Top-Performing Environmental Health and Safety Programs Are an Integral Part of Improving Business Performance

Environmental health and safety (EHS) requirements continually change but rarely decline in number. A quick glance at the total inspections conducted by the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) shows that unprogrammed inspections have increased in recent years even as programmed inspections have declined. Penalties represent only a portion of the problems companies incur due to ineffective EHS processes and capabilities. Mature EHS programs help companies keep tabs on new and enforceable regulations, integrate an EHS mindset into the company culture, and support and manage corporate sustainability initiatives. This article offers insights on the characteristics of mature EHS programs.