CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
UNIT 1
Need for development environment health and safety in workplace
Management Commitment
Management commitment to EHS performance is widely recognized as one of the elements most critical to
EHS program success and to the development of a strong culture of safety within an organization. Therefore,
the management system document establishes management commitment with a formal statement of intent,
which defines examples of how performance goals are supported. Examples of how this commitment is
supported include the following:
• Establish methods to use energy more efficiently, reduce waste, and prevent accidents.
• Comply with laws, regulations, and organizational requirements applicable to their operations.
• Improve EHS performance continually.
• Conduct periodic assessments to verify and validate EHS performance
Planning
Planning is an integral part of all elements of the management system and to be effective involves the design
and development of suitable processes and organizational structure to manage EHS aspects and their
associated risk control systems proportionately to the needs, hazards, and risks of the organization. Planning
is equally important to deal with health risks that might only become apparent after a long latency period. It
also establishes objectives that define the criteria for judging success or failure of the management system.
Objectives are identified on the basis of either the results of the initial status review, subsequent periodic
reviews, or other available data.
Various sources of information are used to identify applicable EHS aspects and to assess the risk associated
with each. Examples include, but are not limited to, information obtained from the following:
• hazard/exposure assessment,
• risk assessment,
• inspections,
• permits,
• event investigations (injury and illness investigations, environmental incident investigations, root-
cause analysis, trend analysis),
• internal audits and/or external agency audits,
• fire and building codes,
• employee feedback concerning unsafe work conditions or situations,
• emerging issues,
• corporate/institution goals, and
• emergency management.
Once applicable EHS aspects are identified, a risk-based evaluation is performed to determine the potential
impact and adequacy of existing control measures. If additional controls or corrective actions are needed to
, CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
reduce risks to acceptable levels, they are integrated into business planning. Categorizing each item in this
manner allows gaps that are identified to be prioritized and incorporated, based on level of importance and
available resources.
Care should be taken when developing and disseminating new controls and corrective actions. If
requirements are perceived by laboratory personnel as unnecessarily onerous, there is potential for lower
compliance within the organization and a loss of credibility on the part of EHS personnel. While
understanding that some individuals will never be convinced of the need for new controls, it is important to
provide clear, supported justifications for changes to existing protocols to encourage adoption of the new
policies and procedures.
Implementation
The design of management arrangements should reflect the organization's business needs and the nature of
their risks. However, there should be appropriate activity across all elements of the model (policy; planning;
implementation; performance measurement, audits, and change management; and management review).
Specifically the organization should make arrangements to cover the following key areas:
• overall plans and objectives, including employees and resources, for the organization to implement
its policy;
• operational plans to implement arrangements to control the risks identified;
• contingency plans for foreseeable emergencies and to mitigate their effects (e.g., prevention,
preparedness, and response procedures);
• plans covering the management of change of either a permanent or a temporary nature (e.g.,
associated with new processes or plant working procedures, production fluctuations, legal
requirements, and organizational and staffing changes);
• plans covering interactions with other interested parties (e.g., control, selection, and management of
contractors; liaison with emergency services; visitor control);
• performance measures, audits, and status reviews;
• corrective action implementation;
• plans for assisting recovery and return to work of any staff member who is injured or becomes ill
through work activities;
• communication networks to management, employees, and the public;
• clear performance and measurement criteria defining what is to be done, who is responsible, when it
is to be done, and the desired outcome;
• education and training requirements associated with EHS;
• document control system; and
• contractors should have written safety plans and qualified staff whose qualifications are thoroughly
reviewed before a contract is awarded. All contractor personnel should be required to comply with
the sponsoring organization's safety policies and plans.
Though it is the responsibility of each individual researcher to ensure that work is performed in a prudent
and safe manner, achieving a safe laboratory environment is a cooperative endeavor between management,
EHS personnel, and laboratory personnel. Regulations, policies, and plans will never cover every
contingency, and it is important for these different groups to communicate with each other to ensure that
new situations can be handled appropriately. One way to ensure that the needs of all groups are being met is
, CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
by creating safety committees consisting of representatives from each part of an organization. In this forum,
safety concerns can be raised, information can be distributed to affected parties, and a rough sense of the
efficacy of policies and programs can be gained.
Performance Measurement and Change Management
The primary purpose of measuring EHS performance is to judge the implementation and effectiveness of the
processes established for controlling risk. Performance measurement provides information on the progress
and current status of the arrangements (strategies, processes, and activities) used by an organization to
control risks to EHS. Measurement information includes data to judge the management system by
• gathering information on how the system operates in practice,
• identifying areas where corrective action is necessary, and
• providing a basis for continual improvement.
All of the components of the EHS management system should be adequately inspected, evaluated,
maintained, and monitored to ensure continued effective operation. Risk assessment and risk control should
be reviewed in the light of modifications or technological developments. Results of evaluation activities are
used as part of the planning process and management review, to improve performance and correct
deficiencies over time.
Periodic audits that enable a deeper and more critical appraisal of all of the elements of the EHS
management system (see Figure 2.1) should be scheduled and should reflect the nature of the organization's
hazards and risks. To maximize benefits, competent persons independent of the area or activity should
conduct the audits. The use of external, impartial auditors should be considered to assist in evaluation of the
EHS management system. When performing these reviews, it is important that the organization have a plan
for following up on the results of the audit to ensure that problems are addressed and that recognition is
given where it is deserved.
The concept of change management in the laboratory environment varies markedly from methods typically
prescribed, for example, in manufacturing operations. By its very nature, the business of conducting
experiments is constantly changing. Therefore, it is a part of everyday activities to evaluate modifications
and/or technological developments in experimental and scale-up processes. As such, a number of standard
practices are used to identify appropriate handling practices, containment methods, and required procedures
for conducting laboratory work in a safe manner. Several examples of these practices include
• identification of molecules as particularly hazardous substances (PHSs), 2 which specifies certain
handling and containment requirements and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
• approval and training for new radioisotope users;
• completion of biosafety risk assessments for the use of infectious agents; and
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) review of chemicals being used.
Management Review of EHS Management System
Top management should review the organization's EHS management system at regular intervals to ensure its
continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. This review includes assessing opportunities for
improvement and the need for changes in the management system, including the EHS policy and objectives.
The results of the management review should be documented.
Among other information, a management review should include the following:
• results of EHS management system audits,
, CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
• results from any external audits,
• communications from interested parties,
• extent to which objectives have been met,
• status of corrective and preventive actions,
• follow-up actions from previous management reviews, and
• recommendations for improvement based on changing circumstances.
The outputs from management review should include any decisions and actions related to possible change to
EHS policy, objectives, and other elements of the management system, consistent with the commitment to
continual improvement.
The management system review ensures a regular process that evaluates the EHS management system in
order to identify deficiencies and modify them. Systemic gaps, evidence that targets are not being met, or
compliance issues that are discovered during compliance or risk assessments indicate a possible need for
revision to the management system or its implementation
• Line management responsibility for safety. Line management is directly responsible for the
protection of the public, the workers, and the environment. As a complement to line management,
the Department's Office of Environment, Safety, and Health provides safety policy, enforcement, and
independent oversight functions.
• Clear roles and responsibilities. Clear and unambiguous lines of authority and responsibility for
ensuring safety shall be established and maintained at all organizational levels within the Department
and its contractors.
• Competence commensurate with responsibilities. Personnel shall possess the experience,
knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary to discharge their responsibilities.
• Balanced priorities. Resources shall be effectively allocated to address safety, programmatic, and
operational considerations. Protecting the public, the workers, and the environment shall be a priority
whenever activities are planned and performed.
• Identification of safety standards and requirements. Before work is performed, the associated
hazards shall be evaluated and an agreed-upon set of safety standards and requirements shall be
established which, if properly implemented, will provide adequate assurance that the public, the
workers, and the environment are protected from adverse consequences.
• Hazard controls tailored to work being performed. Administrative and engineering controls to
prevent and mitigate hazards shall be tailored to the work being performed and associated hazards.
• Operations authorization. The conditions and requirements to be satisfied for operations to be
initiated and conducted shall be clearly established and agreed upon.
International initiatives, National Policy and Legislations on EHS in India
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations in India are influenced by various international
initiatives and national policies and legislations. Here is a comprehensive overview:
International Initiatives
1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
B.E CIVIL ENG
UNIT 1
Need for development environment health and safety in workplace
Management Commitment
Management commitment to EHS performance is widely recognized as one of the elements most critical to
EHS program success and to the development of a strong culture of safety within an organization. Therefore,
the management system document establishes management commitment with a formal statement of intent,
which defines examples of how performance goals are supported. Examples of how this commitment is
supported include the following:
• Establish methods to use energy more efficiently, reduce waste, and prevent accidents.
• Comply with laws, regulations, and organizational requirements applicable to their operations.
• Improve EHS performance continually.
• Conduct periodic assessments to verify and validate EHS performance
Planning
Planning is an integral part of all elements of the management system and to be effective involves the design
and development of suitable processes and organizational structure to manage EHS aspects and their
associated risk control systems proportionately to the needs, hazards, and risks of the organization. Planning
is equally important to deal with health risks that might only become apparent after a long latency period. It
also establishes objectives that define the criteria for judging success or failure of the management system.
Objectives are identified on the basis of either the results of the initial status review, subsequent periodic
reviews, or other available data.
Various sources of information are used to identify applicable EHS aspects and to assess the risk associated
with each. Examples include, but are not limited to, information obtained from the following:
• hazard/exposure assessment,
• risk assessment,
• inspections,
• permits,
• event investigations (injury and illness investigations, environmental incident investigations, root-
cause analysis, trend analysis),
• internal audits and/or external agency audits,
• fire and building codes,
• employee feedback concerning unsafe work conditions or situations,
• emerging issues,
• corporate/institution goals, and
• emergency management.
Once applicable EHS aspects are identified, a risk-based evaluation is performed to determine the potential
impact and adequacy of existing control measures. If additional controls or corrective actions are needed to
, CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
reduce risks to acceptable levels, they are integrated into business planning. Categorizing each item in this
manner allows gaps that are identified to be prioritized and incorporated, based on level of importance and
available resources.
Care should be taken when developing and disseminating new controls and corrective actions. If
requirements are perceived by laboratory personnel as unnecessarily onerous, there is potential for lower
compliance within the organization and a loss of credibility on the part of EHS personnel. While
understanding that some individuals will never be convinced of the need for new controls, it is important to
provide clear, supported justifications for changes to existing protocols to encourage adoption of the new
policies and procedures.
Implementation
The design of management arrangements should reflect the organization's business needs and the nature of
their risks. However, there should be appropriate activity across all elements of the model (policy; planning;
implementation; performance measurement, audits, and change management; and management review).
Specifically the organization should make arrangements to cover the following key areas:
• overall plans and objectives, including employees and resources, for the organization to implement
its policy;
• operational plans to implement arrangements to control the risks identified;
• contingency plans for foreseeable emergencies and to mitigate their effects (e.g., prevention,
preparedness, and response procedures);
• plans covering the management of change of either a permanent or a temporary nature (e.g.,
associated with new processes or plant working procedures, production fluctuations, legal
requirements, and organizational and staffing changes);
• plans covering interactions with other interested parties (e.g., control, selection, and management of
contractors; liaison with emergency services; visitor control);
• performance measures, audits, and status reviews;
• corrective action implementation;
• plans for assisting recovery and return to work of any staff member who is injured or becomes ill
through work activities;
• communication networks to management, employees, and the public;
• clear performance and measurement criteria defining what is to be done, who is responsible, when it
is to be done, and the desired outcome;
• education and training requirements associated with EHS;
• document control system; and
• contractors should have written safety plans and qualified staff whose qualifications are thoroughly
reviewed before a contract is awarded. All contractor personnel should be required to comply with
the sponsoring organization's safety policies and plans.
Though it is the responsibility of each individual researcher to ensure that work is performed in a prudent
and safe manner, achieving a safe laboratory environment is a cooperative endeavor between management,
EHS personnel, and laboratory personnel. Regulations, policies, and plans will never cover every
contingency, and it is important for these different groups to communicate with each other to ensure that
new situations can be handled appropriately. One way to ensure that the needs of all groups are being met is
, CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
by creating safety committees consisting of representatives from each part of an organization. In this forum,
safety concerns can be raised, information can be distributed to affected parties, and a rough sense of the
efficacy of policies and programs can be gained.
Performance Measurement and Change Management
The primary purpose of measuring EHS performance is to judge the implementation and effectiveness of the
processes established for controlling risk. Performance measurement provides information on the progress
and current status of the arrangements (strategies, processes, and activities) used by an organization to
control risks to EHS. Measurement information includes data to judge the management system by
• gathering information on how the system operates in practice,
• identifying areas where corrective action is necessary, and
• providing a basis for continual improvement.
All of the components of the EHS management system should be adequately inspected, evaluated,
maintained, and monitored to ensure continued effective operation. Risk assessment and risk control should
be reviewed in the light of modifications or technological developments. Results of evaluation activities are
used as part of the planning process and management review, to improve performance and correct
deficiencies over time.
Periodic audits that enable a deeper and more critical appraisal of all of the elements of the EHS
management system (see Figure 2.1) should be scheduled and should reflect the nature of the organization's
hazards and risks. To maximize benefits, competent persons independent of the area or activity should
conduct the audits. The use of external, impartial auditors should be considered to assist in evaluation of the
EHS management system. When performing these reviews, it is important that the organization have a plan
for following up on the results of the audit to ensure that problems are addressed and that recognition is
given where it is deserved.
The concept of change management in the laboratory environment varies markedly from methods typically
prescribed, for example, in manufacturing operations. By its very nature, the business of conducting
experiments is constantly changing. Therefore, it is a part of everyday activities to evaluate modifications
and/or technological developments in experimental and scale-up processes. As such, a number of standard
practices are used to identify appropriate handling practices, containment methods, and required procedures
for conducting laboratory work in a safe manner. Several examples of these practices include
• identification of molecules as particularly hazardous substances (PHSs), 2 which specifies certain
handling and containment requirements and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
• approval and training for new radioisotope users;
• completion of biosafety risk assessments for the use of infectious agents; and
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) review of chemicals being used.
Management Review of EHS Management System
Top management should review the organization's EHS management system at regular intervals to ensure its
continuing suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness. This review includes assessing opportunities for
improvement and the need for changes in the management system, including the EHS policy and objectives.
The results of the management review should be documented.
Among other information, a management review should include the following:
• results of EHS management system audits,
, CCE332 ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY K.SURYA
B.E CIVIL ENG
• results from any external audits,
• communications from interested parties,
• extent to which objectives have been met,
• status of corrective and preventive actions,
• follow-up actions from previous management reviews, and
• recommendations for improvement based on changing circumstances.
The outputs from management review should include any decisions and actions related to possible change to
EHS policy, objectives, and other elements of the management system, consistent with the commitment to
continual improvement.
The management system review ensures a regular process that evaluates the EHS management system in
order to identify deficiencies and modify them. Systemic gaps, evidence that targets are not being met, or
compliance issues that are discovered during compliance or risk assessments indicate a possible need for
revision to the management system or its implementation
• Line management responsibility for safety. Line management is directly responsible for the
protection of the public, the workers, and the environment. As a complement to line management,
the Department's Office of Environment, Safety, and Health provides safety policy, enforcement, and
independent oversight functions.
• Clear roles and responsibilities. Clear and unambiguous lines of authority and responsibility for
ensuring safety shall be established and maintained at all organizational levels within the Department
and its contractors.
• Competence commensurate with responsibilities. Personnel shall possess the experience,
knowledge, skills, and abilities that are necessary to discharge their responsibilities.
• Balanced priorities. Resources shall be effectively allocated to address safety, programmatic, and
operational considerations. Protecting the public, the workers, and the environment shall be a priority
whenever activities are planned and performed.
• Identification of safety standards and requirements. Before work is performed, the associated
hazards shall be evaluated and an agreed-upon set of safety standards and requirements shall be
established which, if properly implemented, will provide adequate assurance that the public, the
workers, and the environment are protected from adverse consequences.
• Hazard controls tailored to work being performed. Administrative and engineering controls to
prevent and mitigate hazards shall be tailored to the work being performed and associated hazards.
• Operations authorization. The conditions and requirements to be satisfied for operations to be
initiated and conducted shall be clearly established and agreed upon.
International initiatives, National Policy and Legislations on EHS in India
Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulations in India are influenced by various international
initiatives and national policies and legislations. Here is a comprehensive overview:
International Initiatives
1. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC):
