Best EHS Management Software

EHS Software Guide

EHS management software, also known as Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) software, is a type of computer application designed to help businesses manage their safety programs and compliance with applicable regulations. It helps organizations identify hazards, track incidents, record injuries and illnesses, monitor regulatory changes and trends, assess risk levels in the workplace, develop safety policies and procedures, create training programs for employees, store safety documents in an organized manner and verify compliance.

At its core, EHS software consists of integrated modules that can be used individually or together to address the various facets of managing complex health and safety management programs. Many applications offer tracking tools that allow users to note hazardous incidents as they occur or review past occurrences when evaluating trends or creating preventative strategies. It often provides data-driven insights into potential risks within an organization. In addition to incident tracking capabilities, many EHS applications include reporting modules that allow users to generate customized reports showcasing key performance metrics such as incident frequency rate (IFR), lost-time injury rate (LTIR) or total recordable incident rate (TRIR).

Organizations may also choose to utilize automated workflows built into many EHS systems to simplify activities like storeroom management or corrective actions after noncompliance events have been identified. Compliance is paramount in any safety program; therefore most systems provide access to up-to-date regulatory information from trusted sources like OSHA standards for easy reference throughout the year. In some cases these systems can even send automated notifications about upcoming inspections or necessary employee certifications due upon expiration dates so it’s less likely for details essential for workplace operations are missed along the way.

Whether your organization is large or small scale there's a wide range of customizable options available when it comes to selecting an EHS management system that fits best with your established processes - from point solutions tailored toward a specific solution area such as advanced analytics tools designed exclusively for monitoring environmental data associated with air quality control - all the way up enterprise level suites offering complete coverage across every facet of EHS including crisis response planning protocols ensuring proper reactions during times of emergency situations on site.  Whichever route you go ultimately choosing the right tool is absolutely essential when it comes time for keeping staff safe and compliant with company policies & external regulations alike!

The Importance of EHS Management Software

Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) software is filling an increasingly important niche in business, and while it's especially crucial in the sorts of industries that require complex regulatory oversight, businesses in a wide range of different fields can benefit from having health and safety standards in place. That's because the sorts of areas that EHS covers are broad and varied. EHS can help you manage the health and safety of your employees, supervise systems for the fields of environmental and waste management, and ensure an overall hygienic methodology for your business. Given the scope and complexity of this software, it's generally best suited for enterprise level companies.

At its core, an EHS platform is fueled by databases, and rather than serving as a singular piece of software, they're generally comprehensive platforms that link together solutions that would otherwise be standalone. With the use of EHS software, you can get access to more neatly collated information, receive a macro view of the big data surrounding health and safety, and share information that would be otherwise regulated across multiple databases. In simpler terms, it allows each department to operate independently from one another while making sure that the information each gathers isn't segregated from the others. These databases are then uploaded to the larger EHS system where they can be accessed and cross-referenced as necessary. EHS software may use its own proprietary software across all departments, or it may support the usage of traditional Excel, Access, or home brewed spreadsheets.

If you decide to incorporate EHS software into your business' overall structure, you'll get access to a broader view of your company's activities. The sort of collation, analysis, and visualization of big data that EHS provides allows administrators and managers to see the big picture in clearer focus, mapping out the trends in their environmental and health policies, and predict future shifts. Most EHS also helps you keep track of federal and state mandated regulation changes, so you can adapt to these trends and make sure that your company is compliant with all expected standards.

A successful EHS platform covers countless different data points, and the features that are relevant to your business will vary depending on your company's needs. In terms of environmental oversight, you can use EHS to investigate incidences and determine the impact of spills or track the footprint of greenhouse gases on your company. In regards to employee safety, EHS can help with everything from making sure you have the proper inventory of personal protective equipment, investigate incidents, and ensure compliance with safety protocol. That said, EHS software typically won't be of much value on its own, but it can be the most valuable resource available to a company's EHS managers.

EHS Management Software Features

• Risk Management: EHS management software can help organizations identify, assess, and manage safety risks. It also provides insight into the potential risks associated with different activities or operations and can be used to develop action plans to minimize or eliminate risk.
• Compliance Management: An EHS management system helps organizations ensure they are meeting all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations. This includes tracking compliance with regulations, audits to track progress, and reporting capabilities that provide an overview of regulatory compliance status.
• Incident Tracking: An EHS management system allows organizations to capture incident information in a centralized system and track incidents from start to finish. It provides visibility into the incident root cause analysis process as well as reports for analyzing trends over time.
• Training & Education: An EHS management system tracks employee training requirements in order to ensure employees are adequately trained on key topics related to their job duties. It also allows for the development of online training modules that provide employees with easy access to education materials on key topics such as chemical handling or personal protective equipment use.
• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): An EHS management software provides a centralized location for storing safety data sheets (SDS) which must be kept up-to-date due to constantly changing chemicals and materials used by an organization. This ensures that employees have access to the most current SDS when necessary.
• Auditing & Inspections: Many EHS management systems have robust auditing capabilities which allow users to conduct internal inspections or third-party audits with ease. The software automatically generates reports based on audit results so that any identified issues can be addressed quickly before they become larger problems.
• Document Management: An EHS management system includes document control features which allows organizations to store documents like procedures, policies, and forms in one central repository for easy retrieval by all authorized personnel within the organization.
• Workflows & Notifications: An EHS management system can be configured to trigger automated workflows when an incident occurs or when a process is not completed on time. It also allows for the setup of automatic notifications when certain milestones have been reached, such as when a safety audit is due or when an employee’s training certification needs to be updated.
• Reporting & Analytics: An EHS management system provides a variety of reporting and analytics capabilities that allow organizations to understand their overall performance in terms of safety and compliance. Reports can provide insight into incident trends, regulatory compliance status, training requirements, and audit progress.

Types of EHS Software

• Automated Incident Management Software: This type of software automates the incident management process by allowing users to collect, manage and report on incidents in a timely fashion. It can help reduce the time it takes to detect, investigate and respond to safety-related issues.
• Environmental Monitoring & Reporting Software: This type of software helps companies monitor their environmental performance, identify potential hazards and measure their compliance with industry regulations. It's designed to provide real-time alerts when thresholds are exceeded or actions need to be taken.
• Risk Assessment & Workplace Safety Software: These types of software provide an easy way for organizations to assess workplace risks and comply with relevant regulations. The software can generate reports based on the analysis.
• Occupational Health & Wellness Software: This type of software helps employers track employee health information, such as medical records, wellness assessments and more. It is designed to ensure that employees receive appropriate care in accordance with safety standards and industry regulations.
• Training & Education Management Software: This type of software provides organizations with a centralized system for managing training programs, courses and certifications related to EHS topics. By tracking completion rates and certifications, this system allows companies to easily monitor compliance requirements at all times.
• Regulatory Compliance Software: This type of software helps organizations meet a range of regulatory requirements, such as those set by OSHA and other government agencies. The software can provide automatic alerts when deadlines are approaching or regulations change.
• Sustainability & Carbon Measurement Software: These types of software help organizations track their sustainability and ESG performance and measure their carbon emissions. The software can generate reports that detail the company's overall environmental impact.

Implementing EHS Software

Since the purview of EHS software is so broad and the needs of enterprise businesses so specific, implementing EHS software that fits your business often requires close communications with an EHS platform provider; and while it's not an overnight process, it can make things far easier for your company's continued performance. EHS managers will want to sit down with their software provider to outline the tools they need and put together a platform configuration that meets their needs. From there, IT will need to install the software and transfer their existing databases into the new system if available. Since EHS platforms typically coordinate data across a large number of departments, putting a robust training system in place is mandatory. But while there may be a decent amount of footwork necessary to get EHS software up and running, that bit of preparation can create a far more efficient and accurate assessment of your company's policies. Software providers are well versed in this sort of training, and they'll be willing to work closely with you every step of the way. These sorts of platforms are fluid, and updates and changes may have to be made as a company continues to grow and change.

The Benefits of Incorporating EHS Software

While software providers will work hard to make the transition as smooth as possible, incorporating EHS software is likely to be an intensive experience that will span multiple departments. But the initial cost of EHS software can pay significant dividends in the long run. Once the software has been integrated into your business model and you have everyone properly trained, the process of entering and accessing the information you need for compliance will be significantly easier. This is a huge boon for businesses that have to navigate complex regulatory rules, but the systems in place for workplace safety alone can be hugely beneficial.

The benefits of this type of software become readily apparent when you consider it as a long term investment. Entering legacy data can be a painstaking task, but the more data you incorporate into your database, the more actionable information you'll have. Your managers can identify trends dating back years or even decades and use them to plot a solvent path for the future. And as new regulations come into place, you'll have the data points you need to make the transitions you need far more smoothly. Many companies have managed to save millions of dollars through the integration of software like this, and the human element is just as important. The type of data gathered with a quality EHS platform can greatly reduce the risk of injuries and potentially save lives.

The Cost of EHS Software

Due to the modular nature of an EHS platform, it can be hard to determine the actual price involved. Each company will need to evaluate the software modules available to them and settle on the components they need for their specific model. The advantage here is that it scales to the demands of individual businesses. Companies can pay for what they specifically need and put aside the rest.

Advice For Choosing EHS Software

When choosing an EHS software platform, determining the modules that are right for your company today is an obvious necessity, but you also have to keep in mind how you expect your business to grow. The real benefits of EHS play out over a business' entire life cycle, and that's why planning is critical when evaluating your needs. Be wary of software providers that lock you into one methodology. Your software needs to adapt with your needs, and changing providers means reliving the intensive process of integrating a new platform. You'll want to take the same sort of long view perspective in terms of licensing. How does pricing scale to licenses, and how many users do you see yourself needing licensed ten years down the road?

General Pros and Cons of EHS Software

The short advantage of EHS software is that it allows a business to stay competitive. As mandated regulations become more complex, simple spreadsheet systems are becoming an ineffective method for keeping a company solvent. And the simple fact is that if your competitors have already incorporated an EHS platform into their infrastructure, they'll be able to undercut you in terms of pricing and effectiveness.

But that doesn't mean that you should jump in bed with a software provider without doing due diligence. EHS spans a wide range of industries, and that means that some providers are a better fit for some businesses than others. Finding the right partner can be a long process, but it's worth it in the end. Since the sorts of databases that EHS oversees often contain sensitive data, some businesses may be concerned about security issues. But those concerns are perhaps overstated. The cloud-based systems on which EHS runs are often more secure than local servers. But vet your provider carefully to make sure that they have security protocol in place that meets your standards.

Benefits of EHS software include:

1. Improved Compliance: Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) management software helps organizations comply with relevant local, state and federal regulations for safety, health and environmental management. It can provide a thorough overview of an organization’s regulatory compliance status and assess how it meets standards. The software also helps organizations identify any additional requirements that could be necessary to become compliant.
2. More Accurate Auditing: EHS management software assists in gathering data more expediently and accurately when it comes to both internal and external audits. It can help standardize audit process across multiple facilities, locations or regions while providing real-time access to audit results based on set parameters.
3. Enhanced Tracking: With EHS management software organizations can track employee data such as certifications, training programs, medical records, etc. This includes tracking incident reports related to worker injuries or illnesses as well as property damage or lost equipment.
4. Reduced Risk Exposure: By utilizing EHS software risk assessment can be conducted in an efficient manner to identify potential risks associated with processes or activities within the organization so steps can be taken proactively rather than reactively. Additionally it can ease the task of analyzing hazard trends through analysis and dashboards which help organizations make informed decisions for minimizing risk exposure.
5. Increased Cost Efficiency: With automated reporting features built into the EHS system cost savings are possible since manual reporting is no longer needed leading to labor savings across various areas such as training, inventory tracking, compliance monitoring and auditing processes.
6. Improved Safety Culture: By maintaining a record of processes, activities, and incidents regarding safety and health EHS software creates an environment that encourages safety consciousness across the organization. This increases the efficiency of safety awareness and training among employees which leads to improved safety culture.
7. Increased Productivity: With the implementation of EHS software organizations can find solutions to problems related to safety, health and environment faster. This allows teams to focus on more productive tasks like innovation and process improvements which enable them deliver better products or services with improved quality resulting in increased productivity.

Companies That Can Benefit From EHS

EHS is some of the most versatile software available, and the sort of functionality it provides can benefit a diverse range of businesses. Industries with high levels of risk to their workers like mining and manufacturing, oil and gas, and construction can create safer environments for their staff will reduce their liability when they use a sophisticated EHS system. EHS can be equally as effective when trying to store the sort of sensitive information prevalent in medical, government, aerospace, and aviation jobs; and restaurants and food producers can maintain more orderly methods for staying compliant with FDA regulations and mandatory audits. In terms of utility companies, EHS provides a better means to monitor the impact that energy providers have on the environment.

Future of EHS Management Software and Current Trends

An investment in EHS should be made with an eye towards your company's future, but you should also be aware of how the technology will change in the years to come. Shifts in the industry are starting to focus more on end-to-end solutions that track environmental compliance and workplace safety through every step of the process. And as technology in general moves more towards the software as a service model, EHS is following suit as well. That's because of the adaptability of cloud-based systems. SaaS systems mean less investment in infrastructure and less downtime for maintenance and updates. But many businesses are incorporating a hybrid model that pairs cloud-based software as a backup system for more traditional local servers.

Recent trends related to EHS software include:

1. Increased Integration: Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) management software solutions are integrating with other applications such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and geographic information systems (GIS) to provide users with a more comprehensive view of their operations in real-time.
2. Advanced Analytics: Many EHS management software solutions now feature advanced analytics capabilities that allow for data-driven decision making by providing automated reporting, key performance indicators (KPIs), customizable dashboards, and predictive modeling tools.
3. Automation: By leveraging artificial intelligence technologies such as robotics process automation (RPA) and natural language processing (NLP), modern EHS management software solutions are able to automate routine tasks such as data entry and document review to streamline processes while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
4. Improved Communication: EHS management software solutions are incorporating collaboration tools such as chatbots to enable better communication between teams regarding incident reports, regulatory compliance issues, corrective action plans, and more across any time zone or geographical location.
5. Cloud Compatibility: To ensure scalability and reduce costs, many vendors are offering cloud-based versions of their EHS management software which can be accessed securely from anywhere with an internet connection or mobile devices for remote access when needed.
6. Data Security: The security of the stored sensitive data is paramount in a digital world; the latest version of EHS management software incorporates encryption technology along with multi-factor authentication features to protect user data from unauthorized access or breaches from outside attacks.
7. User Intuitive Platforms: A number of vendors are focusing on creating user-friendly interfaces with easy navigation menus and helpful tutorials to make their software more accessible and reduce the learning curve for new users.

Who Uses EHS Management Software?

• Facility Managers: Professionals responsible for the day to day operations of a facility, who use EHS management software to track compliance related data such as employee safety records, hazardous materials inventory, and hazardous waste disposal.
• Regulatory Agency Representatives: Government personnel responsible for overseeing and enforcing regulations related to workplace safety and environmental protection, who use EHS software to audit a facility’s compliance with these regulations.
• Environmental Consultants: Experts hired by other companies or organizations to advise them on environmental issues, who may use EHS software to help their clients attain and maintain compliance.
• Corporate Executives: Company decision-makers who use EHS software to ensure that the organization is following applicable regulations in order to minimize risk of fines and legal liabilities.
• Safety Personnel: Professionals responsible for creating and implementing safety and health policies within a business or organization, who use EHS software to create safety plans according to OSHA guidelines, keep track of personnel training requirements, and analyze accident data.
• Employees: Individuals working at a facility covered by an EHS management system, who are required to complete certain safety-related tasks outlined in the system (such as attending training sessions).

How Much Does EHS Management Software Cost?

The cost of EHS management software can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of an organization’s environment, the range of features required, and the number of users. Generally speaking, prices for EHS management software can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars for basic programs to thousands or even tens of thousands depending on the specific needs of each organization.

For larger organizations with more complex requirements, they may need to purchase an enterprise-level subscription package that comes with additional support services. This type of arrangement will usually require an extended contract and may cost a lot more than basic packages. Additionally, companies may also choose to purchase additional modules or add-ons to extend the functionality of their system, which could add up quickly. Furthermore, some vendors also offer service plans or maintenance contracts which will provide updates and technical support for their product but these are typically offered at an extra cost.

In addition to initial costs associated with purchasing or subscribing to EHS software, there may be additional expenses related to implementation and training which should be considered when budgeting for a new system. Companies should always factor in any potential long-term costs that could arise from using such a system in order to ensure they are making informed decisions about their investment in EHS management software.

What Software Does EHS Management Software Integrate With?

Many different types of software are capable of integrating with EHS management software. These may include, but are not limited to, document management systems, customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, analytics and business intelligence tools, supply chain solutions, project and portfolio management systems, human capital management software (HCM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms and cloud-based applications. Each type of software offers unique features that can be used to streamline data tracking and reporting processes in EHS programs. By integrating these multiple solutions together in a cohesive system, organizations can gain visibility into all aspects of the EHS program while eliminating manual processes and improving overall efficiency.

How to Choose the Right EHS Management Software

1. Determine Your Needs: Start by creating a list of key features that must be included in the software for it to be successful for your organization. Consider any specific safety requirements or regulatory compliance issues that need to be addressed.
2. Research Available Software: Once you have determined what you need, research available software solutions and narrow down your choices by eliminating those that don’t meet your criteria.
3. Ask Questions: Contact vendors directly to ask questions about their products and services, as well as request more information on how they can help meet your organization’s needs.
4. Evaluate Demo Versions: If possible, try a demo version of the software to evaluate its features and usability for yourself and other team members who may interact with the program regularly.
5. Request References and Reviews: Speak with current customers or reference websites to get unbiased reviews and feedback on different EHS management systems before making a final decision on which one is right for you. Use the tools on this page to compare EHS management software by user reviews, pricing, features, integrations, and more.
6. Consider Costs and Licenses: Make sure to factor in any costs associated with the software, as well as licensing fees for each user or application within your organization that requires access. Negotiate with vendors if possible and consider any long-term savings by choosing a more comprehensive solution.
7. Make Your Decision: Once you have gathered all the necessary information and compared different options, make the final decision on which EHS management system is best for your organization.