Environmental Health & Safety

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is a multidisciplinary field that focuses on protecting the health and well-being of workers, the public and the environment.

EHS professionals work to identify, assess and control risks associated with workplace hazards, environmental contamination and public health issues.

The primary goal of EHS is to prevent accidents, injuries, illnesses and environmental damage while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

The main subjects within the field of Environmental Health and Safety include:

Compliance and Auditing

Compliance and auditing are critical components of EHS that ensure that organisations meet their legal and regulatory obligations and maintain a safe and healthy workplace.

EHS professionals are responsible for staying up to date on the latest laws, regulations, and industry standards that apply to their organisation, and for developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure compliance. This may involve conducting regular inspections and audits of the workplace to identify areas of non-compliance and implementing corrective actions to address them.

EHS professionals may also be responsible for maintaining records and documentation related to compliance, such as injury and illness logs, training records and environmental permits.

They may also be required to submit reports to regulatory agencies and participate in inspections and investigations by government officials.

In addition to ensuring compliance with external regulations, EHS professionals also conduct internal audits to assess the effectiveness of the organisation's EHS management system. These audits may be conducted on a regular basis, such as annually or semi-annually, or may be triggered by specific events or concerns. Internal audits typically involve a systematic review of EHS policies, procedures and practises, as well as interviews with employees and observations of work activities.

EHS professionals use the results of these audits to identify areas for improvement and to develop corrective action plans to address any deficiencies. Effective compliance and auditing require a proactive and collaborative approach, with EHS professionals working closely with other departments and functions within the organisation, such as operations, maintenance and human resources.

By fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement, EHS professionals help to ensure that the organisation is meeting its legal and ethical obligations and is well-positioned to prevent accidents, injuries, and environmental incidents.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

Occupational Health and Safety is a vital aspect of EHS that aims to protect workers from various hazards in the workplace, including physical, chemical, biological and ergonomic risks. OHS professionals conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and develop control measures to mitigate them. This may involve implementing engineering controls, such as ventilation systems or machine guarding, or administrative controls, such as job rotation or work-rest schedules.

OHS also emphasises the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect workers from hazards that cannot be eliminated or controlled through other means. This includes items such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and respirators.

OHS professionals also develop and implement safety policies and procedures to ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining a safe work environment. Regular safety training and education programmes are conducted to reinforce these policies and keep workers informed about new hazards and best practises.

Incident investigation and root cause analysis are also essential components of OHS, as they help identify the underlying causes of accidents and injuries, and prevent their reoccurrence.

Industrial Hygiene

Industrial hygiene is a specialised area within EHS that focuses on identifying, evaluating and controlling workplace exposures to hazardous substances. Industrial hygienists use a variety of sampling and monitoring techniques to assess the levels of exposure to chemicals, noise, radiation and other hazards.

They may use direct-reading instruments, such as gas detectors or noise dosimeters, or collect samples for laboratory analysis.

Once the exposure levels have been determined, industrial hygienists recommend appropriate control measures to reduce or eliminate the hazard. This may involve substituting hazardous substances with safer alternatives, implementing engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation, or providing workers with appropriate PPE. Industrial hygienists also develop and implement exposure monitoring programmes to ensure that control measures remain effective over time. They may also conduct health surveillance programmes to monitor the health of workers exposed to hazardous substances and detect any adverse health effects early on.

In addition to workplace exposures, industrial hygienists may also assess the potential impact of industrial activities on the surrounding community and environment, and recommend measures to minimise any negative effects.

Environmental Management

Environmental management is a critical component of EHS that focuses on preventing and mitigating the environmental impacts of industrial activities. This includes managing waste generated by the organisation, preventing pollution, monitoring air and water quality, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

EHS professionals develop and implement environmental management systems (EMS) to systematically identify, assess and control environmental risks. This involves setting environmental objectives and targets, developing procedures for achieving them, and regularly monitoring and reviewing progress.

Waste management is a key aspect of environmental management.

EHS professionals work to minimise waste generation, promote recycling and reuse, and ensure that waste is disposed of safely and in compliance with regulations. They also develop and implement pollution prevention strategies, such as process modifications or material substitutions, to reduce emissions and discharges to the environment.

Air and water quality monitoring programmes are also essential to ensure that industrial activities do not adversely affect the surrounding environment. EHS professionals may conduct regular sampling and analysis of air and water to detect any contaminants and take corrective action if necessary. They also ensure that the organisation complies with all relevant environmental laws and regulations, such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Act.

Emergency Response and Preparedness

Emergency response and preparedness is a critical aspect of EHS that involves developing and implementing plans to respond to emergencies, such as chemical spills, fires and natural disasters.

EHS professionals work with other departments within the organisation, as well as external agencies, to develop comprehensive emergency response plans that outline the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. These plans typically include procedures for evacuation, shelter-in- place and communication during an emergency.

EHS professionals also conduct regular training and drills to ensure that all employees are familiar with the emergency response procedures and can respond effectively in the event of an actual emergency. This may involve hands-on training with fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other emergency equipment, as well as tabletop exercises and full-scale simulations.

In addition to training employees, EHS professionals also coordinate with local emergency services, such as fire brigades and hazardous materials response teams, to ensure that they are prepared to respond to emergencies at the facility. This may involve providing them with facility maps, hazardous materials inventories and other relevant information.

EHS professionals also conduct regular inspections and audits of emergency response equipment and supplies, to ensure that they are in good working order and readily available when needed. After an emergency, EHS professionals may also conduct incident investigations to identify the root causes and develop corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics is a branch of EHS that focuses on designing work environments and tasks to minimise the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other ergonomic injuries. MSDs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and back injuries, are common in many industries and can result in significant costs to employers in terms of lost productivity, workers' compensation claims and medical expenses.

Ergonomists use a variety of tools and techniques to assess the risk of MSDs in the workplace, including observational methods, employee surveys, and direct measurements of physical stressors such as force, repetition and awkward postures. Based on the results of these assessments, ergonomists recommend changes to the work environment or tasks to reduce the risk of injury. This may involve redesigning workstations, tools or equipment to better fit the worker and the task, or implementing administrative controls such as job rotation or work- rest schedules.

Ergonomists also work with employees to educate them on proper body mechanics and techniques for performing tasks safely. This may involve training on lifting techniques, stretching exercises, and the use of ergonomic equipment such as adjustable chairs and computer keyboards. In addition to preventing MSDs, ergonomics can also improve worker comfort, productivity and job satisfaction. By designing work environments that are comfortable and efficient, ergonomists can help create a more positive and productive workplace culture.

Fire Safety

Fire safety is a critical component of EHS that focuses on preventing and mitigating the risks associated with fires in the workplace.

EHS professionals work to identify potential fire hazards, such as flammable materials, ignition sources and combustible dust, and implement controls to minimise the risk of fire. This may involve storing flammable materials in appropriate containers, installing fire suppression systems, and implementing hot work permits for activities such as welding and cutting.

EHS professionals also conduct regular fire risk assessments to identify areas of the facility that are at higher risk of fire and develop strategies to mitigate those risks. This may involve installing additional fire protection systems, such as sprinklers or fire alarms, or implementing stricter controls on the use of flammable materials.

Fire protection systems, such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and fire alarms, are essential components of fire safety. EHS professionals ensure that these systems are professionally designed, installed and maintained, and that all employees are trained on their use. Regular testing and inspection of fire protection systems is also critical to ensure that they will function properly in the event of a fire.

In addition to fire prevention and protection, EHS professionals also develop and implement emergency response plans for fires. These plans typically include procedures for evacuation, firefighting and medical response, as well as communication protocols for notifying emergency services and other key personnel. Regular fire drills are conducted to ensure that all employees are familiar with the emergency response procedures and can respond effectively in the event of an actual fire.

Risk Management

Risk management is a key component of EHS that involves identifying, assessing and prioritising risks to minimise their potential impact on workers, the public and the environment.

EHS professionals use a variety of tools and techniques to identify and assess risks, including job hazard analyses, process hazard analyses and risk matrices. Once risks have been identified and assessed, EHS professionals develop and implement risk control strategies to minimise their potential impact. This may involve eliminating the hazard altogether, substituting it with a less hazardous alternative, implementing engineering controls to reduce exposure, or providing employees with appropriate PPE.

Risk control strategies are prioritised based on the severity and likelihood of the risk, as well as the feasibility and effectiveness of the control measures. EHS professionals also develop and implement risk management programmes to systematically identify, assess and control risks across the organisation. These programmes typically involve establishing risk management policies and procedures, conducting regular risk assessments, and implementing corrective actions to address identified risks.

Monitoring and review of risk management programmes is also essential to ensure that they remain effective over time and that new risks are identified and addressed as they arise. Effective risk management requires the involvement and commitment of all levels of the organisation, from senior management to front-line workers.

EHS professionals work to foster a culture of risk awareness and responsibility, where everyone understands their role in identifying and controlling risks. This may involve regular training and education programmes, as well as incentives and recognition for employees who demonstrate a commitment to risk management.

Training and Education

Training and education are essential components of EHS that help to create a culture of safety within the organisation and ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

EHS professionals design and deliver training programmes on a wide range of topics, including hazard recognition, safe work practises, emergency response and regulatory compliance.

Training programmes may be delivered in a variety of formats, including classroom instruction, online courses and hands-on demonstrations. EHS professionals work with subject matter experts and instructional designers to develop training content that is engaging, informative and relevant to the specific needs of the organisation and its employees. They also ensure that training programmes are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in regulations, industry standards and best practises.

In addition to providing training to employees, EHS professionals also work to educate managers and supervisors on their roles and responsibilities in promoting a safe and healthy workplace. This may involve training on topics such as incident investigation, root cause analysis, effective communication and leadership skills.

EHS professionals also recognise the importance of ongoing education and professional development for themselves and their colleagues. They may attend conferences, workshops, and other training events to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field and to share best practises with other EHS professionals. Many EHS professionals also pursue certifications, such as the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) or the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), to demonstrate their professional expertise and commitment.

By prioritising training and education, EHS professionals help to ensure that all employees have the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively, and that the organisation is well-positioned to meet its EHS goals and objectives.

Sustainability

Sustainability is an increasingly important aspect of EHS that focuses on minimising the environmental impact of an organisation's operations and promoting the long-term health and well-being of employees, communities and the planet.

EHS professionals play a key role in developing and implementing sustainability strategies that align with an organisation's values and goals. This may involve conducting sustainability assessments to identify opportunities for improvement, setting sustainability targets and objectives, and implementing programmes and initiatives to reduce energy and resource consumption, minimise waste generation, and promote the use of environmentally friendly materials and processes.

One key area of focus for sustainability in EHS is energy management. EHS professionals work to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs, such as by implementing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, optimising production processes, and promoting employee awareness and engagement. They may also explore opportunities to use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to further reduce the organisation's carbon footprint.

Waste reduction and management is another important aspect of sustainability in EHS. EHS professionals work to minimise waste generation through source reduction, recycling and reuse programmes, and to ensure that waste is disposed of safely and responsibly. They may also explore opportunities to use waste materials as feedstocks for other processes or to generate energy through waste-to-energy technologies.

In addition to environmental sustainability, EHS professionals also promote social sustainability by ensuring that the organisation's operations do not adversely impact the health and well-being of employees, communities, and other stakeholders. This may involve implementing programmes to promote employee wellness and work-life balance, engaging with local communities to address their concerns and needs, and ensuring that the organisation's supply chain is socially responsible and ethical.

By incorporating sustainability into their EHS programmes and initiatives, organisations can not only reduce their environmental footprint and enhance their social responsibility but also improve their bottom line through cost savings, increased efficiency, and enhanced reputation and brand value.

EHS professionals play a critical role in driving this transformation and ensuring that sustainability is embedded into the culture and operations of the organisation.

By addressing these subjects, Environmental Health and Safety professionals help organizations to create safe, healthy and environmentally responsible workplaces while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.