Five Free EHS Resources for Small Businesses

Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) is a broad field that is constantly changing.  It is often beneficial to have a few guides or resources that can be referenced to assist with program development and implementation.  Small businesses often do not have a dedicated EHS resource but the following free resources can be of great value in EHS program development.  These resources are not only valuable for small businesses but can also benefit larger companies as many provide training and regulatory evaluations for which  companies would otherwise have to pay.

1. Small Business Environmental Homepage
   This is a comprehensive resource for a number of environmental compliance areas.  It includes a service to search recently modified environmental regulations and a resource page that includes several guidelines.  This site also list the states that have a compliance advisory panel which typically offers free assistance to small business in that state.
2. National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Small Business Resource Guide
   This website has a number of guides included and can be used in conjunction with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) small business website below to tackle health and safety program implementation.  One of the best links on this page section is entitled Industries and Occupations which provides industry specific guidance on applicable health and safety topics.
3. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Small Business Website
   OSHA’s website for small businesses is another resource helpful with creation and implementation of health and safety programs. This website provides guidance on OSHA’s requirements for health and safety programs.  One of the best features of this website includes information about OSHA’s free on-site consultation program.
4. NIOSH Pocket Guide for Chemical Hazards
   This guide provides general industrial hygiene information on hundreds of chemicals for workers, employers and occupational health professionals.  It is a great resource for companies that have hazardous materials onsite to which employees may be exposed.  It identifies acute (short-term) and chronic (long term) health effects of a material as well as other physical characteristics and is searchable by material name.
5. Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) National Preparedness Directorate   EHS regulations often require training at a specified frequency.  FEMA offers free trainings for emergency or disaster response and preparedness from a variety of FEMA related organizations:  Emergency Management Institute, Center for Domestic Preparedness, National Preparedness Directorate (online courses), and the National Training and Education Division.  These resources assist businesses in preparing for disasters and emergencies because a large percentage of businesses never reopen following impact from a natural or man-made disaster.

Do you use other free resources that are beneficial to EHS programs?  If so, share a comment below.

If your company has moved beyond the level where these guidance documents provide adequate assistance, an EHS consultant can assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of your EHS programs. Consider a free consultation from EHS Compliance Services Inc., you may contact us at 786-258-1818.