Having an EMS. Beneficial or not?

Anna Haag

Is creating an EMS (Environmental Management System) beneficial for your organisation or is it another paperwork exercise?

In the last few years, we have been bombarded with statistics and pessimistic prognoses for climate change and the impact it will and already has on our environment. It is impossible to turn a blind eye to the weather anomalies that impact our surroundings and day-to-day lives. The unstoppable wind of change is blowing. Are we doing enough to postpone or minimise the effects of the change within our organisations?

No matter where we are, how big our business is or which sector we operate in, we should understand that we all impact our surroundings. Big or small, examples can be seen everywhere. Dust produced during groundworks disturbs photosynthesis, noise nuisance affects fauna, and accidental release of chemically contaminated water pollutes groundwaters and deoxygenates rivers and ponds. Despite how hard to identify these can be, with a proper Environmental Management System (EMS) in place it will become easier to successfully control our impact on the environment.

Benefits of EMS

Our actions are more important than ever and we should all want to make a positive difference. How? By implementing an Environmental Management System within your organisation. As easy as it sounds, the system delivers answers to our questions on how to successfully control your impacts on the environment and protect the business from legal penalties. This management system is defined as a set of procedures and processes enabling the business to reduce and control environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. With its PLAN DO CHECK ACT structure the system is the foundation for ISO 14001 accreditation.

Unspoken benefits of EMS include reducing the risk of non-compliance and meeting regulatory obligations. Apart from the legal side, implementation of EMS within the organisation can bring competitive advantages over other businesses that don’t have it. The system will allow the organisation to stand out from the crowd and increase its visibility in the procurement market.

EMS how to?

Rome wasn’t built in a day. Rome wasn't built in a day. Not every company is in a position to instantly get the well-known ISO14001 certification. Getting certified might be a long and complicated process, especially for a beginner. Stay tuned to learn how to create your own bespoke EMS in just 4 steps.

How can Navigate Safety help in the process?

If in doubt or cannot spare the time to do all the legwork to create the Environmental Management System for your business, ask your competent person for help or simply reach out to us.

Our experienced consultants will guide you through the process, saving you all the precious time and research.

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Business Owner Duty of Care

by Anna Haag • 16 October 2024

Business Owner Duty of Care in the UK In the UK, business owners have a duty of care to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of everyone affected by their business operations, including employees, customers, contractors, and the general public. This duty is enshrined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and other relevant regulations. Key Responsibilities of Business Owners Ensure a Safe Environment: Business owners must provide a safe working environment and prevent risks to health. This includes maintaining premises, equipment, and processes in a way that minimizes hazards such as slips, trips, falls, or unsafe machinery. Conduct Risk Assessments: Owners are required to regularly assess risks related to their business operations. This involves identifying potential hazards and implementing measures to control or eliminate them. Provide Training and Information: Business owners must ensure that employees are properly trained and informed about workplace hazards and safe work practices. Adequate instruction on emergency procedures, equipment usage, and hazard awareness is essential. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations: Business owners must comply with laws and regulations governing their specific industry. This includes maintaining records, performing regular safety checks, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary. Protect the Public and Visitors: The duty of care extends beyond employees to anyone who comes into contact with the business, including customers and visitors. Businesses must take reasonable steps to prevent harm or injury to anyone on their premises. Consequences of Breaching Duty of Care Failure to meet duty of care responsibilities can result in legal action by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including fines, penalties, or prosecution. Additionally, businesses may face compensation claims from injured parties and damage to their reputation. In summary, business owners in the UK have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the health and safety of everyone involved with their business. Proactive risk management and adherence to safety regulations are essential for meeting this duty of care.

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