Safety, Health & Environmental Management is a set of policies, programs, procedures and practices. One of the key elements is ensuring that companies operate in compliance with applicable regulations, but the total scope is much greater, encompassing all aspects of an organization's products and processes.
Safety
- Safety Management programs work to assess and mitigate physical hazards associated with processes and products. For example, safety professionals identify potential worker safety risks and implement safety controls. These controls typically include such measures as guards, personal protective equipment, safety procedures and training. Product safety programs evaluate potential product risks and improve product design in order to protect the end user of the product.
Health
- Closely related to safety, occupational health programs are concerned primarily with worker health. Health programs evaluate and control potential worker exposure to chemicals and other environmental stressors that may lead to acute or chronic health effects. Employees may receive initial and periodic medical exams to ensure they are not adversely affected by workplace hazards. The concern for employee health may extend outside the workplace, promoting wellness programs and the early identification and management of personal health conditions. All of these programs are dedicated to helping employees stay healthy and on the job.
Environment
- Environmental programs encompass all aspects of products, processes and services from the concept and design through the end of life. Environmental management programs focus on reducing toxic elements in products, conserving natural resources and reducing waste at all stages of product life. Increasingly, businesses are striving to reduce their environmental footprint, which is the amount of resources required to operate. Environmental initiatives may include recycling, energy conservation, reducing product packaging, even programs to promote employee telecommuting and carpooling.
Benefits
- Safety Health and Environmental Management programs improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Keeping workers safe and healthy reduces costs because of injuries, lost productivity and insurance claims. Improving product safety reduces the chances for product claims and lawsuits. Reducing resource consumption and waste simply saves money
Management System Standards
- The International Organization for Standardization has developed an Environmental Management System Standard: ISO 14000. This standard outlines a comprehensive EMS program including risk assessment, program development, self-assessment and corrective actions, and management review. Organizations can work with an ISO 14000 registrar company to audit their programs and certify compliance to ISO 14000 requirements. The Occupational Health and Safety Standard 18000 is a similar standard covering Occupational Safety and Health Systems. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration will assess and validate an organization's occupational health and safety systems under the Voluntary Protection Program.