Whether you want to believe it or not, the work of EHS professionals has been rapidly impacted on a social, political, economic, and technological level. It has evolved through boundaries, and thanks to technology, it is still advancing.

You will hardly see a safety officer carrying enormous paper works to get work done. Instead, they will be seen carrying a handheld device to record everything. But it is not just the paperwork replacement; the working ways have also changed significantly. 

Let us look briefly into how digital enablement is rapidly changing the roles of EHS professionals.

Technological Changes in the Field of EHS

If we look at technological changes at the ground level, let us consider an example of a car.

When seatbelts were fitted into cars, there were manuals and training for the driver to ensure they use a seatbelt. Then there were awareness advertisements to ensure that wearing seatbelts was taken seriously. Now, we have come to sensors beeping till the driver wears a seatbelt properly. And as if this was not enough, the car has AI systems that remind the driver to secure the seatbelt firmly!

Well, the car’s AI system does much more than remind the driver to wear a seatbelt.

But now you know how unimaginably technology has grown in the safety field!

Thus, getting back to EHS professionals let us see how technology has evolved their profession.

Collecting and Analyzing Data 

EHS professionals have access to digital tools such as sensors, wearables, and drones that collect real-time data on environmental and Safety factors. They can use this data to identify trends, predict potential hazards, and make data-driven decisions.

For example, EHS professionals can determine the weather with the help of weather monitoring sensors and plan the site work accordingly. This helps prepare in case of extreme weather, which simultaneously ensures workflow planning and workplace safety.

Proper Risk Management

EHS professionals can use technology such as predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms to identify potential risks and take proactive measures to mitigate them. They can also use digital simulations and models to test safety procedures and protocols.

Thanks to PETA, animal testing is banned; thanks to AI, human testing is unnecessary. 

EHS professionals use AI models for PPE detection to ensure a safe working environment. This includes detecting the use of helmets, gloves, respiratory protective equipment, glasses, etc.

Training and Communication

This is one aspect of EHS that has prominently changed. Digital platforms such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are used to simulate hazardous scenarios and train employees on safety procedures. EHS professionals use digital tools such as social media, chatbots, and mobile apps to communicate safety messages and provide real-time updates.

Gone are those days when EHS training sessions were long lectures that hardly any employees listened to. Nowadays, the training sessions are so interactive that everyone pays attention and demonstrates their understanding. Thanks to technological advancements, communication gaps are no more a reason for errors or inappropriate behavior.

Compliance and Reporting

Digital tools such as cloud-based software and mobile apps can streamline compliance tracking and reporting. EHS professionals use these tools to ensure that their organizations comply with regulatory requirements and report on environmental and Safety performance.

“Work on the go” is not just a corporate thing. Even EHS professionals can work on the go, thanks to digital enablement. With the integration of technology like Power BI, EHS professionals can create reports and analyze their data with easy clicks. Also, relevant EHS safety software can manage compliances, audits, regulations, and more according to regional and international safety laws. The software assists in managing compliance and audits seamlessly.

Have you Digitalized your EHS Activities?

We have listed the notable changes technology has bought in the EHS arena, but there is so much more to it. And you will be a part of the EHS digital evolution only if you implement it. So have you digitalized your EHS activities? If yes, that’s great! Regularly check for upgrades.

And if you haven’t, it is high time you do so!

But of course, we know that implementing a completely new system is more challenging than it sounds. So we will quickly tell you ways to adapt and make digital EHS activities a part of your organization.

Here are some ways to digitalize EHS activities easily.

Implement an EHS Management System:

An EHS management system is a digital platform that allows organizations to manage their environmental and Safety activities centrally. This system manages compliance, tracks incidents and hazards, and implements corrective actions.

Use Digital Tools for Training and Communication

Start using digital tools such as safety applications, chatbots, and mobile apps for communication, training, and providing real-time updates.

Implement Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning

This may take some time and training. But predictive analytics and machine learning algorithms must be used to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns and trends that are missed through traditional methods.

Use Cloud-Based Software and Mobile Apps

This is essential to have access to happenings in real time. Cloud-based software and mobile apps can streamline compliance tracking, reporting, and other critical EHS activities. These tools ensure that the organizations comply with regulatory requirements and report on their environmental and Safety performance while keeping track of all the happenings of the EHS department.

And We Conclude

It’s all about plunging in and diving to take a holistic approach to EHS management. 

Technological advancements have proven to detect and prevent workplace hazards and help to take real-time action to improve Safety significantly. 

EHS professionals have said they have seamlessly achieved maximum results from investments in digital safety and quality management practices.

Remember that Sir Brian Appleton, Technical Adviser to the Piper Alpha Accident Inquiry, said, “Safety is not an intellectual exercise to keep us in work. It is a matter of life and death. It is the sum of our contributions to safety management that determines whether the people we work with live or die.” 

Hence it is crucial to take all the necessary measures to keep a workplace safe, and digitalizing the safety aspects is one of them!