Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) certifications are like a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for businesses. They demonstrate to your customers, employees, and the general public that you take their safety seriously and are committed to running a responsible operation. But do you need them? Let's take a closer look.
EHS Certifications Help You Comply with Regulations
One of the primary benefits of EHS certification is that it helps businesses comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations. This is because the requirements for certification often go beyond what is required by law. As such, achieving certification can help businesses demonstrate due diligence and a commitment to continual improvement in their EHS management systems.
EHS Certifications Can Help You Win Contracts
In many industries, EHS certification has become a key selection criteria for awarding contracts. This means that if your business is not certified, you may be at a disadvantage when competing for work. As such, having an EHS certification can give you a leg up on the competition and help you win more contracts.
EHS Certifications Enhance Your Reputation
Achieving EHS certification can also enhance your business's reputation. This is because customers, clients, shareholders, and other stakeholders are increasingly interested in doing business with companies that have been certified as responsible and sustainable. As such, having an EHS certification can help you attract new business and build trust with your existing customer base.
There are three main types of EHS certifications:
1. ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems
2. OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
3. EMS - Environmental Management Systems
ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems Certificate
ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems. It is designed to help businesses reduce their environmental footprint and comply with applicable regulations. To become certified, organizations must create an Environmental Management System (EMS) that meets the requirements of the ISO 14001 Standard.
OHSAS 18001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Certificate
OHSAS 18001 is an occupational health and safety management system certification. This certificate demonstrates a company’s commitment to providing a safe working environment for its employees, as well as compliance with relevant safety laws and regulations. To become certified, companies must develop a comprehensive Occupational Health & Safety Management System (OHSMS).
EMS - Environmental Management Systems Certificate
EMS is a certification program offered by the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). It is designed to help organizations demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability. To become certified, businesses must create an Environmental Management System that meets the requirements of the EMS Standard.
Each type of certification has its own set of requirements and benefits, but they all share one common goal: to help businesses operate in a more sustainable, environmentally-friendly way while also protecting the health and safety of their employees.
So, do you need EHS certifications?
It depends on your business and your industry. If you're in a highly regulated industry or if you're looking to do business with larger companies, then the answer is probably yes. However, if you're a small business with no plans to expand, then the answer may be no.
Conclusion
EHS certifications can be helpful for businesses of all sizes, but they may not be necessary for everyone. If you think your business could benefit from one or more of these certifications, talk to an EHS consultant or specialist to get their professional opinion.