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While many of you might not be sure about Environmental Safety & Health programs at work which are an essential part of a worker’s life. The EHS manager at work has a huge responsibility of ensuring to take care of the employees by preventing any kind of hazards at the workplace.
Well, no business should take EHS compliance for granted, and if you are wondering “wait, what is EHS?”, you are in serious trouble. But don’t worry, it is never too later. You have to be smarter about compliance or it will be difficult to survive in the business. Here is all you need to know about Environmental Health & Safety.
What is Environmental Safety?
The answer to this basic question is really simple. Environmental Health & Safety is familiar with most business owners in the United states. It refers to a series of laws, regulations and procedures to be followed at a workplace in order to protect the well-being of the workers and employers.
EHS compliance has to be taken seriously as its guidelines have been written down by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in order to protect the workers and the general public. Along with being a moral obligation, it is also a legal obligation.
If any business fails to comply with these regulations, they can be charged with inspections, punitive action and even public scrutiny.
What Do E, H & S Stand For?
Each letter symbolizes an important function in the system.
- E stands for Environment referring to chemical spills, oil spills, radioactive waste, trash, sewage and other environmental hazards that can cause serious problems to the health of public or the animals inhabited in that area.
- H stands for Health referring to practicing personal protections from airborne particles, biological pathogens, radiation, pollution, noise and other toxins around in order to maintain good health. Taking additional health measures according to different age groups is important.
- S stands for Safety referring to accidents, injuries and incidents such as tripping, falling, or getting caught up in an equipment have to be taken care of and prevented at a workplace at all costs.
Importance of EHS Management
Here are a few points to overcome challenges and follow the OSHA mandated EHS management programs in order to protect the workers from any kind of potential hazards.
EHS Management is important because-
- It helps in protecting the environment from several threats while allowing the business to run smoothly.
- It is focused on constantly improving and improvising worker rights and safety.
- It makes sure to protect the workers from any kind of potential hazard within the organization.
- It helps in leading an improved organizational performance by identifying the key stakeholders, determining the potential risks, preparing a management program and using proper resources to meet the objectives of the program while backing it up with an efficient monitoring system.
- It reduces the costs of injuries at the workplace while simultaneously promoting a safe culture of responsibility and accountability.
- It ensures to share safety information and keep the team well-informed about the management plan.
- It manages the hazards and damage occurred at the workplace and ensures to prevent future reoccurrence to realize Return on Investment.
- It encourages the workers by watching the involvement of the top management.
- It enables transparency in incident lifecycle management in order to encourage the workers to report the action being taken on their reports.
Functioning of EHS System
EHS system can be introduced at the workplace through proper awareness by the manager. While the manager is in charge to develop the regulations and protocols of the EHS program in order to reduce the potential risk at the workplace, he is also responsible to identifying these hazards relevant to the business.
OSHA states that following the EHS program is important for the well-being of employees and to develop a business culture which is aware, healthy and safe. Implementation of this system has resulted in more wealth and increased customer loyalty for the business.
Roles & Responsibilities of EHS Manager
With several duties to perform, here is a list of responsibilities the EHS manager is accountable for.
- Running the EHS management program
- Working with industrial hygienists in order to perform industrial hygiene activities
- Analyzing job hazards and preparing a report of potential hazards
- Investigating incidents
- Organizing and running safety committees
- Training staff for EHS compliance
- Ensuring regulatory EHS compliance
- Observing the worksite and doing regular walk-throughs
- With the help of the hierarchy of controls, implementing controls for potential hazards
- Performing risk management duties
- Analyzing the EHS leading indicators
- Improving the human and operational performance
What is EHS Software?
Various businesses use the EHS software in order to train their workforce for the program and make them aware about their duties. It is important for the employee to learn new behaviors and use the applications available on the EHS software made available through the company’s management program.
EHS software applications has many roles to perform. Some of which are-
- Health and safety management programs
- Occupational Safety Data Sheets
- Checking entry, hot work and similar written permits programs
- Investigation of incidents
- Response to hazards such as spilling
- Tracking emissions and making a report
- Training employees for EHS compliance
Final Word
Now that you know everything you need to know about the Environmental Health & Safety systems and why they are so important at every workplace. It is an essential job of every worker to talk to the employer about maintaining the EHS protocols in order to ensure workplace safety. Staying in touch with the EHS manager will help get a better view and understanding of the program and how to integrate it into every routine at work.
With the help of EHS software and its various applications, its easier for the workers to get proper training and workplace education about these health and safety practices. One can also download these apps and learn from the comfort of their homes!
