In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles has become a critical aspect of organizational success. With growing concerns about sustainability, ethical practices, and societal impact, businesses are realizing the need to align their operations with ESG goals. In this context, Consultivo, a renowned name in the realm of safety and sustainability, has taken a significant stride by releasing a comprehensive handbook titled “ESG Driven Safety Excellence – The Practical Guide for Safety Experts.”
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Consultivo
Occupation Health and Safety
(OHS) (Ref. GRI 403)
OHSMS
HIRA, Incident investigation
Occupational health
Workers’ participation,
consultation and
communication
Worker training
Promotion of worker health
Work related injuries
Work related ill-health
Supply Chain
Responsibility and Safety
Clearly establish safety
criteria for supplier selection
Risk management
Safety performance and
evaluation
Incentive & recognition
Auditing and verification
Transparency and reporting
Business and Human
Rights
Right to healthy work
environment
Workers’ communication
and training on health and
safety
Access to water, toilet and
accomodation
Non discrimination and
equality
Remedy and
accountability for affected
individuals
Stakeholder Engagement
Community health and
safety
Community
engagement for onsite
and offsite emergency
plan
Transparency and Disclosures
Adequate disclosure and communications with internal stakeholders
Level of accuracy and authenticity of the OHS data
Use of universal, and sector-specific standards for disclosure
Applying reporting principles like context, materiality, clarity, reliability etc.
Adequate disclosure and communications with external stakeholders
External assurance - level, scope (limited/reasonable)
3. Table
of
Contents
Introduction 4
5
Chapter 1: Understanding
ESG and its Significance
13
Chapter 2: The Intersection
of Safety and ESG
19
Chapter 3: Integrating ESG
Principles into Safety
Practices
27
Chapter 4: Interdependence
of ESG and Safety Culture
30
Chapter 5: Future Trends and
Continuous Improvement
36
Conclusion: ESG-Driven
Safety Excellence
4. INTRODUCTION
ESG Driven safety excellence is a practical
guide for safety professionals who want to learn
how to integrate ESG principles into their work.
The guidebook covers topics such as risk
management, compliance, and stakeholder
engagement.
ESG, or environmental, social, and governance,
is a framework for evaluating the sustainability
and ethical impact of an organization. Safety is
a critical social factor, and ESG principles can be
used to improve safety performance.
The guide begins by providing an overview of
ESG and safety. It then discusses how to
integrate safety elements with the ESG risk
management process, develop and implement
ESG-aligned safety programs, communicate
ESG-related safety information to stakeholders,
and measure and improve ESG-related safety
performance.
The guidebook is written in a practical and
easy-to-understand style. It is an essential
resource for safety professionals who want to
create a more sustainable and ethical
workplace.
4 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
6. This involves strategies
to conserve water,
manage water-related
risks, and ensure
responsible water
usage
Water Management:
Companies are assessed
on their waste reduction
and disposal practices, as
well as efforts to
minimize pollution and
environmental
contamination.
Waste Management
and Pollution Control:
1.1Defining ESG: Environmental,
Social, and Governance
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It is a
framework used to evaluate the sustainability and ethical
impact of a company's operations and practices
Let's know more on each element of ESG:
Environmental (E)
The environmental component of ESG focuses on a company's
impact on the natural world (air, water, land, natural resources, flora,
fauna and humans).
This involves assessing a
company's greenhouse gas
emissions, its strategies to
reduce them, and its response
to climate change risks.
Climate Change and Carbon
Emissions:
Companies are evaluated on
their efforts to use resources
efficiently, reduce energy
consumption, and adopt
renewable energy sources.
Energy Efficiency and
Resource Management:
Biodiversity and
Conservation:
This relates to a company's
practices to protect and
preserve biodiversity and
ecosystems.
6 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
7. his involves evaluating how
an organization treats its
employees and addresses
issues that include fair
wages, non-discrimination
policies, and adherence to
human rights standards.
Labor Practices and Human
Rights:
Occupational Health and
Safety (OHS):
Companies are assessed on
their efforts to provide a
safe and healthy work
environment for
employees and to prevent
accidents and injuries.
Diversity, Equity, and
Inclusion:
Companies are evaluated
on their commitment to
diversity and inclusion in
the workplace, promoting
equal opportunities for all.
The company's
interactions with the
surrounding
communities in which it
operates. This includes
addressing community
concerns and
contributing to local
development.
Community Engagement:
Ensure the safety and
quality of products or
services delivered to
consumers.
Consumer Protection:
Social (S)
The social component of ESG focuses on a company's
impact on people, both within the organization and in
the broader society.
Key elements within the social category include:
7 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
8. In summary,
companies that
integrate the "S"
effectively into their
operations are more
likely to create
value for both
themselves and
society as a whole.
Importance of the 'S' (Social) in ESG
The importance of the "S" in ESG lies in its emphasis on
people - both internal as well as external people like
employees, communities, customers, and other
stakeholders.
A few of the people orientation elements of ESG are:
Employee Well-being: Well-being
measures include fair wages or
living wages, safe working
conditions, opportunities for
professional growth, and a
supportive work environment that
enhances employee satisfaction,
engagement, and productivity.
Inclusive Culture: Valuing diversity
and equality fosters an inclusive
culture that makes companies more
innovative and better equipped to
navigate the ever-changing
business challenges.
Stakeholder Trust: Demonstrating
a commitment to social
responsibility and ethical behavior
helps build trust with stakeholders,
including investors, employees,
customers, and local communities.
Long-term business success and
reputation management are two
very important pillars of stakeholder
trust.
Risk Management:
Companies reduce the
likelihood of negative
incidents that could harm
their brand and financial
stability.
Customer Loyalty: Companies
that prioritize social
responsibility tend to attract
socially conscious consumers.
They are more likely to remain
loyal and support the
company's products or services.
Attracting Talent:
Companies that embrace
social responsibility are
more appealing to top
talent. Employees are often
motivated to work for
companies that align with
their values and contribute
to positive societal impact.
Community Engagement:
Leads to improved
relationships, local support,
and sustainable business
practices that benefit both
the company and the
community.
8 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
9. This involves evaluating a
company's adherence to
ethical business practices,
codes of conduct, and anti-
corruption measures.
Corporate Ethics and
Integrity:
Board Diversity and
Structure:
Companies are assessed on
the composition of their
board of directors, the
independence of the board,
and diversity among board
members.
This relates to the
transparency and fairness of
executive compensation
packages and their
alignment with company
performance.
Executive Compensation:
Companies are
evaluated on how they
protect and respect the
rights of shareholders,
including transparency
in financial reporting.
Shareholder Rights:
This involves assessing a
company's approach to
identifying and
managing risks, as well as
mechanisms for holding
executives accountable
for decisions.
Risk Management and
Accountability:
The governance component of ESG focuses on a
company's internal structures, policies, and practices
that guide its decision-making and accountability
Key elements within the governance category include:
These three components - Environmental, Social, and Governance
are interconnected and collectively provide a comprehensive
framework for evaluating a company's non-financial performances
and long-term viability.
Companies that take steps to manage their ESG factors are more
likely to attract investments and good partners. They are also more
likely to be seen as contributing to a better future for everyone
Governance (G)
9 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
10. 1.2 The Business Case for ESG
ESG qualifies to be a strong business case because it can help
companies reduce risk and improve their reputation.
ESG factors directly influence a company's risk profile, affecting
both short-term and long-term risks. By addressing ESG issues,
companies can mitigate potential negative impacts and seize
opportunities for positive outcomes.
Risk Management
Reputation and Brand Image
The areas include Environmental Risks, Social Risks, Governance
Risks, Operational Efficiency related risks, transition risks, and
many more.
Reputation is a crucial intangible asset that ESG factors
significantly impact. Companies with a strong commitment to
ESG principles tend to have a more positive reputation, resulting
in several benefits:
Attracting Customers: Ethical practices and responsible
products/services attract consumers who prioritize
sustainability and social responsibility.
Investor Confidence: Companies with strong ESG practices
are more attractive to responsible investors, positively
impacting stock performance and access to capital.
Talent Attraction: Millennials and Gen Z employees seek
employers aligned with their values, making ESG-focused
companies more appealing to top talent.
Supplier Relationships: Companies with a positive
reputation are preferred partners, leading to better supplier
relationships and enhanced supply chain resilience.
10 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
11. The early roots of ESG in business can be traced back to the 1960s
when the environmental movement began to gain momentum. A
number of socially responsible investment (SRI) funds were created,
which excluded companies that are not responsible to the
environment or society.
In the 1990s, the concept of ESG began to evolve as investors and
businesses started to realize that environmental and social risks
could also have a financial impact.
In recent years, ESG has become increasingly mainstream. A
growing number of companies are now reporting on their ESG
performance, and ESG investing is becoming a standard practice for
many investors.
1.3 ESG's Evolution and Relevance
The concept of ESG has been around for centuries but gained
prominence in recent years. Investors, regulators, and
businesses now have much more concern about
environmental, social, and governance factors.
11 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
12. In India, SEBI was one of the early adopters of sustainability
reporting and the filing of the BRR containing ESG
(Environment, Social and Governance) disclosures was first
introduced for listed entities in 2012.
In August 2020, the Business Responsibility Reporting
Committee recommended Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) as an update on the existing
Business Responsibility Reporting (BRR). The purpose was to
incorporate the current global practices in non-financial
sustainability reporting based on the National Guidelines on
Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC).
As per the SEBI Circular on “Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting by listed entities”, the BRSR is now
applicable to the top 1000 listed entities (by market
capitalization).
These are just a few of the
many events that have
shaped the development
of ESG. As the ESG
movement continues to
evolve, it is likely to have a
significant impact on the
way businesses operate
and the way investors
make decisions.
12 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
14. 2.1 The Role of Safety within ESG
Safety is considered a critical social factor because it is
essential for protecting the health and well-being of
workers, their families, and the community. When
workers are safe, they are more productive and less likely
to be injured or become ill. This can lead to a healthier
and more prosperous society for everyone.
By investing in safety, we can create a more ethical and
just world where everyone's rights are respected.
ESG stands for
environmental, social,
and governance. It is a
framework for
evaluating the
sustainability and
ethical impact of an
investment.
The demand for
enhanced ESG
disclosure is intense.
Globally, overall ESG
investing is massive,
having grown as much
as tenfold in the last
decade.
ESG reporting is the
enabler for
transparency and
dialogue between
companies and their
stakeholders.
14 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
15. 2.2ESG and Sustainability
Reporting Frameworks
Here are some of the ESG frameworks that require
companies to disclose safety data:
Provides one of the most widely used ESG and
sustainability reporting standards. The GRI has a
standard on occupational health and safety (GRI 403)
that requires companies to disclose information
about their safety practices, such as their incident
rates and their policies and procedures for safety.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
(TCFD):
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) created the TCFD
to develop recommendations on the types of
information that companies should disclose to
support their stakeholders. The TCFD recommends
that companies disclose information about their
safety practices, such as their incident rates and their
investments in safety.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB):
The SASB is a non-profit organization that develops
industry-specific sustainability reporting standards.
The SASB standards require companies to disclose
information about their safety practices and
performances.
By following any of these frameworks, companies can
ensure that they are disclosing the right safety data in
their ESG reports. This can help them to improve their
ESG performance and demonstrate their commitment to
sustainability.
15 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
16. Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Reporting (BRSR)
By Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
16 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
European Sustainability
Reporting Standards (ESRSs)
Complementing Corporate Sustainability
Reporting Disclosure (CSRD)
National Guidelines on
Responsible Business
Conduct (NGRBC)
Global Reporting
Initiative (GRI)
International Sustainability
Standards Board (ISSB)
Performance Standards (PS)
Consolidation of ESG Ecosystem
17. Performance indicators:
2.3 How safety data fits into ESG
reporting as per common
frameworks (GRI, SASB, TCFD)
ESG reporting is a process of disclosing environmental, social,
and governance (ESG) information to stakeholders. Safety
data is an important and integral part of ESG reporting.
Here are some specific ways that safety data can be used in
ESG reporting
Lagging indicators like incident statistics, such as the
number of workplace injuries (reportable accidents, first
aid cases), near misses, number of days without a lost-
time injury, etc.
Leading indicators - Often unique or tailored to a
specific organization. Examples of such indicators
include unsafe conditions, unsafe practices, the number
of workers trained in hazard identification and incident
reporting, the increase in reporting of hazards and
incidents after implementation of reporting policy and
processes and worker training, the frequency of health
and safety inspections or audits, the average time it
takes to implement the recommendations of an
inspection or audit, and response times for the
investigation and elimination of hazards.
Companies report on their
This data can help to track progress over time and
identify areas where improvements are needed.
17 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
18. Investments in safety:
Companies can report on their budgets and
spending in safety, such as the amount of money
they spend on training, safety equipment,
technology, audits, certifications and system
development. This data can demonstrate a
company's commitment to safety.
Companies can report on their policies to establish
management commitment.
Policies:
By including safety data in ESG reporting, companies can
demonstrate their commitment to protecting the health and safety
of their people, their customers and community. This can help to
improve their reputation, attract investors, and gain a competitive
advantage.
18 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
20. 3.1 Occupational Health and Safety
(OHS) within the organization
Here's a brief overview of how to achieve this:
Engaging with stakeholders, including employees, customers,
investors, and local communities, to understand their safety
concerns and needs is vital.
This engagement fosters transparency, accountability, and a
sense of trust, all of which are critical components of a strong
ESG strategy.
3.1.1 Stakeholder Engagement
GRI 403-4 requires reporting the following information for
employees and for workers who are not employees but whose
work and/or workplace is controlled by the organization:
Employee Satisfaction - Ensure that employee satisfaction
programs related to OHS hazard communication, risk mitigation,
effective controls, right to safe working conditions, etc. are in place.
One of the methods to collect such feedback is through an
independent Safety Perception Survey.
Additionally, it involves ensuring access to and effective
communication of pertinent information on occupational
health and safety to workers.
A description of the processes for worker participation and
consultation in the development, implementation, and
evaluation of the occupational health and safety
management system.
a.
Where formal joint management–worker health and safety
committees exist, a description of their responsibilities,
meeting frequency, decision-making authority, and
whether and, if so, why, any workers are not represented by
these committees.
b.
20 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
21. Sharing safety performance data demonstrates transparency and
openness about a company's safety practices, incidents, and
progress. Transparency is a core principle of ESG reporting, as it
helps stakeholders make informed decisions and evaluate a
company's social responsibility efforts.
3.1.2 Transparency & Disclosure
For example, GRI Disclosure 403-1 requires the reporting
organization to list any legal requirements it has followed in
implementing the occupational health and safety
management system.
GRI Disclosure 403-2-c covers the right of workers to refuse or
stop unsafe or unhealthy work.
GRI disclosure 403-4 Reporting recommendation 1.4 requires
the reporting organization to disclose whether and, if so,
which, occupational health and safety topics are covered in
local or global formal agreements with trade unions.
By disclosing safety data, companies show their willingness to be
held accountable for their safety performance. This accountability is
vital for maintaining trust with stakeholders and for continuously
improving safety measures.
Some examples of internal disclosure is the hazard communication
process for the relevant people (exposed to that particular risk)
through different communication mediums like signposts, policies,
toolbox talks, etc. External disclosures are made through the
website, ESG report, Sustainability Report, etc.
Benchmarking and Comparison: Disclosure of safety performance
data allows for benchmarking and comparison between companies
within the same industry. This helps investors and stakeholders
assess which companies are effectively managing safety risks and
adopting best practices.
21 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
22. The concept of "business and human rights" is highly
relevant to safety practices within a company. Business
and human rights refer to the responsibility of businesses
to respect and uphold the fundamental rights and
dignity of individuals who are affected by their activities,
including employees, customers, communities, and other
stakeholders. Ensuring safety aligns closely with these
principles, and several aspects of business and human
rights are directly related to safety practices:
3.1.3 Business and Human Rights
Right to Life, Safety, Health, and Security:
Right to Work: .
Remedy and Accountability:
22 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
Businesses have a responsibility to provide a safe,
healthy, and secure environment for their employees
and other stakeholders. This includes implementing
safety and occupational health measures to prevent
accidents, injuries, and other harm that could
jeopardize individuals' lives and well-being.
The right to work is closely tied to safety. Businesses
should ensure that employees are not subjected to
unsafe working conditions that could result in
accidents or injuries
When safety incidents occur, businesses should
provide remedies for those affected and be held
accountable for any harm caused. This could involve
providing compensation, medical assistance, and
support to affected individuals.
23. GRI 403-3 requires to
report how the
organization maintains
the confidentiality of
workers’ personal health-
related information
23 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
Non-Discrimination and Equality:
Safety measures should be extended consistently to
all employees and contractor employees regardless of
their background, engagement mode, or
characteristics. Discrimination and unequal
treatment can lead to unsafe working conditions for
certain individuals or groups. Businesses should
ensure that safety practices are inclusive and
respectful of human rights principles.
24. 3.2 Supply Chain Responsibility
and Safety
To ensure safety standards in the supply chain,
companies need to take a systematic approach that
includes all of their suppliers and partners. This means
setting clear safety standards, monitoring compliance,
and taking action when necessary.
Here's a brief overview of how to achieve this.
3.2.1 Supplier Selection and Due Diligence:
Establish clear safety criteria as part of your supplier
selection process.
Conduct thorough due diligence to assess suppliers'
safety practices, human rights issues, and compliance
with legal requirements.
Include safety as part of the mandatory requirements in
supplier agreements. These may include safety standards,
reporting requirements, etc.
Prioritize suppliers who demonstrate a commitment to
safety and align with your ESG goals.
3.2.2
Work with suppliers to identify and mitigate safety risks
within their operations and supply chain.
Address potential vulnerabilities that could impact safety
standards.
Risk Management:
24 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
25. 3.2.3 Safety Performance Evaluation and
Support:
Regularly conduct safety audits and assessments of
supplier facilities to evaluate safety practices and identify
potential risks.
Collaborate with suppliers to address any deficiencies and
improve safety measures. Support them with safety
training programs for critical risk areas.
3.2.4 Incentives and Recognition:
Offer incentives or recognition to suppliers that excel in
safety performance.
Foster a culture of healthy competition among suppliers
to improve safety practices.
3.2.5 Auditing and Verification:
Utilize third-party auditing or verification services to
assess supplier safety practices. This can enhance
credibility and provide an unbiased evaluation of safety
standards.
3.2.6 Transparency and Reporting:
Include supplier-related safety information in your ESG
reporting.
Require suppliers to provide safety-related data, incident
reports, and performance metrics.
Communicate efforts taken to ensure safety standards in
your supply chain to stakeholders.
25 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
26. 3.2.8 Addressing human rights concerns in
the supply chain
Occupational health and safety itself is an important human
rights concern in the supply chain. Some other concerns are:
Forced labor: This is when people are coerced to work
against their will, often under threat of violence or
imprisonment.
Child labor: This is when children are forced to work in
dangerous or unhealthy conditions, often for low wages.
Discrimination: This is when people are treated
differently because of their race, gender, religion, or
other characteristics
3.2.7 Engage with stakeholders:
In a higher level of interventions, you engage with supply
chain workers, communities, and other interested parties
like industry associations, NGOs, Government
departments, etc.
26 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
28. 4.1 Fostering a Culture of
Responsibility and Accountability
Safety culture is the shared attitudes, beliefs, and
behaviors that determine how safety is managed
within an organization.
A strong safety culture is essential for preventing accidents and
injuries. It is also important for protecting the environment and the
communities in which an organization operates.
ESG can play a role in shaping safety culture by:
Promoting a culture of transparency and accountability. ESG
requires organizations to be transparent about their
environmental, social, and governance practices. This can
help to create a culture of accountability, where employees
are held responsible for their actions.
Demonstrating transparency through communication and
disclosure by detailed reporting on its safety performance in
addition to encouraging a focus on prevention. ESG
emphasizes the importance of preventing harm to people
and the environment. This can help to shift the focus from
reacting to accidents to preventing them from happening in
the first place.
Building a sense of community. ESG can help to build a sense
of community within an organization. This can create a more
supportive environment where employees feel comfortable
speaking up about safety concerns.
28 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
29. Developing an ESG-aligned safety policy. This policy should
outline the organization's commitment to safety and its ESG
goals.
Implementing ESG training for employees. This training
should help employees to understand the importance of ESG
and how it can be applied to safety.
Measuring and reporting on safety performance. This will help
to track progress and identify areas where improvement is
needed.
Engaging with stakeholders. This includes employees,
customers, suppliers, and the community. Stakeholder
engagement can help to build support for ESG and safety.
Empowering employees. ESG can empower employees to
take ownership of safety. This can help to create a culture
where everyone is responsible for safety.
Engaging with stakeholders on safety issues.
There are also a number of ways that organizations can integrate
ESG into their safety culture. Some of these ways include:
By integrating ESG into their safety culture, organizations can
create a more sustainable and ethical workplace that is safer for
everyone and can align with their ESG goals.
29 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
31. UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR):
It requires large companies in the UK to disclose
information about their ESG performance. The
SDR is expected to come into effect in 2023.
The European Union's Sustainable Finance
Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) is a European
regulation introduced to improve transparency in
the market.
The Task Force on Climate-related Financial
Disclosures (TCFD) has developed a set of
recommendations for companies to report on
their climate-related risks and opportunities.
5.1 Emerging ESG Trends - Evolving
ESG regulations and standards
In India, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
has taken the lead in developing ESG regulations. In 2021,
SEBI introduced the Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework.
SEBI requires the top 1,000 listed companies by market
capitalization to report on their ESG performance. The BRSR
framework covers a wide range of ESG topics, including
climate change, human rights, and workplace diversity.
SEBI is also considering introducing mandatory ESG
disclosures for all listed companies. In addition, the Indian
government is working on a number of policies and
initiatives to promote ESG, such as the National Action Plan
on Climate Change and the National Policy for Electronics.
Globally, the ESG landscape is changing fast, and here are
some of the key evolving ESG regulations and standards:
31 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
32. The lack of clear and consistent standards
The high cost of compliance
The lack of expertise in ESG reporting
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board
(SASB) has developed industry-specific standards for
ESG reporting.
In June 2023 the International Sustainability
Standards Board (ISSB) issued its first two IFRS®
Sustainability Disclosure Standards, IFRS S1 General
Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related
Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related
Disclosures.
These are just a few of the many ESG regulations and
standards that are evolving around the world. As the
importance of ESG continues to grow, we can expect to see
even more regulations and standards being developed in
the years to come.
In India, the evolving ESG regulations and standards are
posing a number of challenges for businesses. These
challenges include:
However, the benefits of ESG compliance are also
significant. Businesses that are able to meet ESG standards
can attract more investors, improve their reputation, and
reduce their risk.
As the ESG landscape continues to evolve, businesses in
India will need to adapt in order to remain competitive.
They can do this by developing a strong ESG strategy,
investing in ESG reporting, and working with stakeholders
to promote ESG.
32 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
33. 5.2 Continuous Improvement in
Safety and ESG
Integrating ESG principles into long-
term safety strategies
Integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)
principles into long-term safety strategies involves aligning
a company's commitment to sustainability and ethical
practices.
This integration goes beyond mere compliance with
regulations; it reflects a proactive approach to embedding
responsible practices into the core of a company's safety
initiatives.
Here's how companies can achieve this integration:
Top leadership must demonstrate a genuine
commitment to ESG principles and safety. Leadership
support ensures that ESG and safety goals are
consistently communicated throughout the
organization and that necessary resources are allocated
for implementation.
Treat ESG and safety as interconnected elements rather
than separate functions. Recognize that effective safety
practices contribute to both the "S" (Social) component
of ESG and the company's long-term sustainability.
1.
2.
Leadership Commitment
Holistic Approach
33 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
34. Identify safety issues that are material to the company's
ESG performance and stakeholder interests.
Focus on areas where safety practices have the most
significant impact on social outcomes and the
environment.
3. Materiality Assessment
Collect relevant data on safety performance and
incidents. Monitor trends over time and track safety
metrics that align with ESG reporting frameworks to
provide accurate information for disclosures.
4. Data Collection and Monitoring
Incorporate ESG considerations into risk assessments.
Identify potential safety risks that could impact
employees, communities, and the environment, and
implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
5. Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Engage with employees, communities, and other
stakeholders to understand their safety concerns and
expectations. Incorporate their feedback into safety
strategies to enhance trust and collaboration.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
Ensure safety practices align with ethical behavior and
respect for human rights. This includes providing fair
wages, non-discriminatory treatment, and safe working
conditions for all employees.
7. Ethical Behavior and Human Rights
Leverage technology and innovation to enhance safety
practices. Implement IoT sensors, wearable devices, and
other technologies that not only improve safety but also
align with the company's ESG goals.
8. Innovation and Technology
34 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
35. Educate employees about the company's commitment
to ESG and how safety practices contribute to broader
sustainability objectives. This helps foster a sense of
shared responsibility and commitment.
9. Training and Awareness
Regularly review and update safety strategies to ensure
they align with evolving ESG goals and industry best
practices. Foster a culture of continuous improvement
in both safety and sustainability.
10. Continuous Improvement
Integrate safety data and performance into ESG
reporting. Share progress, achievements, and
challenges related to safety practices in sustainability
reports to showcase the company's commitment to
both ESG and safety.
11. Transparency and Reporting
Integrate ESG principles into the company's long-term
vision and strategic planning. Consider how safety
initiatives can contribute to ESG objectives and vice
versa over the coming years.
By weaving ESG principles into long-term safety
strategies, companies demonstrate a holistic approach
to responsible business practices.
This integration enhances employee well-being, builds
stakeholder trust, reduces risks, and supports the
company's overall sustainability journey.
It also reinforces the idea that safety and sustainability
are not separate priorities but interconnected goals
that contribute to a safer, healthier, and more
sustainable future.
12. Long-Term Vision
35 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
36. Conclusion: ESG-Driven
Safety Excellence
Forging a harmonious connection between safety
and ESG yields manifold advantages for both
safety professionals and organizations alike.
Safety professionals acquiring knowledge of ESG
can have improved decision-making capacity
about safety, risk management, and compliance.
Safety professionals can help to create a more
sustainable and ethical workplace culture by
integrating ESG principles into their practices
which will be more marketable and have more
opportunities for advancement.
Some potential positive outcomes of aligning
safety practices with ESG principles for the
organizations are Reduced risk, Improved
reputation, Increased productivity, and
heightened attraction and retention of talent.
By aligning safety practices with ESG principles,
companies can reduce their risk of regulatory
violations.
ESG-driven safety practices not only protect lives
but also contribute to sustainable business
success and a better future for all stakeholders.
36 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
37. Legal requirements followed in implementing occupational
health and safety management system
Incidents of non-compliance with occupational health and
safety regulations and/or voluntary codes
Number of fatalities and serious injuries to employees and
workers
Number of days lost due to occupational health and safety
incidents
Occupational health and safety training provided to
employees and workers
Occupational health and safety performance indicators
Approach to preventing and mitigating significant negative
occupational health and safety impacts and the related
hazards and risks
Workers covered under occupational health & safety
management system
Work related injuries
Work related ill health
Occupational health management system
Work area monitoring & ergonomics
Safety culture management
References for Introduction to ESG
for Safety Professionals
Focus area
Occupational health & safety
Check points
37 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
38. Clearly establish safety criteria for supplier selection
Risk management
Safety performance and evaluation
Incentive & recognition
Auditing and verification
Focus area
Supply Chain responsibility and safety
Check points
38 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
Right to the healthy work environment
Workers’ communication on training on health & safety
Access to water, toilet and accommodation
Remedy and accountability for affected individual
Process established for identifying and managing mental
well-being including stress
Wellness programs for employees
Data privacy of employees - Occupational Health related data
(both physical & digital)in the security process established
(implementation ISO 27001, VAPT, or other information
security method)
Focus area
Business and Human Rights
Check points
Process of SHE related stakeholder engagement
Community health and safety
Community engagement for onsite and offsite emergency plan
Focus area
Stakeholder engagement
Check points
39. 31 ESG Driven Safety Excellence - The Practical Guide for Safety Experts
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