Organizing all of the EHS information necessary to run a business or organization can be both time consuming and daunting as a whole. It can also be difficult to manage if there are conflicting organizational methods and changing protocols both internally and externally. Rules and regulations regarding health, safety, and the environment can change on an annual basis, and in some instances even more frequently which can lead to a lapse in compliance, as the information is disseminated in a top-down manner. So how can a business make the most out of an EHS system?
Utilize Training Modules
Now that you have taken the plunge and started using an EHS system, one of the best uses is as a training tool. Incoming employees at all levels may be unaware of current safety protocols, or if they are experts in certain fields, they may require updates in specific topics pertaining to their area of expertise. Making sure that all of the modules are uploaded and made available to all incoming and current employees is a great tool for the training process. As well, the system can keep a record of which modules have been completed and assess whether or not employees need further instruction or certifications.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The next tools you may wish to utilize are the built-in functions that assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the system. Using the associated health software is an excellent way to create and maintain a file for each employee that details their position, incident reports, and anything else pertaining to maintaining a healthy work environment. For example, if a team of drillers is working in an area that has had a high incidence of hearing loss then the system can track the number of incidents for that team and compare it to others. This way a health worker can assess if the associated hearing loss is team dependent and thus certain safety protocols are not being followed, or if perhaps there is a gear related issue affecting other teams in which case a recall needs to be issued and new equipment provided. Essentially, EHS software is a tool that should be used to track health and assess if any protocols need to be adapted or require further monitoring.
Reporting and Permission
Lastly, the EHS system can be used in conjunction with EMIS software to provide permission to members of the organization to access certain information. Not all information is relevant for every employee. The occupational health worker should have access to all relevant information when it comes to compliance and adherence to health and safety protocols, so they can be granted that via the EHS software. As well, the onsite occupational health physician can have access to all of the worker files so that any injuries or job-related illnesses can be easily logged and reported on to assess risk management. In addition, the information provided to doctors, such as an incident report detailing the cause and severity of injury can be further forwarded to the physician overseeing the care of the worker post-incident once granted permission. Overall, the tools to run a healthy work environment are at your disposal if you use EHS software to effectively monitor, evaluate, and report on workplace safety.
