Welcome Rakan Sarawak May 2004

Rangkaian Khidmat Awam Negeri Sarawak

A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN

(People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service)

ISSN 1394-5726

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Preventing Disasters through Effective EMS

We know that “prevention is better than cure”. It’s a common knowledge; too common maybe that we become complacent until a disaster occurs. Then we are forced to think about and act on environmental and health issues.

One way to prevent environmental hazards is through an effective use of Environmental Management System (EMS). The ISO 14001 is an international standard on EMS, which has been in existence since 1996. Benefits of EMS Organizations throughout the world that have implemented an effective Environmental Management System, indicated tremendous benefits derived from such a system.

These include:

Reduction in Accidents and Losses

With better management on the chemicals used and wastes produced, environmental, health and safety related accidents are reduced. Reduction of losses means greaterprofits for the organization and the country.

Conformance with Legal Requirements

Organizations who failed to comply with environmental laws are required to find ways to overcome this challenge in EMS. With correct understanding and application of legal requirements, organizations will have to improve their environmental management to come in full compliance to the legal requirements. The efforts may only be achieved after continual improvements are made.

Self-Regulation

One of the greatest strengths of EMS is self- regulation. Once the standard is set, organizations will have to strive to meet this. Internal and external EMS audits conducted will ensure a progressive upward surge for improvement. Conformance to all the standards, legal and non-legal requirements can be achieved. This benefit will also reduce the burden of enforcement authority in checking and penalizing organizations.

Higher Efficiency and Profit

EMS calls for a systematic management of environmental issues. When a good system is established, a higher efficiency in workers output can be expected as workers are healthier in a cleaner environment, documentation system is in place, and actions are promptly taken when needed. The result will definitely be reduction of losses and increased profits.

Competitive Advantage

EMS encourages innovation to solve existing environmental problems. The reduction in both the use of toxic raw materials and in the generation of harmful wastes will improve the quality of products. Customers will definitely be more comfortable with those “environmental-friendly” and “health-friendly”
products especially if they know the health risks in using these products will be reduced.

Enhancement of the Organization ’s Image

Good corporate image is viewed as an essential element for the survival of any organization. With good application of EMS, the surrounding environment will be protected, and communities will appreciate and support such an organization because they know it cares. With such a support, industries and communities can live in harmony, as they are inter-dependent on each other.

Protection of Present and Future Generations

With sustainable development, organizations will grow while the environment is protected. Accidents and hazards are prevented and reduced. The land, air, water, flora and fauna are clean and suitable for use. The organization and the whole country will grow and prosper.

Source: Implementing Environmental Management Systems Using ISO 14001 Standard: Opportunities and Challenges by Ir. Dr. Chong Hock Guan