Synergist - December 2010

Streamlined Management

How to Build a Business Case for OHS Databases

BY MONICA MELKONIAN

The data industrial hygienists man- age continues to grow in volume and complexity. We rely on this data when making sound judgments regarding the health and safety of
workers and the general public.

But instead of employing a streamlined, centralized approach to managing occupational health and safety (OHS) data, many organizations use disparate databases, Excel spreadsheets and paper-based systems. These systems can increase the potential for inconsistent, fragmented data that hinders industrial hygienists’ ability to track, manage and report OHS data. If not corrected, disparate systems can drain resources, negatively impact productivity, and possibly result in less informed decision making.

Utilizing a comprehensive, automated OHS system that integrates occupational data in one place can significantly enhance data quality and efficiency within your organization. With quality data readily at hand, the industrial hygienist can make more proactive and effective decisions.

When proposing implementation of a
new integrated system, whether pur-
chased from a software provider or built
in-house, industrial hygienists will often
be asked to justify the investment with a
business case. In today’s difficult eco-
nomic climate, the ability to build an ef-
fective business case has become even
more important. The business case will
need to prove that the proposed invest-
ment will not only enhance health and
safety but positively impact the organi-
zation’s bottom line.

Qualitative Benefits

While difficult to measure, the qualitative benefits of integrated OHS software make good business sense. Discussing qualitative benefits first in your business case will help management understand why the software system is needed. These benefits include the ability to:

• collect and manage data more efficiently and consistently

• harmonize and streamline OHS processes

• provide a platform for sharing best practices

• manage risk proactively

• facilitate or improve effective communication of OHS data

• identify how to prioritize and allocate
resources
Integrating and streamlining work-
flows, business processes, and communi-
cations can improve OHS practices and
result in a healthier, more productive
work force. These benefits alone amount
to a strong case for implementing an in-
tegrated OHS software system. And you
can further justify the business decision
with measurable results.

Quantitative Benefits A business case for an integrated OHS software system must measure its return on investment (ROI). Here, ROI is evaluated in terms of administrative efficiency, regulatory compliance, IT cost savings, preparedness for litigation and file storage.

ROI Tools for the IH

The AIHA® IH Value Strategy Working Group has published text and tools to assist industrial hygienists in proving IH value to their organization. For more information, visit www.IHValue. org. In addition, the newly released AIHA Value Strategy Manual offers management-level guidance on how to convince employers to implement health and safety interventions. Order the Value Strategy Manual from the AIHA Marketplace at www.aiha.org/ marketplace/Pages/ default.aspx.