Emerging technologies shaping the future of EHS
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March 12, 2024 - The workplace and society alike are entering a technology transformation that is truly unique. The adoption of modern technologies has gone from being a business enabler, to imperative for maintaining competitiveness. This transition is seeing the environmental, health, and safety (EHS) function with the opportunity to not only support but reshape corporate strategies.
EHS and technology
Traditionally focused on compliance – EHS teams now have the chance to leverage new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics to generate more value within organizations.
These technologies provide valuable data insights, enhance efficiency, and have predictive capabilities - allowing EHS to drive operational excellence through informed, real-time decision-making and risk mitigation. More mature EHS leaders and teams have an opportunity to harness these new tools at their disposal to provide greater strategic counsel, enhance sustainability, and automate workplace safety and employee well-being.
Numerous innovations including wearable tech, virtual reality training, IoT sensors, and blockchain auditing are poised to transform EHS. Advanced computing (particularly AI) amplifies these technologies by establishing powerful applications with the ability to analyze data and support decisions.
Opportunities & challenges
The integration of emerging technologies into EHS represents a profound opportunity for global corporations. Beyond just compliance and risk management - EHS can become a driving force for:
- Employee safety and well-being. Better data and insights allow EHS and other functional teams to implement effective health, safety, and wellbeing programs and initiatives that proactively identify and mitigate worker risks.
- Sustainability. Technologies allow for better monitoring of environmental impacts. EHS can implement data-driven strategies to reduce waste, emissions, and resource consumption.
- Innovation. Early adoption of recent technologies establishes EHS and the business as a leader in innovation to drive continuous improvement.
- Ethical leadership. With tech-enabled risk assessment and compliance auditing, EHS can ensure regulatory adherence and champion ethical practices through the organization.
However, this future is not without challenges. Issues that must be addressed include:
- Risks to data privacy from collection and use of employee data.
- Stakeholder resistance due to lack of engagement, technical understanding or aversion to change.
- Resource constraints around budgets, staffing, and digital expertise.
- Psychosocial risks to the workforce caused by anxiety surrounding the use of technology to replace existing jobs or stress associated with workplace monitoring and surveillance.
Organizations cannot just adapt to change - they must proactively cultivate a culture of innovation for continuous improvement.
The role of EHS
EHS has a unique role in fostering innovation and spearheading the responsible use of technology to benefit employees, customers, and society. The journey won't be easy, but the promise is profound. By embracing emerging tech as a strategic priority but with a measure of caution, EHS can lead organizations into a future that transcends profits to make the world safer.
Read more from Xavier in Employee well-being trends: A look ahead. Visit BSI’s Experts Corner for more insights from industry experts. Subscribe to our Experts Corner-2-Go LinkedIn newsletters for a roundup of the latest thought leadership content: Digital trust, EHS, supply chain.
