Learn how improved connectivity can enhance EHS outcomes

And why disconnected systems are a risk to EHS program success

It’s not uncommon to see multiple Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) systems being used in one organization. Whether it’s a symptom of business growth over time, different needs in different departments, or the perceived benefit of niche, specialist EHS software providers for each use case, disconnected systems can pose a significant risk. 

Symptoms of disconnected EHS systems appear as data silos, inefficient processes, and disjointed reporting that delay hazard responses and hinder safety management efforts. In this article, we explore how so many organizations got here, the negative impact of disparate EHS systems, and the best way to move your EHS program forward with the correct software selection.

Why are so many EHS programs disconnected?

Firstly, if you are experiencing the pain of multiple EHS systems you’re not alone. 

The 2024 Global EHS Readiness Report discovered that 88.3% of organizations fall into this category, with the vast majority (67.1%) in an operational EHS phase consisting of some digital point solutions, spreadsheets and paper-based processes. Another 20.2% of organizations find themselves in the progressive category, with digital systems across the majority of EHS activities but wrestling with bringing everything together.

The point is, from over 1000 global EHS leaders surveyed, disconnected systems are a consistent pain-point. 

So how did we get here? Any EHS professional knows the challenges we face. As responsibilities (and regulations) emerge and evolve, it’s natural to find solutions that fit a specific need, resulting in multiple specialized systems to address each aspect of EHS management.

The problem lies, however, when too many systems are implemented but aren’t (or can’t be) integrated together. While each may appear to be the best fit for the one use case, essential information becomes trapped within each individual tool and platform. As a result, data silos appear and information doesn’t flow freely across departments. 

And the real concern is the impact disconnected data has on safety outcomes – it delays identifying hazards, impedes the implementation of corrective actions, and hinders the continuous improvement of safety measures. When data isn’t easily accessible it slows down critical processes, increasing the risk of safety oversight.

It’s no wonder why 47% of EHS leaders cite lack of connectivity caused by disconnected solutions as their leading challenge. 

Poor Connectivity Impedes EHS Programs

There’s a good reason why improving EHS connectivity is a key focus for EHS leaders. Failure to do so impacts adoption and engagement with your safety programs, creates inefficiencies and inaccuracy, and has significant cost implications for your organization. 

• Adoption and Engagement: The key driver to the success of any EHS program is the accessibility and ease of use for your workforce. Multiple systems can become problematic from a user experience perspective, as each EHS platform uses a different interface (and may or may not be available online and offline). For managers, making sense of, and accurately connecting, an incident to a known hazard becomes an arduous task and may create blindspots due to the lack of an overall view of the organization’s safety data.

• Efficiency and Data Accuracy: Following on from the above, multiple and disconnected EHS systems lead to duplicated data entry which increases the likelihood of input errors and inconsistencies in data and reporting. For example, the same incident might be recorded differently in separate systems, eroding the reliability of data. Not only does this create uncertainty in decision making, it negatively impacts your ability to conduct thorough risk assessments and develop effective safety strategies.

• Cost Implications: Managing multiple EHS systems have both direct and indirect costs to your organization. Firstly, the cost associated for each individual EHS platform and the admin time for procurement and contract management of each. Secondly, costs are increased due to the inefficiencies and resources wasted managing multiple systems. Think about the time you’ve lost making sense of disparate data sets, and how your time could be better spent on proactive safety management!

  What’s more, The 2024 GERI Report highlights that data inaccuracies cause organizations to be more susceptible to non-compliance penalties. Fragmented data also contributes to misinformed decisions that can result in incidents, costs related to time off work, legal liabilities, and potential damage to an organization’s reputation. 

With the above in consideration, it’s clear to see how improving connectivity can positively improve safety outcomes. So how can you improve your EHS connectivity? Read on to find out. 

Choosing the right technology: The key to better connectivity.

The 2024 GERI report revealed that only 3% or organizations were at the ‘mature’ level of EHS. The one thing they had in common was their approach to EHS software; a single fully digital and interconnected platform. 

Leveraging unified end-to-end systems with integrated data capture and reporting technology, they are able to shift their focus to whole person safety and continuous improvement of their EHS programs. 

By viewing EHS software not just as a tool but as a strategic asset to drive compliance and safety outcomes, the right technology will provide:

• Improved Connectivity: Advanced software solutions bridge gaps between EHS components. This seamless communication and data flow enables a more cohesive and coordinated approach to safety management.
  

• Effective Data Management: Complete EHS software automates data collection and processing, seamlessly centralising huge amounts of data. This reduces the likelihood of human error and frees up resources to drive strategic safety initiatives

• Real-Time Data Access: Timely decision making relies on immediate access to data. Modern EHS technology provides real-time data insights so you can respond quickly to risks and incidents.
  

• Cloud-Based Systems: Cloud-based EHS solutions enable secure data storage and easy access from anywhere. This enhances collaboration and information sharing and provides the ability to scale rapidly.
  

• Integration Capabilities: Connectivity relies on robust integration. Modern EHS software facilitates the combining of data from multiple sources. From HR systems and operational tools through to IoT devices, a unified platform will give you a 360 degree view of your organization’s safety performance.

Taking a unified approach to EHS software can help increase performance significantly. For example, data related to one incident can be shared across other actvities, leading to improvements in how visitors are handled or pre-start checklists are deployed. It may also lead to the adoption of new technology like wearables, IoT devices or AI. At the very least, it drastically improves reporting for EHS leaders and enables greater focus on usability and adoption. And all of this contributes to a mature, future ready EHS program.

How can HSI Donesafe help increase your EHS connectivity?

HSI Donesafe is a strategic partner in your journey towards a more connected, streamlined, and efficient EHS management system. Designed with the modern organization in mind, addressing the unique challenges faced by safety professionals and business managers, our software can give you an unparalleled view of your EHS program, end-to-end.

By offering a suite of interconnected tools, HSI Donesafe ensures that EHS data flows seamlessly across various channels, empowering you with an integrated and efficient approach to safety and compliance management.

• Enhanced Connectivity: HSI Donesafe provides a unified platform. By effectively bridging the gap between disparate EHS components, data can be easily accessed, analysed, and shared. This deep integration breaks down data silos and opens up a comprehensive view of your organization’s safety performance.

• Support for Informed Decision-Making: With HSI Donesafe’s integrated systems, you can make well-informed decisions based on accurate and real-time data. This enhances your ability to identify trends, predict potential risks, and implement timely safety protocols.

• Efficient Data Management: The HSI Donesafe platform streamlines the process of data collection, storage, and analysis. Automated data processes save time wasted on admin and mitigates human error, maintaining data integrity at all times.

Increasing connectivity is a surefire way to improve your EHS program and safety outcomes. Stop the unnecessary inefficiencies and avoidable risks and move towards a more cohesive, compliant, and efficient workplace with HSI Donesafe. 

To see how we can provide a complete, connected Health, Safety, Injury, Environmental, Risk, and Quality Management in one integrated cloud-based platform, ask for a one-to-one tailored demo today. 

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Here are some other resources to help you assess your connectivity and future-readiness:

• Understand your current EHS technology capabilities with our Interrogate Your Tech checklist 
• Identify your biggest EHS program gaps, in under 10 minutes with our EHS Readiness Diagnostic