Importance of baseline EHS assessments for new managers

When an EHS manager takes over the new position he/she does not know the extent of environmental, and Health & Safety challenges that may be in store. The focus is on learning the job responsibilities, understanding management priorities, and making your recommendations count during management meetings. As time passes the EHS compliance rests squarely on your shoulders irrespective of the issues that you may have inherited from your predecessor. There is a brief window, usually 6 months after assuming the responsibility, when you can position yourself as: “(Insert name) to the rescue” versus “(Insert name) is responsible for the NOV.”

A new EHS manager’s priority should be to conduct the EHS audit himself/herself or to hire an experienced team of EHS consultants and get a baseline compliance assessment at the facility. There are definite advantages of hiring an outside firm for the baseline review. Mainly because:

1. You do not want to communicate non-compliance issues to the management at this stage.
2. You do not want to impact your working relationship with your co-workers.
3. You do not want to make your predecessor look bad, especially if he/she is still in the organization.

You owe it to your future success to address the baseline EHS assessments as soon as you take the responsibility. This will greatly help you to set the record straight and show the value you bring to the organization going forward.

Joshi Environmental, Inc. (JEI) consultants have decades of in-depth facility auditing experience. We strongly believe: we do not audit at you…we audit with you.  JEI maintains a non-confrontational approach to auditing while providing value-added approach. Contact Sam Joshi at (215) 389-2811 to discuss how JEI can help you succeed in your career.