An analysis from EY explores how digital strategies can assist EHS achieve its goals. The article notes however that there are a number of barriers to adoption of this technology.
Here are a few of those:
Focus on incidents--Traditionally, the management of EHS places a strong focus on measuring incidents. In a broader organizational context, incident datasets are limited and restrictive. Often, digital traces of incident causal factors are not identified. Even for those rare instances where data related to causal factors are identified, the profession grapples with the integrity and statistical rigor of incident causation models.
Small datasets--Despite the growing digitization of traditional EHS activities (e.g., inspections and incident reports), EHS datasets are still comparatively small. Safety activities alone are unlikely to ever provide big data at the organizational level. Rather, to generate higher value insights, EHS systems and professionals increase the number of end-users and sensors providing data. Through thoughtfully designed user interfaces, greater, high-quality data can be used to reduce EHS risks.
Failing to demonstrate the business case--Quantifying the benefits of digital initiatives, decisions or operations that lead to healthy and safe workplaces can be challenging. By failing to identify “what success looks like,” ongoing support for initiatives is more difficult to secure. In other words, comprehensive integration can remain elusive.
When companies do integrate these technologies, the benefits can include:
- Enhanced EHS risk management leading to lower injury rates and improved worker conditions.
- Increased efficiency and EHS process improvement, relieving resources to focus on more material matters.
- Improved decision-making, based on rigorous and real-time data to better allocate resources.
- Better workforce capability in EHS technology, resulting in transformative technology and problem-solving skills.
To read the full article click here.