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SUSTAINABILITY Why OSH Professionals Should Embrace Sustainability Sustainability and employee safety are closely linked, and prioritizing them in the workplace creates resilient and successful business models that benefit employees. BY BART ELTZ, PH.D., CIH, CSP Nothing lasts forever, and unfortunately, sustainability in its current context has a shelf life. With a theoretical expi- ration date looming, occupational safety and health pro- fessionals should embrace the trend of sustainability as it pertains to keeping a business functional and progressing. With the federal government and Wall Street embracing en- vironmental, social and governance (ESG), the sustainability movement has the wind at its back. Safety and health profession- als should capitalize on the moment. OSH + Sustainability = Employee Leverage Sustainability, employee safety, inclusion and diversity are all closely linked and mutually reinforcing. By prioritizing these as- pects of the workplace, organizations can create a more sustain- able, resilient and successful business model that benefits both employees and the broader community. This was demonstrated by the Center for Safety & Health Sus- tainability, which was created by the American Society of Safety Professionals, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, the American Industrial Hygiene Association and the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering in 2011.1 The group was ended be- cause the organizations had embedded the practices into their daily operations. Those practices fell into the following three categories: employee safety, inclusion and diversity and employee well-being. Ensuring employee safety is a critical aspect of sustainability. By creating a safe and healthy work environment, organizations can reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and illnesses that can have long-term implications for the employees, the organiza- tion and the environment. Also, even though it is much harder to measure at times, this may also reduce workers’ compensation claims and health care costs. Organizations should also embrace inclusion and diversity as it promotes creativity, innovation and collaboration. Diverse em- ployee backgrounds bring unique perspectives and experiences that can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making. Organizations must also promote employee well-being. This is a critical aspect of sustainability. This includes not only physical safety but also mental health, work-life balance, and other factors that impact employee satisfaction and retention. By promoting well-being, organizations can create an engaged and productive workforce that is more likely to stay with the company for the long term, reducing turnover and associated costs. Why is this a discussion point in 2023? Why did member organizations sunset the CSHS organization in November 2019? It was identified that costs and complexities involving the sustain- ability of the organization’s legal operations was the cause. How- ever, in 2016, Shelley Frost, then executive director of policy at the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, offered lasting advice on the value of sustainability for OSH professionals: Fahroni/Shutterstock.com “Not recognizing the opportunities that sustainability brings will leave OSH professionals at risk of being left behind in re- active, compliance-focused roles,” she explained. “Ensuring that you protect employee safety, health, welfare and well-being is a value that has proven to motivate workforces, enhance business reputation and reduce business risk.”2 More Skills, More Leverage OSH professionals must be pragmatic. The powers at the federal level will continue to change every few years, which may affect support for this current synergistic OSH/sustainability relation- ship. Additionally, world events, such as the constant threat of cy- berattacks and the unpredictable impact of artificial intelligence in the very near future, are all factors that will play into the minds of those who are calling the shots in the C-suite. Gorysberg, Kelly, & MacDonald outlined some of the traits and skills needed to get to the C-suite, and while some OSH pro- fessionals might not want to get to that level, many want to keep sharpening their skills.3 If OSH professionals gain sustainability, diversity and inclusion knowledge, they will possess a dynamic, relevant skillset. Now is the time to show how you can provide even more value to your organization via sustainability. Bart Eltz, Ph.D., CIH, CSP is a Professor at the College of Safety & Emergency Services at Columbia Southern University (columbia- southern.edu). He is an accomplished EHS program management professional with more than 20 years of leadership directing indus- trial hygiene, environmental and safety initiatives. REFERENCES 1. azqs.short.gy/BBueRZ 2. Frost, S. (2016). OSH & Sustainability. Professional Safety, 61(5), 8–8. 3. Groysberg, B., Kelly, L. K., & MacDonald, B. (2011). The new path to the C-suite. Harvard Business Review, 89(3), 60–. 42 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com