I have uploaded a YOUTUBE presentation on “ESH Nuts and Bolts—> How to execute ESH in facility. I have covered based on practical experience as to how we did implement EHS programs. This covers aligning to Strategic planning over 5 years which then drill down to Annual operating plan, Objectives & Targets based on Risks identified with appropriate “Capital” provided. Ofcourse, key ingredient is MEASUREMENT through Metrics. Please go through this 30 Minute presentation and let me know your comments, views.
Over time, I have been asked by many budding ESH Professionals with a bag full of EHS credentials through Diploma, Certification courses, Overseas trade accreditation in Safety, Environment as to what further they need to engage so that they can get the hang of EHS implementation and become ESH experts. My Answer is, I offer “NOTHING”!! (To paraphrase Michael Corleone)
This means first become perfect in practicing and putting in to action what you have learnt so far. Many times what we learn and what we can/want to do could be very divergent. In some cultures/organisations, you may not even get an opportunity to put in to practice what you come across in your study (For whatever reasons!!). ESH professional growth is all about going on field and applying the learning and getting to see results through maturity path.
Maturity Path for a Facility:-
Type |
# |
MATURITY Score |
NON Existent |
0 |
No evidence of Implementation of safety element. |
Pathological |
1 |
Who cares as long as we are not caught. |
Reactive |
2 |
Safety is important we do a lot every time we have an accident. |
Calculative |
3 |
We have systems in place to manage hazards, but still accidents happen, people get injured. |
Proactive |
4 |
Safety leadership, values, mission, objectives, targets deliver continuous improvement. |
Generative |
5 |
Safety is the way we do business here. |
In many emerging regions 80% of organisations are between 3-4. So working the implementation is learning curve for ESH Professionals.
As for Process/System/ Procedure maturity path, the following guideline is a good yard stick to measure the same.
What are some of EHS Process:- Pl see below ( Courtesy AHC Group 2009 duly acknowledged) facility needs to establish policy, procedure, programs for each of the core elements and link them to the RISK assessment protocols as mitigation measure.
Elements of ESH Operational aspects:-
Also note, many World class organisations have “ZERO FATALITY PROGRAM” which include operational elements such as
-
LOTO/TRY
-
Confined Space Entry
-
Elevated Works
-
Machine Guarding
-
Vehicle Safety
-
Electrical Safety /Arc Flash
-
Hazardous Material Management elements. (Linked to Process Safety Management OSHA 1910.119)
in which the maturity path is either you are rated 1 or a 4 with 2 or 3 rating is not an acceptable level for these elements in specific!!!! So it calls for lot of hard work, effort, involvement, engagement as well as understanding the basics of these programs, to move the needle forward to reach ESH Excellence.
So bottom line is apply your skill learnt to implement/engage, in EHS excellence! Qualifications, however high and might,are just an enabler, (Just like a speedometer/ Altimeter, Dashboard /cockpit ) they can let you know what you do& How you do! But can’t take you to the destination!!!
Karthik
7th March 2017 1720 Hrs.
Health, Environment, Safety, Sustainability (HESS) 