable reporting safety-related issues without worry of retaliation. This will promote consideration and allow for timely identification and mitigation of capacity risks.
Employees must be endorsed to document dangerous work practices, near misses, and safety pointers for development. If necessary, develop a machine to document concerns anonymously.
3. Recognition and Rewards
Recognize and praise employees who show secure work practices and contribute to an effective safety subculture. This reinforces safe behaviors and encourages others to follow.
Recognition may be as easy as a verbal thank you, a public declaration, or an incentive program that rewards employees for their dedication to protection.
Strategy 4: Maintain Regulatory Compliance
Navigating the ever-evolving EHS regulatory landscape can be difficult. However, compliance is important to protect your employees, the environment, and your business from potential legal and financial consequences. Here’s how to ensure your EHS program meets legal requirements.
1. Stay informed
Familiarize yourself with EHS regulations relevant to your industry from organizations such as OSHA and EPA. These agencies provide resources and updates on their websites. Consider subscribing to industry newsletters or attending workshops to stay informed of regulatory changes.
2. Conduct regular audits and inspections.
Schedule regular internal audits and inspections to identify gaps between the EHS program and regulatory requirements. This proactive approach allows you to address non-compliance issues before they become problems. Standard audit checklists or protocols are used to ensure a complete and consistent assessment process.
3. Corrective Action Plan
After an audit or inspection, develop a corrective action plan to address identified deficiencies. These plans should specify the specific actions to be taken, the timeline for completion, and the person responsible for overseeing the corrective actions. Recording corrective actions and keeping records for future reference is important.
4. Seek professional help
If you find navigating the complexity of EHS regulations challenging, seek help from a qualified EHS professional or consultant. They have the expertise to guide you through regulatory compliance and ensure your program adheres to best practices.
Strategy 5: Continuous Improvement and Innovation
A successful EHS program should always stay active. A commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is essential to maintain high safety and environmental protection levels. Here’s how to achieve this:
1. Regular reviews and updates
Review your EHS program regularly, including policies, procedures, and training materials. Seek employee feedback and apply industry best practices to keep your program current and effective. Schedule regular reviews to evaluate its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
2. Adoption of new technologies
The field of EHS is constantly evolving, and new technologies are emerging to enhance safety and environmental management. Explore and integrate relevant technologies into your EHS program. For example, wearable safety devices can monitor employee exposure to hazards, and digital training modules can provide employees with a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
3. Establish Measurable Goals
Set measurable goals for your EHS program. These include reducing workplace injuries, increasing accident reporting rates, or implementing several safety improvement initiatives over time. Tracking progress toward these goals allows you to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and identify areas where additional efforts are needed.
Following these five key strategies, you can create a strong EHS program that protects your employees, the environment, and your business.
Additional Tips for Creating a Strong Environmental Health and Safety Program
Although the five core strategies discussed earlier form the foundation of a successful EHS program, here are some additional considerations to elevate your program to a truly comprehensive and impactful level.
1. Encourage Leadership Involvement
Leadership buy-in is more than a proposition—it is a must. When leaders demonstrate their commitment to safety and environmental responsibility, they send a powerful message that resonates throughout the organization. This can be done by actively participating in safety committee meetings, allocating adequate resources to EHS initiatives, and personally recognizing employees’ contributions to a safe work environment.
Leaders who champion safety set the tone throughout the organization and encourage employees to prioritize EHS practices and lead with safety.
2. Effective Communication and Training
Information is power, especially when it comes to safety. Regular and effective communication is critical to keeping employees informed, engaged, and empowered to work safely. Use a multifaceted approach to communication and combine different channels to reach all employees.
This includes safety meetings, toolbox talks, safety newsletters, attractive posters strategically placed around the workplace, and even an internal social media platform that shares safety updates, reminders, and best practices. There may be cases.
3. Invest In Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical line of defense for employees dealing with potential hazards. Providing appropriate PPE based on the dangers encountered in each job role demonstrates your commitment to employee safety.
This may include safety glasses, gloves resistant to certain chemicals, respirators for working with airborne contaminants, hearing protection in noisy environments, or increased visibility in low-light conditions. It may also include high-visibility clothing. Remember that PPE is only effective if used correctly. Ensure that employees are properly trained in selecting, using, caring for, and maintaining designated PPE.
4. Emergency Preparedness
Be prepared for the unexpected. Develop and regularly implement emergency response plans for various scenarios, including fires, natural disasters, chemical spills, and medical emergencies.
These programs should be clear, concise, and accessible to all employees. Explained emergency evacuation methods, determined assembly points, created clear communication protocols, and assigned specific roles and responsibilities to personnel.
Regular emergency training is essential to ensure that employees are familiar with the plan and can respond calmly and effectively in the event of an incident. Exercises can also help you identify gaps in your program and areas for improvement.
5. Accident Review and Learning
Accidents and incidents, even near misses, should be viewed as opportunities to learn and improve. Thorough investigations should be conducted to determine the root cause of these events rather than assigning blame.
Focus on understanding contributing factors, implementing corrective actions to address root causes, and sharing learnings with employees. This knowledge-sharing increases awareness of potential risks and helps prevent similar incidents from happening again. Consider creating a central repository for documented incidents and lessons learned and make this information easily accessible to employees throughout your organization.
Benefits of Implementing Effective Environmental Health and Safety Practices
Investing in a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) program benefits your business, your employees, and the environment.
Here, we look at the key benefits of prioritizing your EHS practices.
1. Reduction of Workplace Accidents, Injuries and Illnesses
Effective EHS programs can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses. This reduces lost days, lowers workers’ compensation costs, and increases workforce health.
According to the National Safety Council, the total cost of workplace injuries and illnesses in the United States is estimated to exceed $1 trillion annually. A significant portion of these costs can be avoided by implementing strong EHS practices.
Read Also: How to Respond to a Mass Casualty Incident: Essential Steps and Emergency Contacts
2. Improved Employee Morale and Well-Being
Employees who feel safe and valued because of an employer’s commitment to safety foster a positive work environment, boost morale, and increase job satisfaction. They are also more engaged, more productive, and less likely to look elsewhere for work.
3. Increase Regulatory Compliance and Reduce the Risk of Fines
EHS regulations are constantly changing, and staying current can take time and effort. A well-designed EHS program ensures compliance with relevant regulations set by organizations such as OSHA and EPA.
This protects your employees and the environment and minimizes the risk of costly fines and penalties for non-compliance. In 2021 alone, OSHA issued more than $136 million in fines for various workplace safety violations across industries.
4. Reducing Workers’ Compensation Costs and Insurance Premiums
Workplace accidents and illnesses can lead to large compensation claims and higher insurance premiums. Companies can enjoy significant cost savings by implementing effective EHS practices and reducing the frequency and severity of workplace incidents.
5. Increased Productivity and Operational Efficiency
A safe and healthy work environment with fewer interruptions due to accidents and illness leads to increased productivity and operational efficiency. Less time is lost due to injury or illness, and employees can focus on their core duties without safety concerns interfering with their performance.
6. Positive Brand Image and Reputation
Consumers are increasingly concerned about companies’ commitment to safety and sustainability. A strong EHS program demonstrates a company’s commitment to the well-being of employees and the environment and enhances its brand image and reputation as a responsible and ethical organization.
This will attract top talent, increase customer loyalty, and strengthen your market position.
By prioritizing EHS practices, you create a safer workplace and make a strategic investment in your business’s success and sustainability.
Conclusion
Establishing a strong environmental health and safety (EHS) program is an investment in your most valuable asset – your employees.
The benefits go beyond avoiding accidents and injuries. By prioritizing EHS practices, you can create a work environment that promotes well-being, improves morale, and reduces turnover. You can also minimize your environmental impact and demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility.
Remember, safety should never be an afterthought. It should be an integral part of your company culture. When you invest in EHS practices, you invest in the well-being of your employees, the environment, and your business’s future.
Providing employees with the knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies effectively is a key component of a strong EHS program.
Consider partnering with a qualified organization such as Emergency Response Africa to provide your employees with comprehensive first aid and CPR training. This training will prepare your team to handle medical emergencies until professional help arrives.
Completing these steps demonstrates your commitment to employee safety and proactive risk management. By prioritizing EHS practices and empowering your employees, you can create a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment for everyone.
Do not wait for an emergency. Take action today!
