Emerging technologies are rapidly changing how companies prevent pollution, keep employees safe and set sustainability goals, according to a report published today by the National Association for Environment, Health and Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S) Management (NAEM). 

 “There is a remarkable change taking place in how our members do their jobs,” said NAEM Executive Director Carol Singer Neuvelt. “Technology is creating new opportunities for risk reduction as well as new opportunities to understand the impact of their programs in real time.”

“The EHS&S Tech Transformation” report profiles the internet of things (IOT) technologies that are taking hold among leadership companies, explains what they mean for EHS&S management and showcases how companies are putting them to use.  The report also includes new analysis of NAEM survey data from 79 companies on emerging practices and technologies.

Among the latest analysis reported by NAEM:

• 77 percent of respondents are using or testing mobile devices and apps to interface with employees, conduct audits and log incidents.

• 31 percent of respondents have introduced or are actively evaluating the use IOT tools such as smart sensors and wearable sensors.

• 20 percent of respondents are using or evaluating artificial intelligence tools such as machine learning natural language processing.

• 14 percent of respondents are using drones to assist with activities such as inspections and compliance monitoring.

To leverage the volume of data these devices create, 38 percent of companies are using business intelligence tools and predictive analytics in their program management, NAEM found.

“The integration of new technology tools is the next step in the EHS&S technology adoption curve, which for most companies began with the implementation of their software system,” Ms. Neuvelt said. “We expect this to become an increasingly important focus of our conversations as more companies explore how to leverage these tools for the EHS&S function.”

To download the full results, visit https://www.naem.org/what-we-offer/research/reports/read/ehs-s-tech-transformation.

About NAEM

The National Association for Environmental, Health and Safety, and Sustainability (EHS&S) Management (NAEM) empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces and promote global sustainability. As the leading business community for EHS&S decision-makers, we provide engaging forums, a curated network, peer benchmarking, research insights and tools for solving today’s corporate EHS&S management challenges. Visit NAEM online at naem.org.

National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM)

National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM)

The National Association for Environmental Management (NAEM) is a professional association that empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. As the largest professional community for EHS and sustainability decision-makers, we provide peer-led educational conferences and an active network for sharing solutions to today's corporate EHS and sustainability management challenges. Visit NAEM online at www.naem.org.

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