The 2024 VelocityEHS Accelerate User Conference took place in May and focused on four tracks:

• Safety
• Sustainability
• Resilience
• Strategic Gamechangers

Attendees were able to customize the sessions they attended based on the tracks that resonated with them to get the most out of the conference. During a Safety Track session, there was a Q&A where safety experts discussed common pitfalls and lessons learned, sharing valuable insights on behaviors of exceptional leaders. The panel focused on the power of omission and the strategic decisions and habits that build the foundation for a strong safety culture.

One of the experts on the panel was Daniel Sakrisson, Senior VP & Advisor with valued Velocity partner WSP. Daniel began his career as an EHS field consultant focusing on field safety, environmental sampling, auditing, and regulatory data collection. His role grew into advising on automating data collection within software systems and digital transformations. He currently leads WSP in its global service line that implements EHS & ESG software, overseeing hundreds of projects in multiple industries worldwide. His expertise has helped numerous customers meet regulatory requirements and enhance their operations.

Here are his expert insights to the questions asked:

1. What traits differentiate a manager from a leader?

“In my experience, a manager is someone who pushes people and a leader is someone who pulls people. As a leader, it’s our job to encourage folks to go out on their own while listening to them and their teams to foster growth. We are servants to our teams, and leaders are the ones who are willing to roll up their sleeves and help instead of telling their teams what to do.”

2. What are some common features or characteristics that great leaders leverage to ensure the strategy and tactics aren’t doomed to fail?

“Talking to your team, great leaders know there are people on their team much smarter than them, so talk to them, and get their input. Ask them where they think you should start; you’ll get great ideas from the collaboration. Great leaders know that the best ideas come from collaboration. Also, loosen up a little, there’s a TED Talk that touches on how appropriate joking in the workplace improves morale and increases productivity and collaboration.”

3. What are behavior and actions that are culture killers?

“Favoritism, different rules for different people is a huge culture killer. This creates a situation where people don’t know what the boundaries are in different scenarios. Then they have no trust in how they will be treated, and there ends up being no standard for the team in general. Not being transparent with goals is another culture killer. A great leader motivates, not punishes.”

4. How do exceptional leaders navigate the delicate balance between stepping-in vs. letting the process run its course?

“It’s important to try and foster an environment where creativity and experimentation are encouraged, allowing for calculated risk-taking to drive progress and innovation. You should assess the organization’s risk tolerance and make decisions, accordingly, balancing the potential benefits of action with the associated risks. Exceptional leaders recognize that each situation is unique and tailor their approach accordingly, taking into account, factors such as urgency, complexity, and potential impact. Make sure you prioritize open communication and collaboration among team members, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and aligned with organizational goals. Ensure that decisions are based on thorough analysis and consideration of available information, avoiding impulsive actions or undue haste.”

5. Do great leaders let people fail?

“There’s so much that can be learned from failure because it really teaches you to not make the same mistake twice, but what it really comes down to is risk assessment. If there is a really big or important initiative, you’ll want to make sure you communicate the expectations up front. You’ll want to make sure you lay out the checks and balances and who all is involved to help them succeed and not have to face failure. But if it’s more of an exploratory project, then sure, let them go out and possibly fail you can learn from what doesn’t work.”

The Velocity Accelerate User Conference provided a comprehensive platform for professionals to explore crucial aspects of workplace management. This panel discussion examined the critical elements of effective leadership in safety management, emphasizing the importance of fostering a strong safety culture through strategic decision-making and leadership behaviors.

These insights provide valuable guidance for current and aspiring leaders in the EHS field, highlighting the complex relationship between leadership style, organizational culture, and effective safety management. Don’t miss out on learning more about safety management through experts’ lens. The Velocity events team offers a variety of sessions throughout the year on top EHS & ESG topics check out the events calendar and webinar schedule to see what’s happening.

As Always: VelocityEHS and WSP are Here to Help!

 Velocity Safety management software helps you streamline your EHS program. You’ll have access to award-winning capabilities such as incident management, SDS management, audits, compliance management, inspections and more. Get the comprehensive support you’re looking for to reach your safety goals.

WSP is one of the world’s leading professional services and consulting firms, bringing together talented people from around the globe. Their 68,000 trusted professionals are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities they serve through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion. WSP consists of technical experts who design and provide strategic advice on sustainable solutions that will help societies grow for lifetimes to come.

The VelocityEHS partnership with WSP brings together Velocity’s industry-leading enterprise EHS & ESG software solutions, with one of the industry’s biggest advisory and software implementation consultancies. This collaboration gives you easy access to best-in-class, expert-backed software along with implementation support, EHS & ESG consulting services, and digital solutions wherever you operate—contact us today!

The post VelocityEHS User Conference 2024 Session Digest: Safety Track—Leading by Omission Q&A | WSP appeared first on VelocityEHS.

In the current era of digital transformation, making the right software investment can be a game-changer for your business. However, the journey to acquiring and successfully implementing a new software solution begins long before the actual purchase – it starts with building and maintaining stakeholder buy-in.

We interviewed several of our customers about their biggest internal challenges in the software procurement and implementation process. Combining their feedback with our own experience working with businesses like yours, we’ve developed this set of best practices to help address the most common roadblocks to successful adoption and implementation.

In this guide, you’ll discover key strategies to ensure your stakeholders are not just on board, but genuinely enthusiastic about the software purchasing and implementation process. We hope to provide you with actionable steps and insightful approaches to navigate challenges, foster stakeholder engagement, and align diverse interests toward a unified vision of workplace safety excellence.

#1 Lack of Stakeholder Engagement

In our interviews and interactions over the years, our customers often say that lack of stakeholder engagement can easily undermine a software purchasing process before it can get very far. One reason this happens is that the internal champion (a person leading the charge to get EHS software) has not fully identified and engaged all affected stakeholders early enough in the process, or sufficiently engaged them in the decision-making process. But how do you get started with identifying the most important stakeholders and setting a place for them at the table?

Understanding the Stakeholders Perspective: Stakeholder Analysis

Identify key stakeholders within your department and across the organization who will be impacted by implementation of the new software. From the strategic influence wielded by executives to the functional insights of department heads and the technical considerations of IT personnel, each stakeholder group holds distinct concerns, perspectives, priorities, and roles in the procurement process.

Creating a Power/Interest Grid could be a good place to start. This grid is a powerful tool used in stakeholder analysis to classify stakeholders based on levels of power and their level of interest in a particular project, decision, or initiative. Similar to a materiality matrix, the grid helps in understanding and prioritizing stakeholders based on their influence and involvement in the decision-making process.

Applying & Interpreting the Power/Interest Grid

The Power/Interest Grid features four quadrants that will help you to broadly categorize your stakeholders. These include:

• High Power, High Interest (Key Players): Stakeholders in this quadrant have both significant power and a high level of interest in the software purchasing process. Engaging with these individuals and addressing their interests is crucial for building buy-in as they have the greatest need for the software, as well as the greatest influence over other stakeholder groups.

• High Power, Low Interest (Keep Satisfied): Stakeholders here might hold significant power but have a lower interest in the software implementation specifics. They should be kept informed, and their interests addressed to prevent potential negative influence.

• Low Power, High Interest (Keep Informed): Stakeholders in this quadrant have lower power and influence but a high level of interest in the software purchasing process. These stakeholders need to be kept adequately informed to secure their buy-in. Their insights and perspectives can be valuable to the process, even if they lack direct decision-making authority.

• Low Power, Low Interest (Monitor): Stakeholders in this quadrant might not significantly impact the project and might not require extensive engagement. However, it’s essential to monitor their sentiments and involvement, as their opinions could change over time, and they also still have some degree of influence in the purchasing and subsequent implementation processes.

Adapted from Mendelow’s Matrix

Click here to download your own Power/Interest Grid.

#2 Loss of Champion

Your champions are indispensable assets in building and sustaining momentum toward a successful software implementation. Conversely, their departure can pose a significant risk to the continuity of the procurement process. If a champion leaves the company, they take with them not only their knowledge of the software but also the enthusiasm and momentum built around its adoption. This potential disruption can stall progress and jeopardize the success of the entire project.

To pre-emptively address this vulnerability, it’s imperative for organizations to anticipate the possibility of a champion exiting the organization and develop contingencies accordingly. Internal champions should proactively engage other crucial stakeholders in the software purchasing journey, ensuring that the knowledge and enthusiasm for the project are not concentrated in one person but are shared collectively. This approach to stakeholder engagement not only distributes the responsibility and ownership for the success of the project, but also establishes a network of individuals with a vested interest in the software’s success who can act interchangeably in the event a champion is lost.

In response to this potential challenge, organizations can implement the following measures:

• Succession Planning: Develop a well-defined succession plan within the purchasing and implementation team, identifying and positioning individuals who are capable of seamlessly assuming the role of champion if needed.

• Knowledge Dissemination: Facilitate regular knowledge-sharing sessions among team members to disseminate insights and understanding about the software across the organization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Promote the formation of cross-functional teams and encourage collaboration and a sense of collective ownership of the software adoption initiative.

By openly addressing the risks posed by the departure of a champion, organizations can fortify their software procurement strategy, ensuring resilience and continuity even in the face of personnel changes.

#3 Weak Business Case

A strong business case serves to strategically support the rationale behind an investment; detailing the expected benefits, cost analysis, and potential returns. In the context of a software purchase and implementation, it becomes evident that many failures stem from the absence of a robust business case that communicates the right benefits to the right people, in the right language.

Building a Strong Business Case

To address this issue, it is crucial to truly embrace the idea that successful procurement hinges on the establishment of a compelling business case. By developing and sharing a comprehensive business case with your stakeholders, you’ll be able to align your stakeholders behind the common goal of software implementation and provide a clear understanding of how the proposed software purchase aligns with the organization’s procurement goals and objectives. 

Moreover, the business case plays a vital role in the decision-making process by highlighting how the new software solves existing challenges or inefficiencies and addresses business needs. It substantiates the need for the investment, offering a solid foundation for justifying budget allocation and resource utilization. Ultimately, a well-structured business case should be a tool for persuading and facilitating consensus among stakeholders, ensuring transparency, and laying the groundwork for successful software adoption and integration.

Business Case Template

A strong business case, regardless of the underlying investment, should address several essential elements. Using a template can give you a solid framework for your business case and make it as clear as possible. The chart below provides an example specifically related to procurement of Control of Work software.

Click here to download your own Business Case Template.

#4 Budget Constraints

Budget constraints can significantly hamper, if not totally derail the software procurement process. It’s crucial to strike a balance between meeting business objectives and staying within the allocated budget. This necessitates early planning, thorough research, and effective communication throughout the process.

A software budget proposal serves as a comprehensive plan and financial blueprint outlining the resources required for the acquisition, implementation, and utilization of new software within an organization. This strategic planning approach enhances the likelihood of securing necessary approvals and resources for the successful execution of the software procurement project.

Initiating a software budget proposal as early as possible in the fiscal year is imperative. This is commonly the time of year when budgets are being created and a proactive approach prevents the company from reaching the end of the year and hastily putting together a proposal, scrambling for buy-in at the last second. Early budget planning allows for a comprehensive and well-thought-out document, ensuring that the necessity, benefits, costs, and strategic implications of introducing or upgrading software systems are thoroughly articulated.

The chart below provides an example of a software budget proposal:

Click here to download your own Software Budget Proposal Template.

Final Thoughts

It’s vital to remember that stakeholder buy-in is not just about getting approvals; it’s about building a shared vision for how the software will enhance the company’s performance and achieve common objectives. By fostering open communication, addressing concerns proactively, and demonstrating a commitment to the project’s success, you can gain the backing of stakeholders and pave the way for a smoother software procurement and implementation process.
You’ve absorbed quite a bit of information in this guide, so to help you digest it all, here are the key takeaways:

Prioritize Stakeholder Engagement through Analysis:
• Identify stakeholders’ power and interest levels using the Power/Interest Grid to evaluate priority for engagement.
• Create a collaborative template based on this grid to empower stakeholders in mapping their positions.
• Engage key players, keep influential yet less interested parties satisfied, inform interested stakeholders, and monitor those with low power and interest.

Cultivate and Retain Champions:
• Identify influential champions who understand the software’s benefits and leverage their advocacy.
• Continuously reassess engagement of champions and potentially seek new champions to maintain project continuity and momentum.
• Engage senior management to obtain vital resources and support for the project.

Develop a Robust Business Case and Software Budget Proposal:
• Create a compelling business case highlighting the rationale, benefits, costs, and returns of the software investment.
• Outline a comprehensive software budget proposal aligning with company goals and financial constraints.
• Identify current organizational challenges that necessitate new software and specify objectives like increased efficiency or enhanced security.

Let VelocityEHS Help!

VelocityEHS has a wide range of innovative software solutions and built-in expertise to meet your toughest challenges. Talk to one of our experts and discover how software can help make it easier for you to manage, maintain, and ensure long-term success.

The post Why Companies Fail to Complete a Software Purchase: A Guide to Get Buy In From Stakeholders appeared first on VelocityEHS.

Federal civil penalties for non-compliance with federal regulations are once again going up in 2024…but not quite as bad as last year. It’s the new year and OSHA, EPA, MSHA, and all other US federal agencies have recently published their 2024 annual civil penalty adjustments under the requirements of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. Under the Act, all federal agencies are required to revise and publish their schedule of civil penalties based on the previous year’s rate of inflation, which is calculated based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). 2024 federal civil penalty adjustments are based on a published Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) multiplier of 1.03241.  In other words, all federal fines and penalties for non-compliance are going up by roughly 3.2%.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the updated civil penalty schedules for US federal agencies most relevant to EHS professionals to see how these changes could impact your business.   

OSHA Civil Penalties

On January 11, 2024, The US Department of Labor published its updated civil penalties in the Federal Register, including those issued and enforced by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which become effective January 16. The table below shows a brief comparison of 2023 and 2024 penalty amounts for violations of selected OSHA regulations.

EPA Civil Penalties

As of January 15, 2024, EPA fines have also increased 3.2%. The EPA’s published penalty adjustments provide additional details on how the changes affect penalty amounts under specific regulations. For example, the table below shows a comparison of 2023 and 2024 penalty amounts for violations of selected EPA regulations:

*2023 penalty amounts are or violations that occurred after November 2, 2015, where penalties were assessed on or after January 6, 2023, but before December 27, 2023

**2024 penalty amounts are for violations that occur or occurred after November 2, 2015, where penalties are assessed on or after December 27, 2023

MSHA Civil Penalties

Like OSHA, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) operates under the purview of the US Department of Labor (DOL). MSHA has also updated its penalties to account for the 3.2% rise in CPI-U for 2024. The table below shows a comparison of 2023 and 2024 penalty amounts for violations of selected MSHA regulations:

Additional 2024 Federal Civil Penalties

Updated penalty amounts published by other important EHS regulatory agencies can be found at the links below:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

Simplify Compliance and Avoid Costly Fines with VelocityEHS

Penalties for non-compliance are only going up and even a single violation can quickly turn into a significant financial blow that could sink your business. Velocity offers a comprehensive suite of EHS & ESG software solutions that make it easier to manage compliance with a wide range of EHS regulations, helping you to avoid penalties for noncompliance and protect worker health and safety, and the environment.

Request a demo today to learn more about the VelocityEHS Accelerate^® Platform’s range of EHS & ESG solutions and see how we can help you simplify compliance, automate complex and time-consuming compliance tasks, and build a safer and more sustainable workplace.

The post OSHA, EPA, and Other Federal Civil Penalties Increase for 2024 appeared first on VelocityEHS.

We’ve come to the final installment in our VelocityEHS Blog Series on OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for 2022, where we’ll discuss number ten on the list, the OSHA Machine Guarding Standard. Don’t let the tenth-place ranking fool you. Machine hazards are severe, often resulting in serious injury, amputation, and even death.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard, including the most commonly cited provisions of the Standard, key enforcement initiatives and directives you should have on your radar, along with best practices and tools you can use to simplify and strengthen compliance.

OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard Requirements: A Persistent Compliance Challenge for Employers

In case you missed the list, here’s a quick recap of OSHA’s Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for FY 2023:

1. Fall Protection – General Requirements (1926.501): 7,271 violations
2. Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 3,213 violations
3. Ladders (1926.1053): 2,978 violations
4. Scaffolding (1926.451): 2,859 violations
5. Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,561 violations
6. Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,554 violations
7. Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,481 violations
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503): 2,112 violations
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 2,074 violations
10. Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,644 violations

OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard has consistently ranked among the Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for years, and it’s important to think about why. One potential root cause is the surprising brevity and arguably intentional vagueness of the Machine Guarding Standard. The entire body of text of the Machine Guarding Standard is just 388 words, and that includes the section numbers, and yet it is so critical in protecting workers from machine hazards.

We say the Machine Guarding Standard is intentionally vague because we believe OSHA anticipated the applicability of the Standard to a virtual universe of machine types and configurations used in the industry. Similar to its Control of Hazardous Energy Standard (Lockout/Tagout), the Machine Guarding Standard was written broadly enough to cover as great a variety of machine types and configurations as possible, including those yet to be designed or invented. As a consequence of this vagueness, there continues to be a great deal of confusion among employers as to how to apply the Machine Guarding Standard, and how to ensure compliance. In fact, OSHA has published 152 Letters of Interpretation (LOIs) since the original Standard was published in 1973, with each LOI addressing specific employer questions and concerns regarding the specifics of compliance. Despite this ongoing confusion and the continuing evolution of industrial operations and technologies, OSHA is not formally considering any updates to the Machine Guarding Standard as of its recently published Fall 2023 Regulatory Agenda.

OSHA Machine Guarding Standard Enforcement

As we mentioned in the first installment of our blog series, OSHA’s Fall Protection Standard was, by far, the most frequently cited OSHA Standard in 2023. While it is last on OSHA’s Top 10 List, the OSHA Machine Guarding Standard is certainly not least. If you look at the total numbers of violations cited under the OSHA Machine Guarding Standard relative to others on the Top 10 list, there’s not a great difference among OSHA’s Powered Industrial Trucks, Fall Protection Training Requirements, and Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection Standards, meaning it remains a strong priority for OSHA’s enforcement efforts.  

This is supported by the fact that OSHA is currently pursuing two separate National Emphasis Programs (NEPs) aimed specifically at addressing machine hazards. These include:

• OSHA Instruction – CPL 03-00-026 – National Emphasis Program on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations – 07/13/2023 – PDF
• OSHA Instruction – CPL 03-00-022 – National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries – 12/10/2019 – PDF

OSHA also establishes numerous Regional Emphasis Programs (REPs) across the US, many of which are focused, at least in part, on addressing machine hazards and Machine Guarding Standard enforcement. Examples include:

• Region 1 – CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT
  • CPL-04-00-026 – Local Emphasis Program for the Seafood Processing Industry – PDF
• Region 4 – AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN
  • CPL 23/09 (CPL 04) – Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for Poultry Processing Facilities – PDF
  • CPL 23/10 (CPL 04) – Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for Safety Hazards in Auto Parts Industry – NAICS 3363XX (Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing) – PDF
• Region 5 – IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI
  • CPL 04-05-2304 – Local Emphasis Program for the Wood Pallet Manufacturing Industry – PDF
  • CPL 04-05-2306 – Regional Emphasis Program for Food Manufacturing Industry – PDF
  • CPL 04-05-2301 – Regional Emphasis Program for Grain Handling Facilities – PDF
• Region 6 – AR, LA, NM, OK, TX
  • CPL 2 02-00-028B – Regional Emphasis Program for Grain Handling Facilities – PDF
  • CPL 2 02-00-030B – Regional Emphasis Program for Poultry Processing Facilities – PDF
  • CPL 2 02-00-022B – Regional Emphasis Program for Safety & Health Hazards in the Manufacture of Fabricated Metal Products – PDF
• Region 7 – IA, KS, MO, NE
  • CPL 02-11-03J – Kansas Local Emphasis Program (LEP) for Grain Handling Facilities – PDF
  • CPL 2-13-001I – Nebraska Grain Handling Industry Local Emphasis Program (LEP) – PDF
  • CPL 02-16-05E – Nebraska Local Emphasis Program (LEP) for Meat Processing Industries – PDF
• Region 8 – CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY
  • CPL 20-06 (04-01) – Regional Emphasis Program for Automotive Services – PDF
  • CPL 20-03 (04-01) – Regional Emphasis Program for Grain Handling Facilities – PDF
  • CPL 23-01 – Regional Emphasis Program for Wood Manufacturing and Processing Facilities – PDF
  • CPL 2022-01 – Regional Emphasis Program on Silica in Cut Stone and Slab Handling – PDF
• Region 9 – AZ, CA, HI, NV, and American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands
  • CPL 04-09-2401 – Regional Emphasis Program on Amputations – PDF
• Region 10 – AK, ID, OR, WA
  • 21-05 (CPL 04) – Local Emphasis Program for Inspections in the Grain Handling Industry – PDF

OSHA’s current NEPs and REPs targeting Machine Guarding Standard compliance and enforcement, span a wide range of industry types, but if we look at the most recent enforcement numbers for FY 2023, we can see that the vast majority of citations (80% of 1,638 total violations in 2023) were given to employers in the manufacturing industries (NAICS 31-33).   

Analyzing OSHA’s Most Cited Machine Guarding Standard Provisions

Of the 1,644 violations cited under OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard in FY 2023, here are the five most commonly cited provisions of the Standard:  

1. 1910.212(a)(1): “Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks.” –1,089 violations
2. 1910.212(a)(3): “Point of operation guarding.” –402 violations
3. 1910.212(a)(2): “General requirements for machine guards. Guards shall be affixed to the machine where possible and secured elsewhere if for any reason attachment to the machine is not possible. The guard shall be such that it does not offer an accident hazard in itself.” –60 violations
4. 1910.212(b): “Anchoring fixed machinery. Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving.” –57 violations
5. 1910.212(a)(4): “Barrels, containers and drums. Revolving drums, barrels and containers shall be guarded by an enclosure that is interlocked with the drive mechanism, so that the barrel, drum or container cannot revolve unless the guard enclosure is in place.” –13 violations

If we look at the numbers, we find that the five most common violations here account for 98% of all violations of OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard.

The Costs of Non-Compliance

Penalties for violations of OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard (and all OSHA Standards) can quickly pile up, with a single inspection or workplace injury often resulting in multiple citations. That’s because in addition to OSHA’s continuing focus on machine hazards and strong enforcement of Machine Guarding Standard requirements, OSHA announced earlier this year that it would expand the application of “Instance by Instance” (IBI) citations.

Employers should also be conscious of the fact that federal civil penalties for non-compliance with federal regulations have gone up in 2023…way up. In January, OSHA published their 2023 annual civil penalty adjustments as required under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015. Under the Act, all federal agencies are required to revise and publish their schedule of civil penalties based on the previous year’s rate of inflation, which is calculated based on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (CPI-U). 2023 federal civil penalty adjustments are based on a published Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) multiplier of 1.07745.In other words, all federal fines and penalties for non-compliance went up by 7.7%—roughly equal to the average rate of inflation faced by all consumers in the US during 2022.

January 2024 will bring new annual inflation-adjusted penalty increases across OSHA and all federal agencies, and even though rate of inflation in the US has contracted significantly compared to 2022, preliminary CPI figures from the BLS for November 2023 place that number around 3.1%, and the reference point agencies will use to calculate 2024 inflation adjustments will likely be around this amount.

Machine Guarding-Related Injury & Illness Statistics: The Human Costs

The financial penalties for non-compliance with OSHA’s Machine Guarding Standard can certainly damage your business’ bottom line, as well as its reputation in the eyes of customers, partners, investors, and other stakeholders. Sadly, it’s all too easy to overlook the cost to your business’ most important resource…your workers. Great companies focus on protecting the safety and health of their workers and the physical and mental costs of failure to do so, rather than worrying about the regulatory risks and compliance costs of OSHA Machine Guarding Standard violations.

The monetary costs of these injuries are difficult to quantify, but OSHA’s Safety Pays calculator allows us to calculate estimated costs of a wide range of occupational injury and illness types. For example, a simple laceration that can be caused by improper or faulty machine guarding is estimated to have direct costs of $21,872 and indirect costs of $24,059 for a total of $45,931. That’s quite a lot for just a cut, and this estimate does little to account for the ongoing legal and workers’ compensation costs that could arise because of a potential disability and associated injury claims.

Machine Guarding Best Practices

Fortunately, OSHA’s enforcement data and enforcement priorities (vis a vis OSHA’s NEPs and REPs) allow us to see where some of employers’ greatest weaknesses lie and draw some general assumptions about what provisions of the OSHA Machine Guarding Standard employers should focus on to help strengthen the compliance of their own machine guarding programs.

Unlike a lot of other Standards on OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards, the OSHA Machine Guarding Standard is primarily directed at the design features and specifications of machines and machine guarding devices, and has little to say about training, inspection, or other personnel-related requirements as many other OSHA Standards. In that way, the Machine Guarding Standard is primarily a technical standard. Therefore, verifying that machine hazards are identified and assessed, and that sufficient/compliant machine guarding devices and machine hazard controls are installed are the fundamental basis of compliance.

Fortunately, there are several aspects of your existing safety management system that will be instrumental in performing these machine hazard assessments and control verification tasks. Here are a few to focus on:

Inspections

You need to establish inspection systems that allow you to identify inspection targets (i.e., machines and machine guarding devices) and schedule periodic and regular inspections for each individual target. This includes:

• Identifying the assigned/responsible inspector roles and personnel
• Verifying that inspectors possess the necessary knowledge, training, and qualifications to perform that inspection
• Developing inspection checklists for each machine/machine guard configuration and being able to integrate OSHA Machine Guarding Standard requirements and other regulatory/design requirements into those checklist criteria
• The ability to quickly report and respond to checklist discrepancies/non-conformances
• The ability to create and assign corrective actions for individual checklist discrepancies/non-conformances
• Visibility of inspection activities and performance to verify inspection programs and procedures are being implemented, and that they are effective

For additional information on inspection program management, check out our on-demand webinar “Beyond Checklists: A Systems-Based Approach to Inspection Program Management.”

Hazard Identification & Observations

Everyone throughout the workplace, especially machine operators, maintenance personnel, supervisors, and safety managers, should possess sufficient knowledge and training to identify machine hazards, and to identify non-compliance of machine guarding devices with OSHA Machine Guarding Standard requirements. They also require rapid, real-time ability to document and report these hazards, and to have visibility into the corrective action planning and implementation process to confirm that hazards are being identified, assessed, and controlled.

And it’s not just about identifying hazards. It’s also about observing employee behaviors, both safe and unsafe. Many machine guarding-related injuries occur because workers bypass functional machine guards so that they can clear the point of operation, perform some sort of quick maintenance or repair, or just to get the job done faster because of pressure from supervisors or managers. That’s never acceptable.

It’s the responsibility of the employer to provide comprehensive work instructions on how to clear jams or resolve other types of maintenance issues safely, and ensure workers are trained and knowledgeable in how to effectively operate machines and machine guarding devices. It’s also the responsibility of workers to remain vigilant and not think of observing unsafe actions or behaviors as “calling out” their co-worker but reporting an unsafe behavior that others might repeat in the future. Though they might get away with it unscathed this time, the next time could result in a life-altering injury. On the flip side of that coin, we also want to be capturing and documenting safe behaviors that help us better understand how to do things safely, and even recognize opportunities for how to be safer.

The key is being able to capture and report these hazards and behaviors and put them on the map so that safety managers and others can learn from them, and that means having a system to document them in real-time where and when they occur.

Task Hazard Assessment (THA)

THA is a type of pre-job inspection designed to evaluate job-specific hazards and ensure appropriate safety precautions, controls, operator training and qualifications, and other preventive measures are in place prior to beginning the job. THA is an invaluable method for machine operators to verify the proper function and design of machine guarding devices and should, ideally, be performed before every work shift to verify this. If they are not in conformance with the THA, operators should be reporting any unrecognized or insufficiently controlled hazards to responsible employees so corrective actions, including installation of sufficient machine guards or repair to existing controls, can be performed.

Also, if an operator identifies a faulty or insufficient machine guarding device, that worker (and all workers) should be clearly delegated with “stop work authority”. This authority strengthens the quality of your workplace safety culture. No worker should feel pressure to continue using a machine with recognized hazards, nor should they feel like they do not have the right to refuse unsafe work.  

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A JSA is a comprehensive job evaluation designed to fully assess and control hazards during the job design phase, and periodically thereafter. It involves breaking jobs down into individual tasks or steps and carefully analyzing potential hazards at each step that may be introduced by the tools, equipment, work environments, and work practices used. Once hazards are identified, risks are qualitatively evaluated, prioritized, and corrective actions are taken to manage individual hazards and risks.

You should perform JSAs prior to start-up of any machine in your workplace to clearly identify, assess, and implement effective machine design and hazard controls before work ever begins. The JSA should be readily accessible to operators and other potentially affected employees to provide clear guidance on the hazards of a given job and is also invaluable as a training tool for machine operators. You should periodically and regularly evaluate the JSA to ensure it fully addresses the hazards of the job, especially after you’ve made any alterations or modifications to the machine in question. Also, you should perform JSAs in collaboration with operators, supervisors, maintenance personnel, safety managers, and other impacted employees so you get a full perspective on the hazards presented by a given machine and given job.

For more information on how to optimize your hazard identification practices and programs, task hazard assessments, and JSAs, download our guide Hazard ID & Observation, Task Hazard Assessment (THA), & Job Safety Analysis (JSA).

For additional guidance on OSHA Machine Guarding compliance and safety best practices, check out OSHA’s Machine Guarding eTool.

Final Thoughts…

We hope you’ve enjoyed our VelocityEHS Blog Series on the OSHA Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for 2023 and learned some valuable insights on how to not only improve compliance with OSHA Standards, but more importantly, protect the health and safety of your people. Follow us on LinkedIn and stay tuned to the VelocityEHS blog page for further information on the EHS topics that impact businesses like yours, and to learn how VelocityEHS can help you surpass your compliance challenges and achieve EHS & ESG excellence.

Catch up on all OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards Blog Series:

1. Fall Protection—General Requirements
2. Hazard Communication
3. Ladders
4. Scaffolding
5. Powered Industrial Trucks
6. Lockout/Tagout
7. Respiratory Protection
8. Fall Protection—Training Requirements
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection
10. Machine Guarding

Simplify Compliance & Strengthen Workplace Safety with VelocityEHS

The Velocity Safety and Operational Risk Solutions, part of the VelocityEHS Accelerate^® Platform, offers EHS professionals full and flexible capabilities to meet every aspect of your safety management system needs. From inspections, Hazard ID & Observations, THAs, JSAs and much, much more, you’ll get a system that provides a rock-solid foundation for your management programs and help you ensure you have a full picture of the machine hazards and controls present in your workplace.

Check us out and Request a Demo today to learn how we can solve your safety management and compliance challenges.

The post OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards: Machine Guarding appeared first on VelocityEHS.

The #9 most frequently cited standard for 2023, was one again Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers suffered 18,510 eye-related injuries and illnesses in 2020. That means there were roughly 1.7 cases per 10,000 full-time workers. OSHA states thousands of people are blinded each year from work-related eye injuries. Preventing eye and face injury can be achieved with the proper selection and use of eye and face protection.

There are two personal protective equipment (PPE) standards for eye and face protection put in place by OSHA. One is 29 CFR 1910.133, which concentrates on safety regulations in the general industry, and the other 29 CFR 1926.102 that centers on the constructions industry. Although, they are similar, they have some industry-specific nuances. In this blog, the focus will be on 29 CFR 1926.102.

OSHA’s Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) Overview

This standard applies to the construction industry. It requires employers to ensure that all their employees use appropriate eye or face protection when they are exposed to eye or face hazards such as:

• Flying Particles
• Molten Metal
• Liquid Chemicals
• Acids or Caustic Liquids
• Chemical Gases or Vapors
• Potentially Injurious Light Radiation

PPE for the eyes and face is designed to prevent or lessen the severity of injuries to your team members when engineering or administrative controls are not feasible or effective in reducing these exposures to acceptable levels.

When it comes to PPE, it’s important to make sure your team members are aware what different types of eye and face protection are available to them. They’re properly trained on how to use this equipment, and the PPE fits them correctly and comfortably.

What Are the Top PPE Citations for Eye and Face Protection?

There are many individual provisions within OSHA’s PPE for Eye and Face Protection Standard. In 2023, OSHA issued 2,074 violations. Among these, the top four types of violations were:

1. 1926.102(a)(1)—2,034 violations: “The employer shall ensure each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.”
2. 1926.102(a)(2)—32 violations: “The employer shall ensure each affected employee uses eye protection that provides side protection when there is a hazard from flying objects. Detachable side protectors (e.g., clip-on or slide-on side shields) meeting the pertinent requirements of this section are acceptable.”
3. 1926.102(b)(1)—6 violations: “Protective eye and face protection devices must comply with any of the following consensus standards.”
4. 1926.102(a)(3)—2 violations: “The employer shall ensure that each affected employee who wears prescription lenses while engaged in operations that involve eye hazards wears eye protection that incorporates the prescription in its design, or wears eye protection that can be worn over the prescription lenses without disturbing the proper position of the prescription lenses or the protective lenses.”

Protecting your team members’ eyes and faces is necessary because loss of sight or injury to either is a life-changing event. Many of your members are unaware of the potential hazards in their work environments, making them vulnerable to injury. The use of PPE helps to prevent these life-changing hazards. Although the use of PPE, according to the hierarchy of controls, is viewed as the “last line of defense,” it still helps to keep your team members safe, when selected and used properly.

Tips to Help You Maintain Compliance with OSHA’s PPE Eye and Face Standard

OSHA notes in its updated Personal Protection Equipment Guide that many occupational eye injuries occur because team members are not wearing any eye protection, while others result from wearing improper, inadequate, or poorly fitting eye protection or eye protection without a prescription when the person wears glasses. Be sure that your team members wear appropriate eye and face protection. They know how to select properly fitting the eye and face protection appropriate for the work being performed.

OSHA also recommends management of PPE through a shared effort between employers and employees, to ensure the greatest possible protection for your team members. A team effort will help establish and maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

According to OSHA, employers are responsible for:

• Performing a “hazard assessment” of the workplace to identify and control physical and health hazards
• Identifying and providing appropriate and adequate PPE for employees
• Training employees in the use and care of the PPE
• Maintaining PPE, including replacing worn or damaged PPE
• Periodically reviewing, updating, and evaluating the effectiveness of the PPE program

According to OSHA, team members are responsible for:

• Wearing PPE properly
• Attending training sessions on PPE
• Caring for, cleaning, and maintaining PPE provided to them
• Informing a supervisor of the need to repair or replace PPE

Promoting the use of PPE has many advantages. These advantages include maintaining compliance and avoiding fines and citations, while also encouraging confidence in your team members. Confidence is instilled fist because they know they can safely perform their jobs, and second because they see you investing in their safety. It also helps to improve workplace morale and overall productivity. When your members see that you value and prioritize their health and safety, they feel more valued, experience less stress, and have an overall more positive attitude to the work they do—that should be enough to have an effective PPE management program in place.

VelocityEHS Can Help!

As an EHS manager, you can’t be everywhere at once, so make safety and preventative measures everyone’s responsibility. The Velocity Safety Solution gives you the platform you need to have visibility across safety tasks, better manage reporting, and stay on top of important compliance dates and deadlines. You can further your safety program with the Operations Risk Solution by helping to stop incidents before that happen with its Risk Analysis and Critical Control Verification capabilities.

Having safety management programs in place is just one aspect of cultivating a strong safety culture. The VelocityEHS Accelerate^® Platform includes a wide range of innovative software solutions and built-in expertise to meet your toughest EHS and ESG challenges. Talk to one of our experts and discover how software can help make it easier for you to manage, maintain, and ensure long-term success.

Catch up on all OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards Blog Series:

1. Fall Protection—General Requirements
2. Hazard Communication
3. Ladders
4. Scaffolding
5. Powered Industrial Trucks
6. Lockout/Tagout
7. Respiratory Protection
8. Fall Protection—Training Requirements
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection
10. Machine Guarding

The post OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards: Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection appeared first on VelocityEHS.

Continuing our rundown of OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards for 2023, we’ve reached number four, OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard. 

Working at heights is serious business. The safety risks are higher…quite literally. That’s why the OSHA Scaffolding Standard is such a technically detailed regulation.  

OSHA defines a scaffold as, “an elevated, temporary work platform. There are two basic types of scaffolds: Supported scaffolds, which consist of one or more platforms supported by rigid, load- bearing members, such as poles, legs, frames, outriggers, etc.” 

It’s obvious that it’s important to keep employees safe when working on scaffolds, yet there were 2,859 citations of the Scaffolding Standard during fiscal year 2023. Moreover, OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard has consistently ranked in the top five on OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards since at least 2016. So, where are these citations happening, and how can the issues be resolved to help maintain compliance, keep employees safe, and minimize regulatory risks to your business? 

What is OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard? 

OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard aims to prevent accidents and injuries associated with the use of scaffolds in construction work. The standard provides comprehensive guidelines for the proper erection, use, and disassembly of scaffolding to ensure the safety of workers at elevated heights. 

Construction and maintenance work often requires employees to operate at elevated heights, making scaffolding an essential part of these activities. However, work performed on scaffolds can be hazardous if scaffolds are not appropriately erected and used. 

Common hazards associated with scaffolds include:   

• falls from elevation, due to lack of fall protection  
• the collapse of the scaffold, caused by instability or overloading  
• being struck by falling tools, work materials, or debris  
• electrocution, due to the proximity of the scaffolds to overhead power lines 

To protect workers and prevent potential accidents, the OSHA has developed strict regulations regarding scaffolding. In this blog post, we will break down OSHA’s scaffolding standard to understand its key components and ensure that safety remains a top priority in construction and related industries. 

General Requirements of OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard

While the OSHA Scaffolding Standard itself is a very detailed document, there are a number of key areas of requirements that we can focus on to help simplify compliance:

Capacity 

The capacity requirements within the standard are intended to ensure scaffolds are designed and in sufficient condition to support employees and their tools as they work. It specifies that, “each scaffold and scaffold component shall be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least 4 times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it.” 

Scaffold Platform Construction 

The platform construction requirements of the OSHA Scaffolding Standard prescribe how scaffolding should be assembled and connected, stating that scaffolding must be “fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports.” 

Supported Scaffolds 

The most commonly used type of scaffold, ‘supported scaffold requirements cover aspects like scaffold construction, tie-ins, bracing, and the use of devices to prevent scaffold movement.  

Suspension Scaffolds 

Commonly used in window cleaning and exterior maintenance, OSHA’s standard mandates additional safety measures such as the use of complete and independent support systems, counterweights, and tiebacks to ensure stability. 

Access  

The standard requires that employees have safe and easy access to all scaffolds for work, whether via portable, hook-on, attached or stairway-type ladders, s or stair towers/rails. The official standard includes specific requirements per each type of ladder/stair and their handrails.  

Use 

The standard includes specifications for the safest use of scaffolds and scaffold components, such as: 

• Scaffolds shall not be loaded in excess of their maximum intended loads or rated capacities—whichever is less.  

• Prohibiting the use of shore or lean-to scaffolds. 

Fall Protection 

The Scaffolding Standard includes requirements for keeping employees safe from fall hazards, such as the use of a personal fall arrest and guardrail systems. 

Falling Object Protection 

The standard specifies that along with hardhats, “each employee on a scaffold shall be provided with additional protection from falling hand tools, debris, and other small objects through the installation of toeboards, screens, or guardrail systems, or through the erection of debris nets, catch platforms, or canopy structures that contain or deflect the falling objects.” 

Where are the Citations Happening? 

Many aspects of the Scaffolding Standard listed above include their own specific design and construction/erection requirements. It’s very possible—dare we say probable—that in many workplaces where scaffolding is used, that scaffolding may not be to the exact measurements that OSHA specifies in the Scaffolding Standard.  

We see that essentially all of the top 5 most cited provisions within the OSHA Scaffolding Standard are related to these design and construction/erection requirements, representing 72% of the 2,859 total violations under the Scaffolding Standard in 2023. These provisions are listed below:  

1. 1926.451(g)(1):  “Each employee on a scaffold more than 10 feet above a lower level shall be protected from falling to that lower level.” –813 violations 

2.  1926.451(e)(1):  “When scaffold platforms are more than 2 feet above or below a point of access, portable ladders; hook-on ladders; attachable ladders; stair towers (scaffold stairways/towers); stairway-type ladders (such as ladder stands); ramps; walkways; integral prefabricated scaffold access; or direct access from another scaffold, structure, personnel hoist or similar surface shall be used. Cross braces shall not be used as a means of access.” –372 violations 

3.  1926.451(b)(1):  “Each platform on all working levels of scaffolds shall be fully planked or decked between the front uprights and the guardrail supports.” –357 violations

4. 1926.451(c)(2):  “Supported scaffold poles, legs, posts, frames and uprights shall bear on base plates and mud sills or other adequate firm foundation.” –324 violations 

5. 1926.451(g)(4):  “Guardrail systems installed to meet the requirements of this section shall comply with the following provisions (guardrail systems built in accordance with Appendix A to this subpart will be deemed to meet the requirements of paragraphs (g)(4)(vii), (viii) and (ix) of this section).” –190 violations 

It’s easier said than done for employers to scour their workplaces to inspect all scaffolding systems, compare each measurement of the standard to what’s present in the worksite, and verify that every piece of the scaffolding system meets the specifications listed in the standard. However, that’s precisely what the Scaffolding Standard requires. With improved methods and processes for overseeing scaffolding construction and inspecting scaffolding systems, and a stronger focus on prevention through design (PtD) of scaffolding systems, many of these types of technical standard violations could be avoided in the future.  

The Costs of Non-Compliance

We can see from how often the OSHA Scaffolding Standard is cited, year after year, that OSHA views it an essential regulatory tool for protecting workers from fall-related injuries while working at elevated heights. By adhering to the specifications set forth in the standard, employers can ensure the safety of their workers and minimize the risk of injuries or fatalities in the workplace, while also protecting themselves from civil and potentially criminal liability for non-compliance.

Under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 2015, fines for non-compliance with federal standards and regulations across all federal executive agencies continue to rise annually. In 2023, OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations increased from $14,502 per violation to $15,625 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $145,027 per violation to $156,259 per violation. One of the larger OSHA penalties for Scaffolding Standard violations occurred in 2020 when a scaffolding contractor was fined $300,370 after a laborer fell to his death from a seven-story building. During the investigation, authorities found two willful and two serious safety violations of OSHA regulations. Citations were issued for breaches of fall protection and scaffolding safety standards, as well as failing to adequately train workers about fall risks connected with scaffolding work.

More than the fines and penalties for regulatory violations are the human costs of fall-related injuries, and the value of human lives saved by keeping workers safe from incidents, injuries, and fatalities. Safety should always come first, no matter at what height you’re working. Adherence to OSHA’s Scaffolding Standard not only promotes a safer work environment but also boosts productivity and fosters a positive working culture within the industry and boost the bottom line.

Simplify Compliance & Strengthen Scaffolding Safety with VelocityEHS 

Our Safety Solution, part of the VelocityEHS Accelerate^® Platform, gives EHS professionals like you advanced software tools to manage inspections, incidents, injury and illness recordkeeping, training, safety observations, corrective actions, and the full range of safety management functions you need to implement and maintain not only a highly effective scaffolding safety program, but your entire safety management system. To see for yourself how VelocityEHS can simplify compliance and strengthen worker protection, contact us today and schedule a demo with one of our in-house experts. 

Catch up on all OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards Blog Series:

1. Fall Protection—General Requirements
2. Hazard Communication
3. Ladders
4. Scaffolding
5. Powered Industrial Trucks
6. Lockout/Tagout
7. Respiratory Protection
8. Fall Protection—Training Requirements
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection
10. Machine Guarding

The post OSHA’s Top 10 List of Most Frequently Cited Standards: Scaffolding appeared first on VelocityEHS.

It’s important to us here at VelocityEHS that you have up-to-date information and expert advice you need to help build your knowledge, skills, and understanding of what’s happening in the world of EHS and environmental, social, and governance (ESG). Throughout the year we’ve shared around 75 blogs covering different topics to keep you informed in your EHS and ESG journey. We’ve rounded up the 2023 top five most-read blogs for you to revisit and share with others who can benefit from these insights.

1.    Canada Issues Final Rule Updating Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR)

Get a better understanding of the update to Health Canada’s HPR final rule to align with the seventh revised edition of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This blog reviews the background of the final rule, summarizes the key changes, and gives insights about what comes next. Read more.

2.    What is Management of Change?

Many people are convinced they understand the meaning of Management of Change, but what actually goes into managing change? This blog gives an overview of what Management of Change is and how it’s an essential part of safety management. Learn more.

3.    OSHA Recordkeeping: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions

Sharpen your understanding of the OSHA Recordkeeping Standard, with answers from EHS and ESG Expert Phil Molé on some of the most frequently asked questions he receives during webinars and in-person speaking events, along with some other helpful resources. See the FAQ and answers.

4.    Why Should ESG Matter to Me? Part One: EHS and Safety Managers 

This blog helps to connect the dots between EHS and ESG, unpacking the ways ESG connects to the things EHS professionals are already doing now and explaining how building ESG maturity can make EHS management easier. Read on.

5.    OSHA, EPA, Other Federal Civil Penalties Rise in 2023

Get a closer look at some of the 2023 updated civil penalties and fines from US federal agencies. This blog gives you the low down on why meeting compliance regulations is important, the rising costs for non-compliance, and how these changes could impact your business. Read the blog.

Remember, VelocityEHS Can Help in More Ways than One!

Having robust EHS and ESG management programs in place is just one aspect of cultivating a strong sustainable health and safety culture. The VelocityEHS Accelerate^® Platform includes a wide range of innovative software solutions and built-in expertise to meet your toughest EHS and ESG challenges. Talk to one of our experts and discover how software can help make it easier for you to manage, maintain, and ensure long-term success.

The post 2023 Top Five Most-Read Blogs! appeared first on VelocityEHS.

Aside from this year’s numerous wildfires that have affected air quality around the world, or when you pass a stinky chemical facility, how often do you actually think about the air you’re breathing? 

Clean air is essential for all life on our planet, though due to breathing being an autonomic function of the human body that you don’t even have to think about, it’s often taken for granted.  

• Clean air is a fundamental human right, yet over 99% of humans on our planet are breathing contaminated air.  
• Air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to human health, yet it’s one of the main avoidable causes of death and disease globally. 

The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed every year on September 7^th to recognize this dissonance and address how we can help keep our air clean. With it being a human right, that also means that we all have a responsibility to do our part to avoid actively contributing to air pollution and do our best to keep it clean for our fellow humans.  

Let’s discuss some ways we all can participate in the International Day of Clean Air and breathe easier.  

Why Clean Air is So Important 

Our ecosystems, immune systems, and the general well-being of our planet depend on clean air to thrive.

But it’s not just about the absence of pollutants, it’s about the presence and quality of vital gases like oxygen.  

The quality of the air we breathe directly impacts our respiratory systems, cardiovascular health, and can even affect cognitive function. Poor air quality is linked to a host of health issues, including respiratory diseases, heart problems, and even premature death. It’s estimated air pollution causes approximately 6.7 million premature deaths annually. 

Airborne pollutants can also harm plants, animals, and aquatic life, disrupting food chains and biodiversity for the entire planet. 

The Path to Cleaner Air 

The International Day of Clean Air serves as a reminder and platform to raise awareness about air quality and ideally, to inspire collective action. 2023 is the fourth year of the INTL Day of Clean Air and its theme is Together for Clean Air, meant to highlight “the urgent need for stronger partnerships, increased investment, and shared responsibility for overcoming air pollution.” 

Air pollution impacts all stakeholders—not just the average human, but high-level organizations like the UN and other international groups, national governments and the private sector. By working together, these groups can mutually benefit by addressing the challenges of air pollution and promoting sustainable practices.  

Here are some ways that all stakeholders can contribute: 

• Reducing Emissions: Reducing our carbon footprint, using cleaner sources of energy, adopting sustainable transportation options. 
• Promoting Green Spaces: Supporting initiatives that encourage the development of forests and urban green spaces to act as natural air filters. 
• Advocacy and Policy: Supporting and advocating for stricter air quality regulations and policies on sustainable business operations. 
• Individual Choices: Using public transport, reducing plastic waste and conserving energy. 
• Education and Awareness: Spreading knowledge about sources and the effects of air pollution to empower communities, or even just a few more people. 

Each of these actions can be taken by individuals or larger organizations, and they all add up. Although keeping our air clean is a responsibility, that doesn’t mean it’s all on you.  

Looking Forward 

Keeping the air clean is a persistent battle, but thanks to groups like EPA and events like the INTL Day of Clean Air, the fight’s been going on for decades. So, let’s give them a hand in applause and assistance.  

On this International Day of Clean Air, let’s think of the small changes we can make to reduce our pollution contribution; read up on some resources to share with our circles of fellow humans and spread awareness; sign an online petition for cleaner air; but most importantly, remember that every action counts. 

What Can VelocityEHS Do? 

If your organization is looking to take action and join in the fight for cleaner air, the Air Emissions capability within the VelocityEHS Environmental Compliance Solution can help.  Air Emissions gives you a centralized, cloud-based system for recording and analyzing air emissions data from all sources across your entire enterprise. Perform complex emissions calculations in real-time to get the most accurate, up-to-date monitoring capabilities available. The Environmental Compliance Solution offers a fast and easy way to simplify compliance with a wide variety of local, federal, and international air quality standards. 

The post Breathing Easy: Celebrating the International Day of Clean Air appeared first on VelocityEHS.

The Accelerate User Conference was full of incredible presentations by VelocityEHS subject matter experts, however, one of the crowd highlights was the Customer Spotlight session which featured talks by two longtime VelocityEHS customers. Toyota uses the VelocityEHS Industrial Ergonomics Solution and motion capture assessment tools and has been a partner in ergonomics for over 20 years. Sims Metal has been a VelocityEHS customer for 15 years, using the Safety Solution to log incidents, observations, and actions.  

EHS leaders from both Toyota and Sims Metal shared key learnings and best practices related to using a risk management mindset to manage safety programs. Despite the emphasis on different EHS domains in each talk, three common themes were covered on how to manage and celebrate the programs that make workplaces safer and more sustainable.  

Use Simple Tools to Get Your Answers

• Customization and complexity can be barriers to getting the data you need, so choose simple tools and encourage use. 
  • — By conducting a gap analysis, Toyota identified that their lengthy assessment tools were a risk to the success of their ergonomics program, and consequently made the shift to user-friendly motion capture-based data collection. 

• Set targets and let the data paint the picture of your risk profile. Lagging indicators are key to determining weaknesses, and leading indicators are key to determining strengths. 
  • — Sims Metals identified that high-risk incidents were low frequency but consistent, and as a result decided to target fatal critical risk instead of following the common approach to reducing overall recordables.

Celebrate and Market Successes to Harness Collective Power

• Celebrate success and innovation, and do it well. This is easy to overlook, but as EHS professionals, we don’t have all the right answers. Marketing your program and providing rewards is necessary to help people come together. 
  • — Sims Metal sends weekly progress reports to stakeholders. Instead of celebrating fewer reported injuries, they started celebrating innovation and solutions. 
  • — Toyota compiles positive testimonies and shares them in multiple formats including promotional videos. They focus on how everybody plays a role, whether you’re an EHS analyst, ergo champion, site sponsor, or perhaps most importantly, a team member. 

Follow-up with Effective Controls to Shift to a Risk Management Strategy

• Follow-up is non-negotiable. Marketing means nothing without results, so make sure you’re listening and doing what you say you will. 
  • — Toyota framed this as creating hype and being there when team members raise their hands. This enables continuous improvement, for example, through kaizen events and technology development. 
• Focus on risk and control measure effectiveness, instead of compliance and behavior. 
  • — Sims Metal reiterated that employee perception changes when they know the risks and see the changes evolve in safety measures. They ensure controls are effective by logging actions with photos, enabling others to see what’s possible.  

Attendees of the Customer Spotlight session were excited to hear from our customers about how they implement these themes alongside VelocityEHS Software to manage EHS & ESG with a risk management mindset.  

We’re grateful for our partnerships with wonderful customers and are always inspired by the deep willingness to share experience and knowledge. Special thank yous to Danny Munoz & Kelsey Hitt representing Toyota, and Brian Maeck & Ben Redd representing Sims Metal. 

The post Accelerate User Conference Session Recap: 3 Themes from Toyota and Sims Metal on Managing EHS & ESG appeared first on VelocityEHS.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is considered by some to be synonymous with the term sustainability, in other circles, it is linked to the investment community.  No matter which term of reference you associate with, ESG is becoming a must-have for disclosure purposes and has started to come under regulator purview, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Canadian Securities Administrators, European Commission, where mandatory ESG reporting requirements are currently being developed or have already started to be enforced. 

During the VelocityEHS Accelerate User Conference, three of VelocityEHS’ partners, STP ComplianceEHS, Fit For Work, and J.S. Held shared their insights with conference attendees on key components an organization should consider building into their internal programs that support each of the three key pillars of Environment, Social, and Governance.   

Environment: Reactive Compliance vs Proactive Compliance 

Gail Ankiewiez (STP), kicked off the session with a discussion of two basic approaches to compliance – reactive versus proactive – adopted by companies around the world.  Gail shared that while reactive compliance may have a lower initial investment and be easier to act on with existing data, it is sometimes harder for the company to see the deeper issues that could lead to more fatal injuries and accidents until they have occurred.  Proactive compliance on the other hand, typically requires more planning and for the company to develop the process(es) to monitor and thus, is considered a more costly alternative to managing compliance.   

With the changes in regulations on public disclosure, there are growing expectations placed on companies, whether by investors, regulators, customers, and even employees, to ensure that they conduct their business to not only manage but ensure compliance.  Against this backdrop, it is without a doubt that while proactive compliance may have a steeper upfront cost, having clear insights into potential risks BEFORE they become an issue, the company not only prevents injuries or damage, whether to humans or to the environment, from occurring but clearly shows their due diligence process.   

Social: Valuing Employees 

One of the key points Matt Weber (Fit For Work) shared in his session, is that a company should “hire to retire”. In other words, the company should hire their employees through a sound employee testing, onboarding, and training process to ensure that employees always remain safe when working in and for the company, ideally being even better than when they started. 

To do this, Matt recommends companies start from the position of preventing employees from ever becoming a patient, no matter if it is due to a physical or mental issue. This entails: 

• Having proactive interaction with employees, throughout the organization 
• Providing intervention at the place of work where and when it is needed to address problems at the outset 
• Have “boots on the ground” to understand the issues facing employees in their workplace 
• Conduct regular employee testing, not just medical testing where required by law.  This could include employee feedback or satisfaction surveys, amongst others. 

Governance: Understanding Your Supply Chain 

Over the last few years, the pandemic highlighted the risks in the global supply chain, when manufacturing sites were shut down literally overnight and companies were suddenly finding themselves with unknown production timelines and shipment windows. It brought to the forefront the importance of companies not only understanding supply chain risks, but also the need to build a sustainable supply chain, that is bearable, viable, and equitable. To do this, Andrea Korney (J.S. Held) suggests the following: 

• Get real about your supply chain sustainability: do you really know your supply chain?  Are they operating in high-risk locations? 
• Evaluate your stakeholder expectations: what reporting requirements do you have?  What investor expectations need to be fulfilled? 
• Evaluate your competitor landscape: what are others in your industry doing? 

• Establish sustainability goals: align across the organization and your supply chain  
• Communicate and set a strategy to track engagement and compliance through the supply chain 

Through this process, companies will begin to better understand and mitigate against the potential risks posed in their supply chain and take the necessary actions to address them before they become an actual issue and ultimately, they can increase competitiveness while lowering costs.  

 In addition to the key points from each speaker, one of the common threads throughout all three speakers’ presentations was that it is important for companies to be proactive, have clear and regular communications with their employees, and establish operational resilience.

Want more information about how VelocityEHS and its partnerships with STP, Fit For Work and J.S. Held can help you achieve your EHS and ESG goals? Visit the links below for details and to contact us.

• STP ComplianceEHS
• Fit For Work
• J.S. Held

The post Accelerate User Conference Flash Sessions: 3 Hot Takes on EHS & ESG appeared first on VelocityEHS.