How to Develop a Written EHS Program That Works in the Field
A written Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) program should do more than document requirements. It should clearly define responsibilities, establish operating controls, and explain how those controls will be implemented and verified.
Whether you're developing a new program, updating outdated documentation, or managing EHS requirements across multiple facilities, knowing where to begin can be challenging.
DEKRA's free guide explains the key decisions behind developing written EHS programs that align with regulatory requirements and how work is actually performed.
What's Inside the EHS Program Development Guide?
Learn how to:
Learn how to:
- Define program requirements: Identify applicable regulations, technical standards, and operational needs.
- Assign responsibilities: Establish clear ownership, accountability, and decision-making authority.
- Develop operating controls: Translate requirements into procedures, inspections, permits, and other activities.
- Manage multiple facilities: Maintain consistent standards while addressing site-specific requirements.
- Verify implementation: Determine how to evaluate whether required controls are working.
- Avoid common mistakes: Recognize problems with templates, unclear responsibilities, and disconnected documents.
BONUS: The guide includes an EHS Program Development Review to help evaluate existing or newly developed programs.
Is It Time to Review Your Written EHS Programs?
Even an established EHS program may need attention when operations or requirements change.
Even an established EHS program may need attention when operations or requirements change.
Consider reviewing your programs if:
- Equipment, materials, processes, or work practices have changed.
- Regulatory requirements have been updated.
- Different facilities follow inconsistent procedures.
- Audit findings or corrective actions continue to recur.
- Responsibilities or approval authority are unclear.
A program can contain the right regulatory language and still leave important operational decisions unresolved.
Download DEKRA's free guide to learn how to develop, review, and improve written EHS programs that work in your operations.
Get the Guide