Based off of their article, “Safety and Sustainability:
Understanding the Business Value,” published in the June issue of PS, ASSE President Elect Kathy A.
Seabrook, CSP, CMIOSH, EuOSHM, and Darryl C. Hill, Ph.D., CSP, and past
president of ASSE, presented on the topic Tuesday afternoon at Safety 2013.
Seabrook and Hill discussed the future of sustainability; integration of safety
and sustainability; and the financial implications of sustainability. Seabrook explained that although
when most people hear the word sustainability, they think only of the environment, it involves much more. “From a business perspective,
it’s about business viability, investment return and commitment to stakeholders,”
she said. It encompasses not only an environmental aspect, but also an economic
and social dimension, of which safety and health fall into.
Hill mentioned that he took away two points made by Opening General Session
speaker Peter Sheahan earlier today. One point being that change doesn’t happen
all of a sudden. “Topics and trends we’re seeing today are preparing us for 6,
7, 8 years and beyond into the future,” Hill said. “From my background, this is
definitely a topic that will catapult us into the future and beyond. This
[sustainability] is something that is definitely here to stay.” The other key
takeaway from Sheahan’s presentation was that safety professionals should not
want their value proposition to narrow. Hill also discussed how CEOs are
recognizing the business imperative of sustainability and safety. Some
statistics he shared follow:
- 98% of CEOs say sustainability is critical to future success of an organization.
- 96% of CEOs believe sustainability must be integrated into company strategy.
- 85% of CEOs found a positive correlation between environmental governance and financial performance.
Seabrook ended the session discussing with business case
studies, which can be read in the June PS article, and the Global Reporting
Initiative (GRI), which provides a framework for businesses to report
sustainability. She also mentioned GRI as an important continuing trend to keep
an eye on. Overall, however, Seabrook emphasized the role of leadership within
sustainability. “The sustainability journey is all about leadership.
Leadership from us,” she said. “We can move the needle on safety and
sustainability integration. It’ll be the key to our success.”
This session was sponsored by UL Workplace Health & Safety, ASSE's Business of Safety Committee and International Practice Specialty Group.
This session was sponsored by UL Workplace Health & Safety, ASSE's Business of Safety Committee and International Practice Specialty Group.