COMPLIANCE & RISK ASSESSMENT A HUMAN TOUCH


In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, integrating environmental health and safety (EHS) technology has become a key consideration for not just some, but every industry. Technologies have undeniably transformed the way we approach safety measures, but there are limitations that come with the benefits.


As we embrace these technological advancements, it's imperative to consider the human element, and whether our role is being overlooked.


BENEFITS Technology has ushered in an


era of enhanced safety and efficiency, both at home and in the workplace. The revolution of safety measures in the wake of technology offers several key advantages that cannot be ignored.


Risk reduction through automation is a good example of the recent advancements in modern safety tech. The rapid evolution of automation has allowed machines to perform risk-mitigation activities on behalf of humans, which reduces occupational risk and enhances worker safety.


Drone technology is just one invaluable tool that can be used for accessing dangerous or remote areas to survey high-risk situations, thus preventing potential injuries.


Smartphone apps and wearable panic alarms have also introduced ways to reduce risks associated with lone working. By providing real-time location and status information for employees, they serve as a first response in dangerous environments, making the job safer without the need to send a second employee along unnecessarily.


EHS software platforms allow health and safety workers to manage the entire landscape much more easily. These platforms assist with incident reporting, environmental audits, inspections, corrective action tracking, and performance metrics. In doing so, they minimise human error and remove mundane elements from administrative tasks.


As such, these tools also free up health and safety professionals to focus on driving positive change within their organisations.


x.com/TomorrowsHS


Technology has become integral in managing risk across all sectors. Despite this however, the vital role that people play must not be underestimated, says Phil Jones, Managing Director at William Martin.


LIMITATIONS While EHS technology offers


numerous benefits, it is not without its limitations and potential drawbacks.


Risks like compatibility issues are still relatively common, and new software may not align with existing processes, which can have a significant impact on efficiency and quality.


When it comes to more complex situations, EHS technology isn’t always reliable enough to handle nuances. Some software may struggle to evaluate situations that require human judgment, where the benefit of rationale based on experience can’t be replicated. Since they rely on set programming, there is always potential for these systems to overlook certain risks.


Furthermore, no device is flawless. Technical issues such as glitches, software bugs or connectivity outages can result in system downtime, which can disrupt risk management processes and delay critical actions.


ON BALANCE There are several ways for organisations to reap the


rewards of EHS technology and mitigate the risks at the same time. All of them will involve creating the right balance between human and machine.


In any technology-driven venture, it is crucial to remember that people are the most significant asset in any organisation. The concept of a 'safety culture' revolves around employees' willingness to comply with rules and act safely. A successful safety culture is built on strong leadership, worker involvement, and clear communication – elements that technology alone cannot provide.


Health and safety technology is undoubtedly a valuable tool for enhancing safety and efficiency. Yet, it should be complemented by a recognition of the enduring importance of the human touch, both in policy and appropriate training. Balancing technology with the insights, judgement, and empathy that only humans can provide is the key to achieving comprehensive safety and compliance.


https://wmcompliance.co.uk 35


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52