By Brian Wanzenried
1 Introduction
This website is intended to assist those responsible for implementing environmental health and safety (EHS) requirements in the United States. It is primarily geared to those in the regulated industries but can also provide useful information to both consultants and regulators.
I put this information together for several reasons. There are courses on specific EHS programs, but I have not identified a comprehensive, general introduction for EHS professionals that covers the basics that we must learn on the job. In addition, I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from several bright and creative people; I want to share some of what I have learned.
I originally set out to write a book, but I realized a website would be easier to update as I continue to grow and learn. The longer I work in this field, the more I learn how extensive it is and how little I really know and understand. Therefore, I could never provide a plenary document or library. Instead, I am going to provide what I know, but continually add to this as my knowledge expands and continue to learn from my colleagues.
The first part of this website, Volume 1, addresses general EHS items. The second part of the website, Volume 2, which will be added as I have time, will address specific EHS regulations. Volume 3 will cover theoretical items (e.g., safety and environmental philosophies).
I can still recall a conversation I had with an experienced EHS consultant within the first few weeks of my initial EHS position; it seemed as though every other word he used was an acronym, none of which I recognized. The EHS profession may not be the only field that communicates using acronyms, but that does not make them any easier to understand. I was originally going to only use acronyms and provide a list at the end of the book. However, since I decided to make this a webpage instead of a book, I will instead write out the words and include the acronym throughout. For those new to the field, hopefully this will help learn the acronyms. Since I already started it, I decided to include a list in the last chapter. The one exception to this rule will be the term EHS, which stands for environmental health and safety.
An important caveat: the views and information shared here do not necessarily represent those of my current or former employees. Where possible, I have attempted to include examples for purposes of illustration, but all examples have been scrubbed of specific company or agency information except where this information is publicly available.
Volume 1: Introductory EHS Topics
2. Overview
Brief discussion on the EHS field including a brief history, the scope of the field and challenges
3. Regulatory Basics
Overview of acts, regulations and standards that impact the EHS field.
4. Industrial EHS Departments
Where EHS departments report within an organization and at what level.
5. Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Doctrine
Discussion on working with lawyers to protect your company’s interests.
6. Audits
Why you should audit, what you should do before you start and how to use the audit to protect your company.
7. Contracts
Types of agreements, leases, proposals and other documents you might be asked to review and suggestions on items to address.
8. Culture
Overview of management commitment, employee involvement and using responsibility, expectations and accountability.
9. Contractors, Consultants and Lawyers
A discussion on using outside expertise to further your EHS goals and protect your company.
10. Discipline
Understanding where discipline can help your company and not assigning blame.
11. Incidents
Information on why you are required to report an incident, and a summary of near miss reporting and investigations.
12. Leading and Lagging Indicators
Selecting the appropriate metrics to drive EHS performance.
13 Management Systems
Overview of EHS management systems and why companies implement them.
14 Key Ideas
Random ideas and thoughts that others have used to improve their EHS programs.
15 Prioritizing EHS Efforts
Faced with an overwhelming number of tasks, how do you prioritize them.
16 Record Retention
Strategies for determining how long you need to keep your EHS documents.
17 Policies and Programs
Where you need policies and programs, what should be included, and who should be involved.
18 Regulatory Agency Inspections
How to prepare for, handle and react to EHS regulatory agency inspections.
19 Reasons for Non-Compliance
Discussion on various reasons for non-compliance and how to address them.
20 Training
Overview of various systems for improving EHS training and education.
21 Acronyms
List of various EHS acronyms.
Volume 2: Specific EHS Program/Regulation Information
22 Air Permits
An overview on the Clean Air Act and an introduction to various air construction and operating permit, and other air permit concepts.
I am always open to your thoughts and suggestions, but I cannot promise I will respond to all comments. You can contact me using the button below.