How can you ensure QHSE programs adapt to changing social and environmental conditions?

1 Assess your impacts and risks

The first step to adapt your QHSE programs is to assess your impacts and risks on the social and environmental dimensions of your operations. This means identifying who are your stakeholders, what are their needs and expectations, how do you affect them positively or negatively, and what are the potential threats and opportunities for your QHSE performance. You can use tools such as stakeholder mapping, materiality analysis, life cycle assessment and risk management to conduct this assessment.

2 Engage with your stakeholders

The second step to adapt your QHSE programs is to engage with your stakeholders in a meaningful and transparent way. This means communicating your QHSE goals, policies and practices, soliciting feedback and input, addressing concerns and complaints, and collaborating on solutions and improvements. You can use tools such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops and forums to facilitate this engagement.

3 Monitor and evaluate your performance

The third step to adapt your QHSE programs is to monitor and evaluate your performance on the social and environmental aspects of your QHSE objectives. This means measuring and reporting your QHSE indicators, verifying and auditing your QHSE compliance and performance, and analyzing and learning from your QHSE results and feedback. You can use tools such as dashboards, reports, audits and reviews to support this monitoring and evaluation.

4 Implement and improve your actions

The fourth step to adapt your QHSE programs is to implement and improve your actions based on your performance and stakeholder feedback. This means taking corrective and preventive actions, implementing best practices and innovations, and setting new or revised QHSE targets and plans. You can use tools such as action plans, improvement projects, training and awareness programs and recognition schemes to drive this implementation and improvement.

5 Align with standards and frameworks

The fifth step to adapt your QHSE programs is to align with the relevant standards and frameworks that guide and support your QHSE management and performance. This means adopting and following the QHSE standards and regulations that apply to your industry and location, and integrating the QHSE principles and guidelines that reflect your values and commitments. You can use tools such as ISO standards, OHSAS standards, GRI standards and SDGs to align with these standards and frameworks.

6 Anticipate and respond to changes

The sixth step to adapt your QHSE programs is to anticipate and respond to the changes that affect your social and environmental context and expectations. This means scanning and assessing the trends and drivers that influence your QHSE performance, such as climate change, social movements, technological innovations and customer preferences, and adapting your QHSE strategies and actions accordingly. You can use tools such as scenario planning, foresight analysis, innovation labs and pilot projects to anticipate and respond to these changes.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?