How to lose your EHS job in 10 easy steps
Failing to comply with construction-specific regulations and environmental laws can lead to significant legal, financial, and reputational risks, potentially endangering your position as an EHS Manager. Here are the top-10 ways to lose your job:
1. Ignoring Fall Protection Measures
Violations of fall protection standards (29 CFR 1926.501) are among the most frequently cited by OSHA. Failing to implement adequate fall protection can result in severe injuries or fatalities and significant fines.
2. Neglecting Hazard Communication
Not adhering to hazard communication standards (29 CFR 1910.1200), which require informing and training employees about the hazards of chemicals used on site.
3. Overlooking Respiratory Protection
Failing to provide appropriate respiratory protection (29 CFR 1910.134) in environments with harmful dusts, fogs, fumes, mists, gases, smokes, sprays, or vapors.
4. Improper Scaffolding Use
Non-compliance with scaffolding requirements (29 CFR 1926.451) to ensure scaffold safety can lead to accidents, resulting in worker injuries or deaths.
5. Inadequate Protection from Electrocution
Ignoring electrical standards (29 CFR 1926.416 and 1926.417), leading to electrocution risks. Electrical hazards are a leading cause of accidents in construction.
6. Poor Management of Hazardous Waste
Violating federal (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act - RCRA), state, or local hazardous waste disposal regulations can lead to severe environmental damage and hefty penalties.
7. Failure to Manage Stormwater Pollution
Non-compliance with the Clean Water Act, specifically regulations on stormwater runoff from construction sites, can result in fines and damage to local water bodies.
8. Ignoring Air Emissions Controls
Violating the Clean Air Act by not controlling emissions from construction equipment or activities can lead to fines and community health risks.
9. Lack of Emergency Preparedness
Failing to develop or implement adequate emergency response plans for environmental or workplace incidents can exacerbate the impact of such events.
10. Neglecting Worker Training and Engagement
Overlooking the need for continuous worker training on safety and environmental practices. Inadequate training can lead to accidents, injuries, and regulatory violations.
For each of these risks, it's crucial to establish comprehensive policies, conduct regular training, implement preventive measures, and continuously monitor compliance. Failing in these areas not only endangers employees and the environment but also puts your position at risk due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements and internal corporate standards.