Page 71 - OHS, October 2020

Digitization
The term “digitization,” is an umbrella term used to indicate tools and software utilized for HSE compliance, communications, and plant and corporate management. Some of the examples are paper- less safety work permits/work orders, digital pads (say, an iPad), continuous monitoring of confined spaces, LDAR (Leak detection and Repair) management, digitized OSHA records, online meetings, and others. As you may expect, extent of digitization varies from company to company. It should also be pointed out that digitization creates its own problems, which not managed properly could scuttle efforts for minimizing risk and achieving regulatory compliance. Consider the following:
Before purchasing and installing, make a thorough risk and cost assessment. Consider what could go wrong. For digital systems, make sure data that is recorded in the database is accurate. It should have means to identify instruments which are not working (self-diagnostics are typically available on many instruments).
Take incremental approach toward implementing digitization.
For a small company with a single location, high powered digitization may not be cost-effective. However, small companies can take a step- wise, and economically calibrated approach to digitization. Here again issues to consider are: How does that help, in the short run as well as in the long run, manage HSE?
Network updates and instructions from IT department are not a direct part of the HSE manager’s role. However, it is helpful to consider potential risk arising from poorly written instructions.
With depressed budgets, an HSE manager faces formidable challenges. On the one hand, she/he has to keep overall risk at manageable level, and also in the long run, they need to stay competitive. Without a doubt, the future of HSE management is “digital,” but the key is gradualism—implement digitization thoroughly in a risk-averse manner.
Data Analytics
In recent years, this term has emerged in HSE management lexicon. Briefly put, this term means collecting and analyzing HSE data to make actionable decisions. We all know, volumes of data exist including OSHA-300 logs, environmental stack testing, worker exposure to chemicals data, noise exposure, accident investigations and many others. We also recognize data by itself has no value. Data analytics software helps identify areas which could be improved. For instance, software can help identify potential trouble spots. An impressive array of software including Tableau, SAP analytics, Power BI(Microsoft), SAS, IBM-software, Thought Spot and many others are available. Some have Cloud based services with monthly rental charges. Consider the following:
For small one-site companies, data analytics may not be justifiable. Typically, data volume is relatively small. Excel (Microsoft) may be used with in-house resources. Data sorting, descriptive statistical analysis, and correlations can be accomplished with your existing MS-Excel. Of course, statistics need to be applied carefully and with proper context. You want to stay away from broad generalization of results.
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