In recent years, the approach to safety, environment and health in business is encountering profound changes, mainly due to two factors: the first is the increasing attention of people, institutions and companies to sustainability issues, of which EHS management is a part.
The second is the proliferation of technologies that enable an increasingly effective approach to safety and environmental issues, allowing companies to approach these with a low effort.
What does EHS mean?
EHS stands for Environment, Health and Safety and is a multidisciplinary field concerned with promoting and protecting health and safety in the workplace, while also emphasizing responsible management of environmental resources.
EHS practices aim to prevent workplace accidents, reduce the environmental impact of business activities, and ensure regulatory compliance at all levels, especially in day-to-day operations.
Why is EHS management a current issue for companies?
EHS management is important for all types of companies, not only from an ethical standpoint and for the protection of the workplace experience, but also because current regulations are increasingly attentive to these issues. In Europe, which in recent years has become the benchmark for progress in sustainability, EHS legislation is governed by directives that set minimum standards that apply throughout the Union. These directives cover a wide range of issues, from risk management to the use of dangerous equipment and substances.
A historical example is the Framework Directive 89/391/EEC, which as early as 1989 established general principles regarding occupational risk prevention, health and safety protection, elimination of risk and accident factors, worker training and the need to involve workers in business decisions. In more recent times, this approach has evolved while remaining similar in spirit. Compliance with these directives¹ brings benefits to companies from both a regulatory and reputational standpoint, which is increasingly important today for companies that must relate to the public and stakeholders.
EHS management: how to make the best use of technology
It goes without saying that technology plays a key role in the advancement of EHS management. Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality and the Internet of Things, are improving the opportunities and ability of companies to monitor working conditions in real time and implement more effective preventive and corrective measures.
For example, AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that may indicate potential hazards, enabling companies to take early or even predictive action to prevent incidents.
AR and VR technologies provide immersive training environments through which workers can learn and practice safety procedures in a safe and controlled environment.
Finally, IoT sensors embedded in personal protective equipment can monitor parameters such as fatigue or exposure to harmful substances or unfavorable environmental conditions, providing real-time data to prevent injuries.
EHS software: an integrated support for sustainability
To enjoy the benefits of innovative technologies, the tools used and the data collected need to be orchestrated effectively. EHS software enables companies to centralize the management of health, safety and environmental information, facilitating performance monitoring and enabling more timely management of regulatory compliance as well.
EHS platforms offer advanced data collection and analysis capabilities that enable data-driven decision-making based on accurate and up-to-date information. For example, incident management software records and analyzes events in real time, improving incident response and enabling in-depth investigation of causes and action to increase business resilience.
EHS and ESG: similarities, differences and how to manage them with maximum efficiency
In thinking about EHS management, it is impossible not to identify several points of contact with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) sustainability issues. However, the two concepts should not be confused or overlapped: EHS focuses primarily on environmental protection and worker health and safety, with a more practical and operational connotation, while ESG embraces a broader view of corporate sustainability, including social and governance aspects.
Recently, there is a trend toward integrating EHS and ESG principles into operational strategies, given also the obvious overlap of some issues. Effective management here requires a holistic approach using advanced technologies for performance monitoring and reporting. For example, EHS management systems can be used to collect data that feed into ESG reports, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability. The convergence of EHS and ESG enables companies to improve their overall sustainability, reducing risk and improving corporate image.
Improve EHS management and prepare for the future
The future of EHS management will be increasingly digital and interconnected. Emerging technologies are constantly evolving and will undoubtedly offer new opportunities to improve workplace safety and environmental sustainability. Companies must be ready for future innovations, preparing as of today with integrated, effective and “future-proof” tools that can nimbly incorporate and integrate into control chains both the tools available today and those that will see the light of day in the near future.
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