EHS policy is a structured framework for managing and mitigating risk and negative impacts related to the environment, health, and safety. This policy comprehensively outlines the standards, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and requirements for a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly workplace.

Is there a foolproof way for a workplace to;

Well, there are so many questions, but there is just one answer: EHS Policy!

All we are saying is that a well-crafted or well-drafted EHS policy can significantly improve a workplace’s overall well-being. It reduces the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses, supports mental health, fosters a culture of safety, and safeguards the organization against legal and operational risks.

But how, where, when, and why does EHS policy work so significantly?

Well, worry not! The experts are here to help.

This article will help you overcome the challenges and comprehensively understand EHS policy. So whether you are a CEO, safety officer, safety manager, or an employee wanting to be aware of EHS policy, sit back, relax, and read this comprehensive article to learn it all!

EHS policy is a structured framework for managing and mitigating risk and negative impacts related to the environment, health, and safety. This policy comprehensively outlines the standards, processes, procedures, responsibilities, and requirements for a safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly workplace.

Its different scopes include;

Environmental Scope includes managing

Health Scope includes ensuring employees’

Safety Scope includes implementing measures and proactive processes to prevent

The scope of the EHS policy must also include emergency preparedness and response programs.

A detailed EHS policy that covers the above three scopes and more scopes related to one’s unique sector ensures the protection of employee health and safety, reduces environmental impact, and enhances the organization’s reputation.

We know what EHS policy is. But why do organizations actually need it? The numbers speak for themselves.

The National Safety Council estimated that work-related deaths and injuries cost the nation, employers, and individuals $171 billion in 2019.

In its 2021 Workplace Safety Index, Liberty Mutual estimated that employers paid more than $1 billion weekly for direct workers’ compensation costs for disabling, nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018.

In a study on climate change, almost 72% of the organizations who took part in the survey claimed that climate change presented risks that significantly impacted their operations and revenue.

This real-time data signifies the importance of a stringent EHS policy.

Before drafting an EHS policy, there are few things that need utmost attention. The generic safety rules are the same, but OSHA and other safety organizations have drafted unique set of rules for different sectors. Hence, here a few things you neeed to know.

Before drafting an EHS policy, organizations must conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of the entire workplace. The risk assessments include identifying workplace hazards, evaluating risks, and prioritizing them accordingly.

For example, the chemical sector requires a different type of hazard identification than the manufacturing sector. Exposure to chemicals, SDS maintenance and more adhere to the chemical sector, whereas manufacturing will be related to equipment, raw materials and so on.

So, no matter what sector your workplace defines to, getting a risk assessment uniquely is essential.

Your EHS policy must include your objectives and targets regarding the organization’s overall EHS program.

For example,

These objectives and tangible targets will help you design your EHS policy more precisely. Plus, it will be easy for you to lay out the implementation of blueprint activities to achieve the goals easily.

An EHS committee must be dedicated to overseeing all EHS activities at the workplace. From leadership roles and management to employee involvement, the EHS committee must handle, communicate, and ensure the EHS of the entire workplace is implemented correctly. The EHS management is also responsible for ensuring that the workplace complies with all legal regulations related to EHS in the best possible way.

Understanding local, national, and international regulations for your workplace is essential. The EHS policy format will largely depend on your safety laws and rules. The EHS policy must have the EHS framework in such a way that ensure ongoing compliance according to industry standards. This regulatory compliance also comprises of keeping accurate records and reporting to authorities.

You must have a clear picture of the above things before starting to frame your organization’s EHS policy. Once you have a brief idea of your objectives, laws, regulations, roles and responsibilities, you can start to frame the EHS policy.

Let us start framing an EHS policy format.

Remember to start with developing your EHS policy statement. For this you can follow the S.M.A.R.T. way

Along with this, the policy statement must contain a commitment to all safety rules and regulations. It should also describe ways to achieve total employee involvement and accountability. Most crucially, the EHS policy format must seamlessly integrate into your business operations.

To get an example or template on how your EHS policy must look like, you can contact the experts.

Once you frame the EHS policy, take measures to implement it accurately. Here are some tips and tricks.

The implementation of EHS policy starts with rigorous training and the following of safety protocols. It is said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Just like that, achieving the set goals and objectives in the EHS policy may take time, but with rigorous training, dedication, and proper implementation, that goal is easily achievable.

The training implementation must include;

The protocol implementation must include;

Once you start implement the EHS policy, its performance should be measured continuously.

The benefits of a well-implemented EHS policy extend beyond compliance. By prioritizing EHS, you demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe, healthy, and sustainable workplace.

Remember, crafting a comprehensive EHS policy is an investment in your organization’s future. It protects your most valuable assets—your employees—and positions your company as a responsible and forward-thinking leader in your industry.

This complete guide to creating an EHS policy will definitely prove to be helpful. But if you notice that the policy takes time to implement in the beginning, worry not. Remember, good things take time. Your commitment to EHS excellence will yield long-term benefits for your employees, your business, and the community at large!

Our web-based and mobile-ready HSE software solutions are a comprehensive platform for small, mid-size, and large enterprises to streamline EHS processes and standardize information management.

Solve your EHS challenges and streamline safety operations with our help.