When developing a Business Plan, the environment should be taken into consideration. Manufacturing facilities need to produce items in an efficient manner while not damaging the environment around them with byproducts and waste. The surrounding communities are depending on the facility to not contaminate the environment around them while in production. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures that the company stays within certain guidelines to protect the community.
When developing a Business Plan, the environment should be taken into consideration. Manufacturing facilities need to produce items in an efficient manner while not damaging the environment around them with byproducts and waste. The surrounding communities are depending on the facility to not contaminate the environment around them while in production. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures that the company stays within certain guidelines to protect the community.
An Environmental Consultant can work with your company to ensure regulations are being met and the company is operating below dangerous thresholds set by the EPA. The Environmental Consultant will make an onsite visit to determine the potential areas that may need to be monitored on a regular basis. Some emissions will require permits to be applied for and obtained to maintain production. Improper permits could result in costly fines from the EPA or a shut down operations at the facility.
Permits for air emissions are by far the most applied for permit by companies. Releasing particles in the air is a part of many different manufacturing processes, but it is critical to monitor the emissions in real time to ensure dangerous particles are not concentrated above certain levels. Some particles could cause acid rain or be toxic to breathe. The Environment Consultant can help recommend and set up a method to monitor the emissions and calibrate the equipment on a regular basis to ensure accurate readings. The EPA may ask to know what levels have been produced. The surrounding local municipality typically will issue the permit, and the process can be timely. The Consultant will ensure the proper permit is applied for to reduce any unnecessary delays and get the company operational as quickly as possible. The company can also utilize the Environmental Consultant as a spokesperson if the EPA ever shows up for a visit.
The company has a duty to the surrounding community to not create harmful or dangerous environments for plant or animal life. Consumers are also rewarding companies with their purchasing dollars for production that is not detrimental to the surrounding area. The Environmental Consultant will point out areas for improvement. Often the areas of improvement can result in lower consumption of natural resources and save the company money. Water usage, for example, could be reduced and cut the company’s overall water bill with the lower consumption. This reoccurring cost could result in long term savings which can have an impact on the company’s bottom line.
Occupational Health Overcomes Everyday Hazards
Many workers face different types of hazards on a daily basis. Each company has a responsibility to proactively protect their employees from hazards encountered in the workplace. Accidents or injuries can bring production to a halt, reduce the workforce while the employee is recovering and lead to costly worker compensation claims. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can help your company improve the Occupational Health present at your facility.
The Risk from Asbestos
Asbestos poses a major health risk in many office buildings and homes due to the wide adoption and usage of asbestos as an insulator in the construction process. Asbestos can be found in the glue beneath vinyl flooring or in material applied to concrete to regulate the temperature between floors in an office building. These buildings and homes are being remodeled and modernized as an update to the space, but the demolition process can be hazardous if asbestos is present. Test for asbestos prior to starting your next remodeling project to ensure workers are safe.
Communicating the Dangers with HazCom
Hazard Communication focuses on explaining the dangers present at the workplace. The employees have a right to understand the hazards present and how to remain safe on the jobsite. A Certified Industrial Hygienist can work with your company to fulfill the HazCom requirement set forth by OSHA.
