The US Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 by President Nixon. Its mission is to provide a clean and healthy environment for Americans. The group creates laws, policies, and programs for environmental health and safety.
So, what is environmental health and safety? Why should it mean something to you? Does your business need it?
Keep reading to learn more about how environmental health and safety help to better the world around us. You’ll also discover why you shouldn’t take the regulations lightly.
Environmental Health and Safety Organizations
Did you know each state has its own environmental health and safety (EHS) organizations? You can read a list of them here.
The main purpose of an EHS organization is to enforce policies. EHS policies work to protect human health and the environment from dangerous substances and chemicals. These organizations provide scientific expertise to the public to help them understand how the environment contributes to diseases and health.
The federal government has an EHS group, discussed above, but did you know most companies also have a department dedicated to EHS? The department maintains compliance with policies and laws while ensuring the safety of its workers.
Interested in learning more about EHS? Check out this white paper from the International Life Sciences Institute.
Health and Safety Policies
EHS organizations and groups develop policies and programs for businesses, communities, and local cities. These are designed to reduce chemical and environmental exposures to:
- Air
- Soil
- Water
- Food
Following the creation of the EPA, there were several other organizations put into place. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) was introduced not long after to ensure there were safety regulations for American workers.
EHS regulations are designed to protect the well-being of workers and the environment. Each company in operation should have dedicated policies in place to maintain EHS compliance.
Environmental Health and Safety Compliance
So, what happens if you don’t follow EHS laws? Businesses could face serious consequences and fines if the proper compliance requirements are not put in place. The EPA and each state’s EHS organizations enforce the local and federal EHS laws.
Businesses must comply if they want to remain in business. The protections put into place not only benefit the environment, but also the workers and community. EHS compliance is both a moral and legal obligation of business owners.
When you follow EHS laws, you have fewer accidents and reduce the release of harmful substances into the world around you. Companies that highlight its mission and dedication to EHS make a lasting impression on employees and customers.
Learn More
This article was an overview of environmental health and safety practices. We hope you better understand the policies and standards associated with EHS. Now that you have more information, you can make sure your company stays compliant.
Do you want to read more fun and educational articles? Check out our blog.
Hemant Kumar is a project manager at Tridindia with more than nine years of commendable experience in writing about LMS, translation, and IT. His unmatched talent and passion for digital marketing gave him the opportunity to work as a multi-tasking project manager at TridIndia’s sister company, Link Building Corp. Today, he contributes to the world by imparting knowledge on SEO, link building and internet marketing etc., that helps business owners grow their online business.
