Our latest three articles have broadly centered on EHS systems, investigating how to select software and convince coworkers and managers of the value of this investment. Part of the value discussed was the improved workplace safety that comes with implementing an EHS system, as well as the convenience and efficiency that access to organized EHS data on a mobile application provides. These are two valuable assets in their own right.
However, this month, we are exploring how these features working in tandem can create added benefits for your organization. Specifically, we are focusing on how current trends in EHS mobile technology are influencing workplace safety culture.
EHS mobile applications are becoming increasingly popular components of EHS systems. A 2020 Global Survey reported that 30% of EHS system users widely used EHS mobile applications that year, and 42% used them at multiple facilities.[1] This statistic marked a substantial increase from previous years.
By the time of a 2024 Global Survey, 78% of respondents reported widespread use of mobile applications within their organizations. This finding made mobile apps the most widely utilized digital EHS software tool identified in the survey.[2]
Currently, companies utilize EHS software mobile apps for crisis management and alerts, auditing, delivering training modules to workers, accessing information on chemical substances, and incident management capabilities. The apps make information once confined to the central computer system of the organization widely available across work sites.[3]
Despite the already substantial use of EHS mobile applications, new trends are emerging that continue to expand their suitability in workplaces.
Verdantix’s 2019 Global survey asked companies that use EHS software about their most significant barrier to using a mobile application. Respondents listed the cost of purchasing devices, company IT policies, the issue of preventing employees from using their personal devices, and slow adoption by workers as key challenges.[4]
However, the report found that these factors are changing, with companies increasingly implementing bring-your-own-device policies and encouraging employees to use mobile EHS software applications. The study also reported an increase in worksites where mobile devices are allowed, such as some refineries.
Verdantix research also reported improvements that EHS system providers are making to their mobile applications to integrate them with safety capabilities more efficiently. These adjustments include the ability to monitor changes in facilities and the associated EHS risks, manage workers’ locations in hazardous facilities (especially contractors), and streamline tasks such as incident reporting and tracking.
These improvements primarily focus on empowering employees to utilize mobile applications, enhancing workplace efficiency and safety, and collecting more data than previously possible. This shift increasingly creates a culture of safety, productivity, and interconnectivity.
Chemical Safety Software (CSS) stays current with the latest trends in EHS and continually adapts to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The suite of CSS mobile applications is fully integrated with the online system of modules, providing straightforward access to information such as Safety Data Sheets, GHS labels, incident reporting, and chemical inventories to connect your workforce and their data.
Leveraging our advanced capabilities in this area can help your company benefit from the recent trends in combining increased mobile application usage and EHS software safety features. Next month, we will expand on this subject, examining trends in safety features and their potential to create further benefits.
[1] Verdantix, Global Corporate Survey 2020: Operational Excellence, Budgets, Priorities & Tech Preferences Data Tables, March 2021.
[2] Verdantix, Global Corporate Survey 2024: EHS Budgets, Priorities, and Tech Preferences, August 2024.
[3] Verdantix, Navigating the Evolving Universe of EHS Mobile Apps, June 2020.
[4] Verdantix, Global Corporate Survey 2019: EHS Budgets, Priorities & Tech Preferences, November 2019.