With COVID19 still a problem, it is imperative to ensure the safety of all employees, be it internal employees or outsourced contractors. Having to work remotely makes it even more challenging to keep track of the workforce. And as we know, non-compliance can result in incidents or can result in organizations paying penalties.
According to a survey conducted by EHS Today, the main challenge that businesses face is maintaining adherence to new policies with non-employees. As companies that employ contract/on-site workers, they usually have little control over the contractors' EHS activities. It is also recognized that employers are having a hard time enforcing these EHS procedures.
Although most companies have a system in place for hiring, pre-qualifying, and managing contractors, it is difficult for them to validate if on-site workers comply with the regulations.
The survey also reveals that 45% of companies either do not check the specifications of the contractors or do not conduct confirmation of their physical documents.
Most of their procedures involve traditional processes like paper documentation, using spreadsheets, chasing for signatures, or using unsecured messaging apps to communicate internal matters.
This practice can be improved by using a digital platform as companies can easily manage and track their performance & validate procedures while also checking whether or not the employees or contractors comply with the regulations.
Organizations need to ensure that they are on top of regulations. For the traditional process, it takes a lot of time to find out and identify the applicability of these changes for their organization. They need to ensure that changes are applied and complied with. Organizations also need to ensure that information is spread and understood across their internal stakeholders and contractors.
The good thing about digital platforms is they can be integrated into existing management systems. Organizations need not worry about revamping their current business process just to implement a new system.
With digital platforms like BlueKanGo, the solution can adapt to the existing procedures and centralize information. An on-site worker, for example, can immediately perform checks before starting a high-risk work activity. EHS Managers can then validate the report's accuracy before approving it.
This way both internal and external parties are more efficient and improved their means of communication while ensuring compliance. Digital platforms can help support organizations to address everyday health and safety issues.
With the COVID19 situation not looking to ease up any time soon, companies should embrace the “new normal” which consists of working remotely and digitizing their processes. This is a good chance to close gaps in existing EHS policies and procedures.
If you need more information about how ESC has helped other leading companies develop best practice incidents and integrated EHS programs, please contact us.
