What is EHS in the industry?

The term EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) is used in the industrial sector to refer to the policies, programs, and practices carried out by companies to ensure that their operations are safe and environmentally friendly.

It focuses on the identification, evaluation, and control of environmental, health, and safety risks associated with the company’s activities. This includes hazardous waste management, prevention of occupational accidents, protection of worker health, and promotion of sustainability in production and resource usage.

Importance of EHS management in the industry

EHS management systems are essential to ensure the safety and sustainability of a company.

Benefits of effective EHS management

The development and implementation of an EHS system offer multiple advantages:

Reduction of environmental, health, and safety risks in the company, decreasing the likelihood of occupational accidents.
Compliance with legal regulations to avoid penalties and fines.
Reduction of costs associated with environmental impact, occupational accidents, fines, and penalties.
Improvement of the company’s reputation through its commitment to environmental protection and personnel safety.
Social responsibility through sustainable practices and environmental protection.
Enhancement of production processes efficiency and resource management.

Risks and consequences of not implementing proper EHS management

The absence of an environmental safety management system can have severe consequences for a company:

Occupational accidents and work-related illnesses due to the lack of risk management.
Loss of productivity due to disruptions in production processes.
Negative environmental impact resulting from the absence of a prevention plan.
Penalties and fines for non-compliance with regulations.
Loss of profits due to additional costs.

Key components of an EHS management program

The key components of an EHS management program may vary depending on the company and its industry, but generally include the following elements:

EHS Policy: Establishes the company's objectives and commitments regarding environmental, health, and safety, and serves as a guiding document for the entire management.
Risk Assessment: Identifies risks and hazards associated with the company's activities and processes, and helps develop control and prevention measures.
Action Plans: Set out specific measures to be taken to implement the EHS policy and reduce the risks identified in the risk assessment.
Training and Education Programs: Ensure that workers are trained to work safely and comply with standards and regulations.
Monitoring and Measurement: Help verify compliance with EHS standards and regulations and assess the company's performance in management.
Communication and Employee Participation: Facilitate understanding and effective implementation of the EHS policy.
Review and Continuous Improvement: Ensure that the policy and processes adapt to changes in the company and regulations, and that the company's performance in EHS management improves.

Risk Assessment

EHS risk assessment is an ongoing process that should be conducted regularly to ensure the safety and health of workers and minimize the environmental impact of company activities.

This process typically involves the following steps:

Identification of risks associated with company activities and processes.
Evaluation of the likelihood and severity of the identified risks.
Identification of necessary control measures to manage and prevent the risks.
Implementation of the identified control measures.
Monitoring and review of the control measures to ensure their effectiveness.

Planning and Execution of Preventive and Corrective Measures

The planning and execution of preventive and corrective measures in EHS is a critical process in managing environmental, health, and safety in the company. This process is carried out after the risk assessment and aims to prevent or control identified risks and address any arising issues.

The following steps are involved:

Identification of necessary preventive and corrective measures to control or reduce the identified risks.
Prioritization of the implementation of the identified measures, considering the severity and likelihood of the risk.
Planning of the measures, including required resources, timelines, and responsibilities.
Implementation of the preventive and corrective measures according to the established plan.
Monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the implemented measures to ensure that the intended objectives are being met.

Training and Education of Workers in EHS

Training and education of workers in EHS are essential for employees to be aware of the risks associated with their work and know how to prevent and control those risks.

Here are some key aspects of training and education for workers in EHS:

Identification of training needs, considering the risks associated with their tasks and responsibilities.
Design of the training program with relevant topics for the company and the tasks and responsibilities of the workers.
Implementation of the training program using various methods, including presentations, demonstrations, practical exercises, and group discussions.
Evaluation and monitoring to determine if workers are applying what they have learned in their work and if improvements have been made in occupational safety and health levels.

Regulations and regulations related to EHS management in the industry

There are various regulations and regulations that establish requirements and guidelines for EHS management in the industry.

International Laws and Standards

ISO 14001

This international standard sets the requirements for an Environmental Management System (EMS) in a company. The standard focuses on the identification and control of environmental impacts from the company’s activities, products, and services.

ISO 45001

This international standard sets the requirements for an Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) in a company. The standard focuses on the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses and the promotion of a safe and healthy work environment.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States (OSHA) establishes standards and regulations for occupational safety and health in workplaces. The standards cover a wide range of topics, including protection against electrical hazards, exposure to hazardous substances, fall prevention, and machinery and equipment safety.

Industry-Specific Regulations

REACH

The European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation establishes rules for the management of chemicals in the industry. The regulation focuses on the identification and control of risks associated with chemicals used in the company’s products and processes.

SEMARNAT

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico establishes standards and regulations for environmental protection in the industry. The standards cover topics such as hazardous waste management, water and air protection, and pollution prevention.

Sanctions and Consequences for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with EHS management regulations and standards in the industry can have serious consequences for companies.

Here are some common sanctions and consequences:

Fines and monetary penalties: These can vary depending on the type and severity of the violation and can be financially costly for the company.
Operational disruption: In some cases, authorities may order the temporary or permanent suspension of the company’s operations if they deem there is a serious risk to the safety or health of workers or the environment.
Reputation damage: Non-compliance with EHS regulations and standards can have a negative impact on the company’s reputation, affecting its ability to attract customers, investors, and talent.
Legal and civil liability: Companies and their executives can be held legally liable for damages caused to workers, customers, suppliers, or other stakeholders as a result of non-compliance with regulations.
Environmental impact: Non-compliance can lead to pollution of air, water, or soil, impacting the health of people and the biodiversity of the planet.