Safety is an increasingly important aspect of work, especially when it comes to retaining employees and attracting new talent. However, with a dwindling workforce, how are companies able to keep safety a priority? In recent years, technology has become an increasingly vital part of bridging the gaps within a wide range of industries and revolutionizing the workplace. The impact of software implementation has been especially significant for the field of environment, health, and safety (EHS). EHS management software has proven to be a tool that provides “practical applicability” for EHS practitioners, streamlining and supporting their time and efforts. This article will discuss the top 3 value adds of EHS software.
Practical applicability refers to the ability of a tool, system, or technology to provide valuable outcomes for real-world situations or tasks. This terminology implies that the tool or technology has a measurable, tangible benefit and can be utilized to achieve specific targets more effectively. When used in the context of the implementation of software, practical applicability refers to the value of goals that professionals can obtain beyond their primary objectives. For example, an EHS leader may be able to employ technology to generate passive outputs that offer insights, analysis, and other useful information that can be applied to the management of the entire environmental, health, and safety program.
1. AUTOMATION
The software adds automation, supplementing many tasks and positively augmenting EHS practitioners’ time and practices. Many EHS processes, such as data collection, report generation, and basic analysis, can be time-consuming and prone to errors when performed manually. Automation can eliminate these issues by reducing the need for human intervention and improving accuracy. For example, the software can be used to eliminate paper data collection, automate scheduled reports, and provide timely notifications, freeing up EHS practitioners to focus on more complex tasks. Additionally, recent studies have confirmed that monotonous work (e.g., data entry) depletes energy and causes dissatisfaction with work. Utilizing tools such as software to cut down on administrative tasks bolsters safety efforts and job satisfaction by decreasing both the monotony and the number of tasks to be manually completed. The latter is important for the retention and efficiency of EHS professionals, as “task overload” has also been determined to be one of the most negatively viewed aspects of modern workplaces.
2. ANALYTICS
Another way in which software can help EHS practitioners is by introducing data analytics. The vast amount of data generated by EHS processes can be overwhelming and difficult to manage manually. However, with the help of software, EHS practitioners can quickly analyze and interpret data, identify patterns and trends, and make informed decisions. For example, the software can be used to identify correlations between leading and lagging indicators, allowing EHS practitioners to implement targeted safety measures. Another example is the application of artificial intelligence to flag context-rich comments and entries that should be reviewed. This helps EHS practitioners to not get “lost in the weeds” and makes recalling mission-critical information a much simpler process. By providing passive outputs that highlight these insights, the software can help EHS practitioners make more informed decisions about workplace safety and environmental management.
3. ACCESS TO INFORMATION
The software also provides EHS professionals with quick access to a wealth of knowledge and resources. Many software applications offer libraries of regulations, standards, best practices, and tools for tracking compliance and managing risk. One example of this practical applicability is using software to provide an automatic notification if a threshold (such as a MAQ for a hazardous chemical) is met. If an EHS leader has immediate access to that information via software, they can prevent a chemical from being ordered or received into a facility and avoid the creation of an unsafe situation. This knowledge can help EHS practitioners stay up-to-date with a constantly changing work environment, ensuring that the organization remains compliant and minimizes environmental impact.
Practical applicability is an important concept for EHS teams when employing software. By providing passive outputs that offer value beyond the primary functions of the software, EHS administrators will be able to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively. As technology continues to evolve, new applications will likely emerge, further enhancing the practical applicability of software in EHS management.
AUTHOR BIO
Cary comes to the SafetyStratus team as the Vice President of Operations with almost 30 years of experience in several different industries. He began his career in the United States Navy’s nuclear power program. From there he transitioned into the public sector as an Environmental, Health & Safety Manager in the utility industry. After almost thirteen years, he transitioned into the construction sector as a Safety Director at a large, international construction company. Most recently he held the position of Manager of Professional Services at a safety software company, overseeing the customer success, implementation, and process consulting aspects of the services team.
At SafetyStratus, he is focused on helping achieve the company’s vision of “Saving lives and the environment by successfully integrating knowledgeable people, sustainable processes, and unparalleled technology”.
