The ongoing industrial transformation has introduced operational and business risks that Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) functions must address. This presents a unique career opportunity for EHS leaders to evolve, especially in the wake of COVID-19. By adopting proactive and coordinated approaches—particularly through digital technologies—industries are achieving significant improvements in operations.
Resilience is crucial for industrial profitability. Although initial challenges arose, success is now refocusing strategically. With an emphasis on the bottom line, the integration of digital solutions is making operations more efficient and user-friendly.
The “next normal” established during the pandemic is accelerating the adoption of software as a service, fostering remote work, and enabling rapid deployment of digital solutions. The demand for big data and analytics has surged; the pandemic amplified the necessity for real-time data to inform critical business decisions. For example, organizations like Johns Hopkins and SAS developed COVID-19 health dashboards to compile data from diverse sources, assisting governments and citizens alike.
These platforms facilitate data-driven decision-making and promote transparency, allowing for better foresight. As the lines between work and personal time blur, streamlined core processes empower rapid innovation for safety solution providers across industries.
Here are three compelling reasons to embrace digital transformation in EHS functions:
1. Health and Safety is More Than Just a ‘Department’
The pandemic has underscored the necessity of collaboration and connectivity in digital transformation. Predictive and prescriptive risk management is now paramount, as heightened safety awareness prevails. Misalignment of health and safety initiatives with core business operations can lead to dangerous, and sometimes life-threatening, consequences.
2. Going Digital Aligns with Operational Excellence
Beyond merely fulfilling regulatory requirements, the surge in digital technology usage in EHS has enhanced the health and well-being of both customers and employees. The pandemic demonstrated that a “slow and steady” approach was ineffective; instead, rapid and well-planned strategies are essential. Digitally mature companies grant employees greater autonomy in decision-making, boosting speed and agility.
For industries, this translates into three key value propositions for health and safety: speed, scale, and convenience.
3. Digitization Orchestrates a Stronger Recovery
Companies have adopted two different mindsets in response to current disruptions. Some are strategically positioning themselves for the “next normal,” while others are merely trying to survive. A Deloitte report reveals that 75% of CEOs see significant opportunities arising from this crisis.
This environment provides EHS an excellent chance for collaboration. Cross-functional teamwork and integrated improvement strategies must take precedence, with technology serving as an enabler.
As domain experts in EHS, we recommend that organizations, regardless of their current level of digital readiness, establish a digital game plan. This may involve strengthening foundational elements like effective management systems or implementing enabling software platforms.
For more information about our safety software solutions, visit https://coreehs.com/