By Kristy Monji-Chung
If you manage Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Programs for your organization, you are likely aware that achieving compliance is a 24/7, on-going process. Staying on track with regulatory deadlines is only one piece of compliance. Successful EHS programs require on-going data collection, constant assessment of goals and metrics, and training and planning to ensure continued success. Environmental compliance has expanded into social and corporate responsibility obligations, and prioritizing safety remains fundamental for every organization, no matter the industry.
We are approaching the last quarter of the year which is the most important time to assess your EHS performance and to plan for the upcoming year. At NV5, our experienced EHS Professionals have identified 3 best practices to help you make the most of this crucial time.
- Talk About Safety and Conduct Audits
Holidays are just around the corner – employees may be working extra shifts to cover co-workers on vacation, and they may be unfamiliar with tasks, become busy, and get distracted. Set aside time this quarter to talk to your employees, ask questions about safety, and conduct field audits to identify both gaps and successes in your safety programs. Develop a plan from your audit findings to implement improvements in 2022.
- Assess Your Data – What Is It Telling You?
Data tracking is extremely important in EHS management, and we need to remember that the numbers always have a story to tell. At this time of the year, we have almost a full years’ worth of data – just the right amount to assess and interpret. Trend your data to identify progress with key performance indicators so that you can understand impacts and identify opportunities. Use the rest of the quarter to develop plans to overcome deficiencies and to implement process improvements for the upcoming year.
- Plan for Change
EHS compliance is extremely challenging due to its interdependence on personal behaviors and the constant external forces of evolving regulations. EHS Programs must be both fit-for-purpose and inherently adaptable. Your ability to manage change relies on planning ahead and thinking proactively. Delegate responsibilities within your team to research and follow upcoming regulations which may impact your operations. The more you can anticipate impacts and plan for change, the better prepared you will be to set up your organization for compliance success.These 3 best practices will help you manage your EHS programs, but we understand it is easier said than done. NV5’s Environmental Health and Safety Professionals are the leading experts in managing compliance programs and providing technical regulatory expertise. We work in partnership with you and provide regulatory solutions for your compliance needs. If you would like more information, please contact us at (626) 567-2383.