Balancing EHS Legal Compliance and EHS Risk Management

March 16th, 2016 by Dakota Software Staff Industry News

Legal Compliance is, as they say, “table stakes.” Companies are often under the illusion that if they are in compliance, all is right with the world. But a sole focus on compliance leaves businesses significantly exposed to real world risk. To balance the dual obligations of EHS compliance assurance and EHS risk management, a company must have a robust EHS management system.

The new White Paper, Balancing EHS Legal Compliance and EHS Risk Management, focuses on the evolving role of EHS professionals and how they are now being called on to contribute to organizational objectives beyond EHS compliance and operational performance. The White Paper addresses the following topics:

• Identifying the Risk Management Gap
  History has shown that compliance obligations, via new laws and regulations, typically “run to catch up” after risk failures. Risk failure incidents can and do occur even in the face of a solid compliance record.

• Establishing an EHS Management System
  The management system must begin with processes to identify EHS risks and issues, equipment, materials, and other items that present the potential for problems — understanding and managing risk goes beyond those processes regulated by the EPA and OSHA.

• Demonstrating a commitment to EHS Performance
  Companies can support cultural change by 1) management providing guidance to those in the plant and 2) giving them a way to provide feedback and report issues. This reinforces a company’s commitment to EHS performance and shows that it’s not just ‘lip service.’

• Maximizing the benefits of Commercial EHS Software Systems
  Many organizations have turned to commercial technologies to provide visibility and accountability within their EHS compliance and risk management systems. These tools can be particularly effective in the hands of site-level managers who can leverage their knowledge of facility-specific issues when analyzing patterns and trends.

In this age of high-stakes compliance enforcement and real-time social commentary, a strong management system which includes an integrated risk management system is critical to protecting businesses. This White Paper, which offers insights and best practices for EHS compliance and risk management, is a collaboration between Frank B. Friedman & Associates, King & Spalding, and Dakota Software.

Download the White Paper