According to the independent research and advisory firm, Verdantix, the adoption of EHS technology remains a priority, as organizations seek to maximize the productivity of a limited workforce and provide safe working environments during uncertain economic conditions.

Verdantix identifies 10 promising EHS technologies that deliver rapid financial returns by reducing compliance costs, mitigating worker accidents and improving worker productivity.

3 mature EHS technologies with widespread implementation

• EHS software solutions: Software to manage EHS processes is a widely deployed and mature technology category. Despite this, quantifying its cost savings to develop an internal business case can be a tall order for EHS leaders. Potential return-on-investment (ROI) timelines vary according to modules deployed, customer industry, number of users and country of deployment, to name a few aspects
• EHS mobile applications enabling on-site performance tracking: The solutions continue to provide positive financial returns through employee ease of use, by enabling company-wide access, quick identification and notifications for corrective actions.
• IoT sensors used for environmental and operational data collection: The two primary benefits realized by digitizing environmental monitoring via connected devices are the efficiency of collection and the accuracy of the recorded data.

4 growing technologies with a strong financial return track record

• EHS digital training to reduce non-compliance fines and administrative costs: EHS training programmes are vital for firms abiding by the OSHA general industry classification (or equivalent), handling hazardous materials, operating vehicle services or working with heavy equipment.
• Fleet safety telematics to improve fleet efficiency and mitigate worker accidents: Firms have implemented fleet safety telematics to optimize their fleet usage cost-efficiently. Fleet safety telematics leverage digital sensors and data analytics for live vehicle monitoring and route optimization.
• PSM software to prevent critical events and maintain asset integrity: Enterprise-scale process safety management (PSM) software is widely deployed in asset-intensive and high-risk industries to improve worker safety for large multi-site operations. Financial returns vary based on enterprise size, the modules used, and the locations at which solutions are implemented. PSM software can reduce the administrative cost of manual asset tracking and minimize financial penalties for mishandling hazardous materials
• UAVs (drones) for efficient high-risk inspections:  Case study data shows that drones can reduce the time taken to complete at-height asset inspections by 81%, lowering staffing, scaffolding and injury costs.

3 recently launched technologies promising a high financial return

• AI-enabled compliance to automate resource-intensive processes: AI software can deliver rapid financial returns through time savings, and reduced fines and litigation fees. Other use cases include using AI, IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) and Augmented Reality to increase production efficiency, quality and maintenance. Read more on Continental and INEOS using AI to increase plant productivity.
• Computer vision for real-time risk identification: identify risks such as the incorrect use of personal protective equipment (PPE), musculoskeletal (MS) stresses, hazardous asset-worker interactions, fires, and dangers arising from working at height. The monitoring and recording of on-site risks 24/7 improves the ability of EHS teams to respond to accidents and will free up resources and present new data insights.
• Industrial wearables to track worker safety in high-risk environments:  Beyond the apparent benefits of maintaining worker health and safety, industrial wearables generate financial returns by reducing worker downtime and mitigating potential work-site destruction caused by extreme events.