With the enactment of more State and Federal "right-to-know" laws, society has become more sensitive to the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) aspects of industrial and commercial facilities. Much of the EHS information provided to the public comes from the media, who in turn are given their information from special interest groups that are intent on furthering their own agendas. The end result can be a local population that may be unnecessarily alarmed over the risks posed by your operations. Implementing a proactive EHS communications program for both internal and external audiences can provide tangible and intangible benefits that contribute to your organization's success.

Experience has shown that any facility or operation that has EHS aspects and impacts will benefit financially from having a communications plan in place that clearly defines how information will be available for both internal and external audiences and who will responsible for communicating it. This need is especially important to those facilities or operations that have the following:

Are located near other commercial facilities or residential neighborhoods

Handle or store hazardous materials

Receive and ship large quantities of materials

Emit or discharge reportable quantities of pollutants to the air, sewer or land

Generate more than 200 kg./month of hazardous waste

Each of the above characteristics can result in potential exposure risk to employees and the public under normal conditions. Organizations who interpret and communicate that risk proactively provide a comfort factor to all involved. In the event of an incident such as a fire, process upset, spill, or transportation accident, that risk increases and the media will demand information defining that risk exposure. Having a structured communications plan in place during this time of crisis will allow information to be conveyed in a manner that can be reassuring and factual. A plan reduces the potential for false or misleading information to reach the public or regulatory authorities. Once incorrect information or perceptions exist, there can be adverse business impacts such as time spent refuting incorrect information, reversing negative perceptions, and restoring a positive image with customers. A plan diminishes the potential for liability lawsuits and for the facility to become a target for increased scrutiny by regulators or special interest groups.

Omni Tech professionals experienced in communicating under adverse conditions can assist you in the development of an effective EHS Communications Plan suitable for internal and external audiences. This plan will clearly convey the aspects and impacts of your operation's activities in a manner that is understandable to those audiences. An effective communications plan will also enable your employees and spokespersons to be more credible and comfortable appearing in public meetings and before the media.

For information contact Jim Pollack at:
989-631-3377 ext. 233
E-mail: jpollack@omnitechintl.com
Fax 989-631-0812

or contact Omni Tech Headquarters