EHS inspections have become an essential part of organizations, providing crucial leading indicators for health and safety management. While quantitative targets are common in various industries for management and supervision teams, the effectiveness and efficiency of these activities are often questioned. Are companies truly getting the expected value from their inspections? Is the time invested being utilized optimally? And how can the output of inspection activities be better measured and assessed? These are just a few of the many questions that may arise or have been raised.
Discussions also revolve around the time allocated for EHS inspections, with figures like 4 hours per day per EHS supervisor or one inspection per 200 man-hours being mentioned. Fortunately, advancements in technology present an opportunity to digitize this entire process, offering significant advantages for Health & Safety.
The primary benefit of digitization lies in time-saving. Instead of spending hours on inspections daily, Artificial Intelligence can efficiently handle these tasks, providing:
The digital transformation also addresses the challenge of reporting unsafe acts/conditions and incidents. Companies have implemented behavioral safety programs and observation card systems to encourage reporting, but it's difficult to capture all incidents manually. Digitization can streamline this process, enabling quick reporting, analysis, and tracking of corrective actions.
Managing vast amounts of data from numerous reports requires prioritization with human involvement. Technology can help identify critical areas that need attention, such as excessive social distancing alerts. By implementing focused corrective actions like safety campaigns or safety talks, organizations can significantly reduce risks and enhance safety levels.
Moreover, digitalization aids in identifying hidden hazards and ensures comprehensive risk assessments, potentially preventing serious workplace accidents in the future.
In conclusion, embracing digital solutions for EHS inspections is a logical step forward. By utilizing technology to streamline inspections, reporting, and corrective actions, organizations can enhance safety, save time, and proactively mitigate risks.