Environmental, healthy and safety managers know it can be a challenge to keep track of the ever-evolving regulations in environmental compliance. It can be an even greater challenge for companies to know what requirements are necessary to follow to remain in compliance, mitigate risk, and minimize impacts on the environment. But environmental training isn’t just about checkboxes and holds real value for companies and their employees when prioritized.
Minimizing Risks and Creating a Safety Culture
While environmental trainings may be mandatory based on a facility’s activities and permits, it reinforces the foundation of safe workplaces and carries several crucial benefits. Technical training on environmental topics, such as hazardous waste management, equips employees with the necessary skills for their roles and allows companies to operate more efficiently with reduced risks and liability.
The “Why” and “How” to Environmental Training
Annual trainings such as those focusing on hazardous materials and spill response serve as a valuable reminder for employees on how to handle and manage such materials in their workplace, as well as how to respond in case of a release or an emergency. This can reduce the number of accidents or spills, thereby reducing the environmental impact by the organization. Tailoring training topics to the workplace, including the specific chemicals or materials used, allows employees involved in material handling to better understand the nuances of their day-to-day tasks.
Relevant, annual environmental training not only answers the “why”, but it also provides the “how”. It addresses questions like: “Why do the labels have to be on the container?” and “How should the labels be placed?”. This kind of training empowers employees with the tools to maintain environmental compliance, reducing the risk of a violation during audits. It also enables employees to manage many environmental issues in-house, minimizing the need to have an outside consultant assist with day-to-day issues.
Highlighting Environmental Responsibility
Environmental training for employees is also strategic investment that can foster a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship. Well-trained employees are not only equipped to navigate the complexities of environmental regulations but also become champions of sustainability within the organization. As demonstrating environmental stewardship becomes more important for businesses, implementing initiatives that prioritize ESG (environmental, social, and governance) concerns can lead to more efficient operations, cost savings, and top-line growth, according to McKinsey. Providing regular environmental trainings for employees demonstrates a commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability.
Available RCRA Hazardous Waste Training Opportunities
While annual training is required in many situations, like for large quantity generators of hazardous waste, optional training is recommended for companies and employees due to its numerous advantages. Braun Intertec provides customized environmental trainings for your facility, as well as general training opportunities for employees. You can view our page to learn more about our EHS services or contact us if you require any training assistance. We also are providing an upcoming opportunity for RCRA hazardous waste handlers to attend a live, interactive training to get up-to-date on rules and requirements.
You can register for the event below.