Benchmarks are an essential component of an organization's environmental management system (EMS). With benchmarks, the performance of an EMS can be gauged. In turn, the EMS can be modified in response to regular audits of benchmarks and procedures to continually improve its functionality and feasibility. Guidelines for creating benchmarks can be found with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its purpose is to create a standard by which an EMS will be written. The ISO provides guidelines for environmental management and for increasing compliance.
Instructions
1. Begin the planning process for the EMS. The EMS is the basis for which the benchmarks will be developed for the environmental health and safety program. To facilitate its creation, a team of staff members should be selected. Other staff should have an opportunity to give input.
2. Evaluate the organization's compliance and environmental impact. This preliminary step provides the necessary baseline data to create benchmarks. Focus on every aspect of the organization. Identify any areas that are at risk of causing pollution. Reduction of pollution, naturally, is the goal of the EMS.
3. Research the performance of other similar organizations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency created the National Environmental Performance Track in 2000. The goal of this public-private partnership is to complement existing programs with new tools to increase environmental improvement and to provide strategies for creating and meeting benchmarks.
4. Develop specific, measurable goals for your organization. A clearly-defined set of environmental and safety goals is essential for the success of environmental health and safety programs. Define precise goals such as Reduce energy consumption by 10 percent rather than vague goals such as Reduce energy consumption.
5. Create a set of procedures for the EMS. Include guidelines for training staff, emergency situations and auditing. Procedures should be documented and made available for all staff. A side benefit of development of these procedures is the increase of environmental awareness that will likely influence staff outside of the job.
6. Involve top level management in the creation of goals and procedures. The success of an EMS depends upon the commitment of management to its mission. Their commitment validates the planning, implementation and auditing processes.
7. Set up a schedule of audits. The auditing procedure is essential for creating and testing benchmarks. The purpose of the audit is to evaluate the implementation of the environmental health and safety plan. Based on its findings, modifications can be made for continued improvement.
8. Review the EMS on a regular basis. Management should conduct this review. Its purpose is to keep the plan updated with new regulations or changing work rules.
Tips Warnings
Include staff feedback from each department as the EMS is prepared. Staff working in a particular department can provide specific feedback related to their work duties.
Keep the EMS and its procedures simple and to the point to simplify the auditing procedure.
When auditing, choose a staff member outside of the department that is being audited for unbiased review.
Contact a local office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine if an EMS is required for your organization.
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