Introduction to Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental (EHS)

Summary

This video introduces the course on Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), emphasizing its critical role in engineering practices. It highlights the importance of occupational safety, health, and environmental management, focusing on preventing disasters like the Bhopal gas leak, Chernobyl, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The video stresses the need for a safety culture, the role of engineers in designing safer systems, and the impact of global and local regulations on workplace safety and sustainability. It concludes with a reminder for future engineers to prioritize safety and sustainability in all aspects of their practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 ESS (Environmental Health and Safety) integrates policies, practices, and procedures to protect people, communities, and the environment.
• 😀 ESS is a legal and ethical responsibility for engineers to prevent accidents, protect health, and minimize environmental damage.
• 😀 Engineers reduce costs, earn public trust, and comply with regulations by maintaining strong ESS practices.
• 😀 Safety involves preventing accidents and injuries through safeguards like warning signs, machine guards, and safety drills.
• 😀 Health in ESS focuses on protecting workers from long-term risks such as chemical exposure, poor air quality, and ergonomic strain.
• 😀 Environmental management ensures industrial processes do not harm air, water, soil, or ecosystems, with practices like pollution prevention and waste minimization.
• 😀 Major global disasters like Bhopal, Chernobyl, and Exxon Valdez highlight the catastrophic consequences of poor ESS management.
• 😀 A strong safety culture in organizations requires management commitment, worker participation, ongoing training, and open communication.
• 😀 Engineers play a key role by designing safer systems, conducting risk assessments, and following national and international safety standards.
• 😀 International standards like ISO 14001 for environmental management and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety help organizations improve practices and ensure compliance.
• 😀 In Indonesia, ESS is supported by national laws and institutions, including the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Environmental and Forestry, ensuring companies meet safety and environmental standards.

Q & A

What does ESS stand for and why is it important for engineers?

ESS stands for Environmental Health and Safety, which includes occupational safety, occupational health, and environmental management. It is essential for engineers as it integrates policies, practices, and procedures to protect the environment, workers' health, and workplace safety, ultimately ensuring a responsible engineering practice.

What are the primary goals of ESS in engineering practice?

The primary goals of ESS are to prevent accidents, protect human health, minimize environmental damage, and ensure regulatory compliance. Engineers play a key role in identifying risks, designing safe systems, and following codes to achieve these goals.

Why is safety culture vital in an organization?

Safety culture is vital because it ensures that all members of an organization value and practice safety. It requires management commitment, employee participation, ongoing training, and communication to foster a culture where safety is a priority in daily operations.

How do engineers contribute to promoting safety in the workplace?

Engineers contribute by designing safer systems, conducting risk assessments, and following national and international safety standards. They also help implement safety measures like machine guards, warning signs, and regular safety drills.

What is the role of environmental management in ESS?

Environmental management in ESS focuses on ensuring that industrial processes do not harm air, water, soil, or ecosystems. It involves practices like pollution prevention, waste minimization, and the adoption of sustainable technologies.

Can you explain the importance of ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 in ESS?

ISO 14001 is an international standard for environmental management systems, helping companies reduce waste, improve efficiency, and comply with environmental regulations. ISO 45001 is a standard for occupational health and safety management systems, ensuring the safety and well-being of employees at work.

What are some historical disasters that highlighted the importance of ESS?

The Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal (1984), the Chernobyl nuclear disaster (1986), and the Exxon Valdez oil spill (1989) are key events that showed the catastrophic consequences of failing to implement proper safety, health, and environmental management practices.

How does the ESS framework support sustainable development?

ESS supports sustainable development by encouraging engineers to consider environmental impacts not only during operation but also during the design and commissioning stages. This ensures that engineering practices meet the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

What is the role of the Indonesian government in enforcing ESS regulations?

In Indonesia, several institutions enforce ESS regulations. The Ministry of Manpower oversees occupational safety laws, while the Ministry of Environmental and Forestry monitors pollution and issues environmental permits. The system aims to blend national laws with international standards to promote workplace safety and environmental protection.

What is the significance of the polluter-pays principle in environmental management?

The polluter-pays principle holds companies accountable for environmental damage. It requires businesses to take responsibility for the pollution they cause, ensuring that they take appropriate actions to prevent, control, or mitigate environmental harm.