EHS Software for Manufacturing: Ensuring the Health, Safety, and Well-being of Your Employees

Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of employees is a crucial aspect of any manufacturing company. With the increasing emphasis on corporate social responsibility and the legal obligation to provide a safe workplace, manufacturers are turning to EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) software to streamline their safety management systems. EHS software for manufacturing allows companies to manage workplace hazards, comply with regulatory requirements, and reduce any potential risk.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global EHS market size was valued at $1.3 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 10.2% from 2021 to 2028. The report also highlights that the manufacturing industry is the largest end-use segment for EHS software, accounting for 28.5% of the market share.

This article will answer the question ‘What is EHS tracking software?’ and explore the benefits of implementing EHS software in manufacturing and how it can improve workplace manufacturing safety and employee well-being. Keep on reading to find this and many more.

What is EHS in the manufacturing industry?

What is EHS? EHS, short for Environmental, Health, and Safety, is a vital concept that focuses on ensuring the well-being and safety in manufacturing for employees while minimizing the environmental impact of manufacturing operations. In the manufacturing industry, EHS programs are essential to reduce accidents, injuries, and illnesses in the workplace.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the manufacturing industry reported approximately 2,8 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019 alone, with musculoskeletal disorders and traumatic injuries being the leading causes of lost workdays.

What is EHS management software?

What is EHS software then? To address these issues, EHS safety software has emerged as a powerful tool for managing safety risks and environmental compliance. It can automate tasks, manage data, and generate EHS reports, enabling manufacturers to streamline their safety management systems and reduce the risk of accidents and environmental incidents.

Furthermore, EHS systems can provide real-time tracking and analysis of workplace hazards and EHS incident management, which can help manufacturers identify areas of risk and proactively address them before they lead to more severe issues. According to a study by the National Safety Council, businesses that prioritize safety and health can significantly reduce costs associated with lost time, workers' compensation, and medical expenses.

How much does EHS software cost?

The cost of EHS software can vary widely depending on various factors such as the size of the organization, the scope of the EHS program, the level of customization required, and the type of deployment (cloud-based or on-premise). Generally, EHS software vendors offer different pricing models, including per-user, per-module, or subscription-based pricing.

According to a report by EHS Today, the average cost of EHS software is around $12,000 to $15,000 per year for a single user. However, this cost can increase significantly for larger organizations or those with more complex EHS programs. Customized EHS software development can also come with higher upfront costs but can provide a more tailored solution to specific business needs.

Importance of EHS compliance and risk management in environmental manufacturing

The manufacturing industry has a legal and ethical obligation to provide a safe workplace for employees and minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. EHS compliance and risk management play a critical role in achieving these goals.

Effective risk management can lead to significant business benefits for manufacturing companies, including improved productivity, reduced insurance costs, and enhanced reputation. According to a study by the UK Health and Safety Executive, businesses that implement effective EHS software manufacturing in the UK can experience a return on investment of up to 6:1.

EHS compliance refers to adhering to all relevant environmental, health, and safety regulations and standards. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal consequences, including fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. Moreover, non-compliance can harm a company's reputation, erode consumer trust, and lead to a loss of business. For example, in 2020, a US chemical company was fined $2 million for violating the Clean Air Act.

Risk management, on the other hand, is the process of identifying and assessing potential hazards and implementing measures to reduce or eliminate them. Manufacturing operations can be complex, and risk management is essential to prevent accidents and incidents that can lead to injuries, illness, property damage, or environmental harm. Proactive risk management can reduce the likelihood of workplace incidents, minimize downtime, and improve productivity.

The challenges facing manufacturing companies in terms of EHS compliance and risk management

Manufacturing companies face numerous challenges in terms of EHS compliance and risk management. Some of the significant challenges include regulatory requirements, workplace hazards, and environmental concerns.

Regulatory requirements are one of the most significant challenges facing manufacturers. Compliance with a broad range of environmental, health, and safety manufacturing regulations can be complex and time-consuming. Moreover, regulations and standards can vary by region and are constantly changing, requiring companies to stay updated and adapt their practices accordingly.

Workplace hazards are another significant challenge. Manufacturing operations can be complex and involve heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, and other safety risks. Identifying and mitigating these risks requires extensive training, regular safety inspections, and the implementation of safety protocols and equipment. According to a study by the National Safety Council, environmental management system companies that use safety management software report a 24% reduction in recordable incidents, a 14% reduction in lost workday injuries, and a 13% reduction in workers' compensation costs.

Environmental concerns are also a significant challenge for manufacturers. The manufacturing industry is a significant contributor to air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental issues. Manufacturers must implement measures to minimize environmental impact and comply with regulations such as waste disposal, emissions standards, and other environmental requirements.

The role of EHS software for manufacturing in addressing these challenges and promoting workplace safety and sustainability

An EHS management system can help companies maintain regulatory compliance by streamlining EHS data management and reporting, providing real-time monitoring, and automating regulatory workflows. This can significantly reduce the administrative burden of regulatory compliance and minimize the risk of non-compliance.

In terms of workplace hazards, EHS software can help identify potential safety risks through real-time tracking, analysis, and reporting. It can automate safety protocols, such as safety training and inspections, and provide valuable data to improve safety in manufacturing industry programs and reduce accidents and incidents.

Moreover, EHS software for manufacturing companies can support environmental sustainability by tracking and reporting on energy and resource usage, emissions, waste management, and other environmental factors. By providing valuable insights, companies can make data-driven decisions to improve sustainability and reduce their environmental footprint.

Key features of effective EHS software for manufacturing

Effective EHS software for EHS manufacturing should have a variety of key features to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and promote sustainable manufacturing EHS practices.

Some of these features include:

1. Hazard management: EHS solutions should allow companies to identify and assess potential hazards in the workplace. This feature should include the ability to track and report on a hazard EHS data incident and automate corrective actions to mitigate hazards.
2. Incident reporting: workplace safety software should have a simple, user-friendly interface for EHS reporting incidents and hazards. This feature should allow for real-time notifications and provide a comprehensive audit trail of all incidents and associated actions.
3. Risk assessment: EHS software should enable companies to conduct risk assessments and create risk profiles for various activities, equipment, and chemicals used in manufacturing operations. This feature should include the ability to assign risk levels and prioritize corrective actions to minimize risks.
4. Auditing: an environmental health and safety management system should provide tools for auditing and inspecting the workplace to identify non-compliance and safety hazards. This feature should include the ability to schedule audits and track corrective actions.
5. Reporting and analytics: health and safety management systems should provide customizable reports and analytics to help companies monitor EHS compliance, identify trends, and track progress toward EHS goals. This feature should provide real-time data and enable stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.

Custom EHS software development vs off-the-shelf solutions

Manufacturing companies have two options when it comes to implementing EHS software: custom development or off-the-shelf solutions. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing the right option depends on several factors, including budget, timeline, and specific business needs.

Custom EHS software development involves developing a solution tailored to the specific needs of the manufacturing company. This option allows for greater flexibility and customization, ensuring that the health and safety reporting software meets the unique needs of the organization.

Additionally, custom software can integrate with existing systems, such as ERP software, manufacturing operations management software, or CRM systems, and provide a more seamless user experience. However, custom development can be more expensive and time-consuming than off-the-shelf solutions. It may also require a higher level of technical expertise to maintain and update.

Off-the-shelf solutions, on the other hand, are pre-built solutions that can be purchased and deployed quickly. They are often less expensive than custom solutions and require less technical expertise to implement and maintain. Additionally, off-the-shelf solutions may be designed with the latest industry standards and best practices, ensuring that the software is up-to-date and compliant with regulations. However, off-the-shelf solutions may not be as customizable as custom solutions.

Benefits of effective EHS software implementation in manufacturing

Implementation of effective EHS software in manufacturing can bring several benefits to an organization.

Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Improved compliance: EHS software can streamline compliance with regulatory requirements by automating data management, reporting, and regulatory workflows. This reduces the administrative burden of compliance and minimizes the risk of non-compliance.
2. Reduced risk: top EHS software can help identify and mitigate workplace hazards, automate safety protocols, and provide real-time monitoring and reporting. This can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and incidents, improving the safety and well-being of employees.
3. Increased workplace safety: best EHS software can help create a culture of safety within the organization by promoting employee involvement in safety programs, providing training and education on safety best practices, and facilitating incident reporting and investigation.
4. Enhanced sustainability: enterprise safety applications management system can track and report on energy and resource usage, emissions, waste management, and other environmental factors. This data can help companies make data-driven decisions to improve sustainability, reduce their environmental footprint, and enhance their reputation as socially responsible and sustainable organizations.
5. Improved efficiency: an environmental health and safety management system can streamline processes, reduce paperwork, and automate workflows, improving the efficiency of EHS management. This allows employees to focus on more value-added tasks and can improve overall productivity.

The ROI of EHS software implementation in manufacturing

The return on investment (ROI) of EHS software implementation in manufacturing can be significant. While the initial costs of implementing EHS in manufacturing may seem high, the long-term benefits can outweigh the costs and provide a positive ROI.

Here are some of the key ways that EHS software can provide cost savings and productivity gains:

1. Reduced incidents: EHS software for manufacturing can help reduce workplace incidents and accidents, which can lead to significant cost savings associated with workers' compensation claims, medical expenses, and lost productivity due to employee absences.
2. Improved compliance: EHS software can automate regulatory compliance, which can reduce the risk of non-compliance fines and penalties.
3. Increased efficiency: environmental health and safety management systems can streamline processes, automate workflows, and reduce paperwork, improving overall efficiency and productivity. This can lead to cost savings by reducing the time and resources required to manage EHS programs.
4. Improved reputation: EHS software for manufacturing can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, improving their reputation and enhancing customer loyalty. This can result in increased revenue and market share.
5. Enhanced decision making: environmental health and safety software can provide real-time data on workplace hazards, incidents, and sustainability metrics. This data can help organizations make data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability.

Case studies of successful EHS software implementation in manufacturing

There have been numerous successful implementations of safety software management systems in the manufacturing industry, resulting in a wide range of benefits and outcomes.

Here are a few examples of successful EHS software implementations:

1. General Electric (GE): GE implemented an EHS software system across its global operations to automate regulatory compliance and improve visibility into EHS performance. The system enabled GE to reduce the time and resources required to manage EHS programs, resulting in significant cost savings. It also improved EHS performance by reducing workplace incidents and enhancing sustainability metrics.
2. The Dow Chemical Company: Dow implemented an EHS software system to automate its global safety programs for manufacturing, including compliance management, incident reporting, and risk assessment. The system enabled Dow to improve EHS performance by reducing incidents, enhancing sustainability metrics, and improving regulatory compliance. It also improved efficiency and reduced costs associated with EHS management.
3. PepsiCo: PepsiCo implemented an EHS software for manufacturing to manage its global EHS programs, including compliance management, incident reporting, and risk assessment. The system enabled PepsiCo to improve regulatory compliance, reduce incidents and accidents, and enhance sustainability metrics.

The latest trends and developments in EHS software for manufacturing

The field of EHS software for manufacturing is constantly evolving, with new trends and developments emerging to address the ever-increasing demands of the industry.

Here are some of the latest trends and developments in EHS software for manufacturing:

1. Use of AI: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in EHS software to automate repetitive tasks, identify patterns and anomalies, and provide insights for proactive risk management. For example, AI data analytics can be used to analyze data from various sources to predict potential workplace hazards and suggest mitigation strategies.
2. Predictive analytics: EHS software is now incorporating predictive analytics to identify potential risks and hazards before they occur. By analyzing data from various sources, predictive analytics can help identify potential issues and provide suggestions for risk mitigation.
3. Real-time monitoring: real-time monitoring is becoming more prevalent in EHS software, allowing for instant feedback and response to any potential hazards. Real-time monitoring can be used to track various parameters such as temperature, pressure, and noise levels to identify potential hazards.
4. Mobile applications: EHS software is now being developed with mobile applications to enable field workers to access critical EHS data from their smartphones or tablets. This can provide real-time data access and streamline the reporting process, improving communication and reducing the risk of errors.
5. Cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based EHS software is becoming increasingly popular, allowing companies to access their EHS data from anywhere at any time. Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and cost savings, making it an attractive option for manufacturing companies.

How a digital transformation partner like Apiko can help manufacturing companies implement EHS software effectively

Digital transformation partners aka EHS companies can play a vital role in helping manufacturing companies implement EHS software effectively. They can provide custom software development services to tailor the software to the unique needs and workflows of the manufacturing company, ensuring that the software is user-friendly and intuitive for employees to use.

Moreover, EHS software companies can provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure that the EHS software is up-to-date and functioning optimally. They can also provide training and support to employees to ensure that they are using the software correctly and effectively.

By partnering with a digital transformation partner, manufacturing companies can ensure a smooth and effective implementation of EHS software, avoiding common pitfalls such as software integration issues, lack of user adoption, and inadequate training. Such a partner can also help manufacturing companies stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in EHS software and technology, ensuring that they are always at the forefront of workplace safety and sustainability.

Wrapping up

EHS software for manufacturing is no longer an option, but a necessity for manufacturing companies. With workplace hazards and environmental concerns on the rise, businesses need to prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of their employees.

Investing in effective EHS software can not only help companies comply with regulatory requirements and reduce risk, but also improve productivity, save costs, and promote sustainability. It's time to take action and make EHS software a cornerstone of your manufacturing operations because when it comes to employee health and safety, there's no compromise.

Ready to take your EHS processes in manufacturing to the next level? Contact Apiko today for custom EHS software development solutions. Let's work together to create a safe and sustainable manufacturing environment while driving business growth and compliance.