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Preparing for Your EHS Visit: What You Need to Know to Get Ready

By Ajoy Gonsalves

Environmental health and safety (EHS) visits are an important part of any business, as they help ensure that the workplace is compliant with all applicable regulations and standards. EHS visits can also be beneficial to employers, as they can help identify potential areas of improvement and ensure that employees are working in a safe environment.

However, it's important to understand what to expect when an EHS visit is scheduled, and how to best prepare for one. In this article, we'll cover the benefits of an EHS visit, what happens during an EHS visit, what to expect from an EHS visit, how to prepare for one, common areas of focus for EHS visits, common issues identified during EHS visits, and what to do if you receive an EHS violation.

Introduction to Environmental Health and Safety Visits

An environmental health and safety (EHS) visit is a scheduled inspection of a facility or workplace by a professional EHS inspector. This inspection is designed to identify any potential risks or hazards, as well as ensure that all safety regulations and standards are being met. During an EHS visit, the inspector will review all aspects of the facility, including the layout, equipment, processes, and procedures. The inspector may also review employee training, safety protocols, and safety equipment.

EHS visits are typically conducted by a third-party company or organization, such as a local health department or an accredited inspection agency. The inspector will usually have a checklist of items to review during the visit, and they will take notes on any potential issues or areas of concern. After the visit, the inspector will provide a report to the employer detailing any findings, as well as any recommendations for improvement.

Benefits of an EHS Visit

EHS visits can be beneficial to both employers and employees. For employers, EHS visits can help identify potential issues or areas of improvement that can help improve safety and compliance. This can help reduce the risk of workplace injury and illness, as well as help ensure that the workplace is compliant with applicable regulations and standards.

For employees, EHS visits can provide peace of mind that their workplace is safe and compliant. This can help reduce anxiety and stress in the workplace, as well as reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, employees are more likely to be comfortable and productive in a safe and compliant workplace.

What happens during an EHS Visit

During an EHS visit, the inspector will review all aspects of the facility, including the layout, equipment, processes, and procedures. The inspector may also review employee training, safety protocols, and safety equipment. The inspector will typically have a list of items to review during the visit, and they will take notes on any potential issues or areas of concern.

The inspector may also take photographs or videos to document any findings or potential issues. Additionally, they may take samples of materials or products for testing. After the visit, the inspector will provide a report to the employer detailing any findings, as well as any recommendations for improvement.

What to expect from an EHS Visit

When an EHS visit is scheduled, it is important to understand what to expect from the inspector. The inspector will typically arrive on the premises and begin their inspection. During the inspection, the inspector will review all aspects of the facility, including the layout, equipment, processes, and procedures. They will also assess any employee training, safety protocols, and safety equipment.

The inspector may also take photographs or videos to document any findings or potential issues. Additionally, they may take samples of materials or products for testing. After the visit, the inspector will provide a report to the employer detailing any findings, as well as any recommendations for improvement.

How to prepare for an EHS Visit

When preparing for an EHS visit, it is important to ensure that all relevant documentation is up-to-date and easily accessible. This includes any safety protocols, employee training records, safety equipment records, and other relevant documents. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all areas of the facility are clean and organized, and that all safety equipment is in working order.

It is also important to ensure that all employees are aware of the upcoming visit and are prepared to answer any questions or provide any additional information that the inspector may need. Additionally, employees should be aware of the inspector's presence and any safety protocols that are in place.

Common areas of focus for EHS Visits

During an EHS visit, the inspector will typically focus on several key areas. These areas include employee training and safety protocols, the layout and condition of the facility, and the condition of safety equipment. The inspector may also review any hazardous materials or chemicals that are present in the facility, as well as any potential risks or hazards. Additionally, they may review any records or documentation related to safety or compliance.

Common issues identified during EHS Visits

During an EHS visit, the inspector may identify several common issues that could lead to potential risks or hazards. These include insufficient employee training, inadequate safety protocols, and unsafe layout or condition of the facility. The inspector may also identify issues with safety equipment, such as lack of maintenance or improper use. Additionally, the inspector may identify any hazardous materials or chemicals present in the facility, as well as any potential risks or hazards.

What to do if you receive an EHS violation

If the inspector identifies any violations during the EHS visit, it is important to address them promptly. The inspector will typically provide a report detailing any violations and recommendations for improvement. It is important to review this report and take any necessary steps to address the violations. This may include implementing any recommended changes, as well as any additional steps that may be necessary to ensure compliance.

Tips for succeeding during an EHS Visit

When preparing for an EHS visit, there are several tips to keep in mind to ensure a successful visit. First, it is important to ensure that all relevant documentation is up-to-date and easily accessible. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all areas of the facility are clean and organized, and that all safety equipment is in working order.

It is also important to ensure that all employees are aware of the upcoming visit and are prepared to answer any questions or provide any additional information that the inspector may need. Additionally, employees should be aware of the inspector's presence and any safety protocols that are in place.

Conclusion

EHS visits are an important part of any business, as they help ensure that the workplace is compliant with all applicable regulations and standards. It is important to understand what to expect when an EHS visit is scheduled, and how to best prepare for one.

This includes ensuring that all relevant documentation is up-to-date and easily accessible, as well as ensuring that all areas of the facility are clean and organized, and that all safety equipment is in working order. Additionally, it is important to ensure that all employees are aware of the upcoming visit and are prepared to answer any questions or provide any additional information that the inspector may need.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your EHS visit goes smoothly and that your workplace is compliant with all applicable regulations and standards.