Latest news with #JohnMcQuillan
Forbes
27-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Businesses Can Stay Steady Amid EPA Uncertainty
John McQuillan is the founder, chairman and CEO at Triumvirate Environmental. getty We're operating in one of the most uncertain regulatory environments in decades. As federal environmental policy undergoes rapid and often unpredictable shifts through reversals, reinterpretations and sometimes outright dismantling, businesses are left navigating a compliance landscape that feels more like quicksand than solid ground. From water discharge regulations and air quality thresholds to chemical usage guidelines, the rules are changing fast. In my role, I've seen firsthand how this uncertainty is creating real pressure for environmental, health and safety (EHS) professionals. For many companies, staying compliant feels like trying to hit a moving target blindfolded. Let's call it what it is: Environmental compliance is no longer anchored in consistency. Federal definitions and enforcement mechanisms like those outlined in the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the ever-controversial 'Waters of the United States' (WOTUS) are in flux. The result? Critical permitting decisions are left in limbo. Projects stall, timelines slip and operational momentum suffers. Businesses that operate across state lines face another layer of complexity. Each state is responding differently to changes at the federal level. California, for example, remains vigilant and aggressive in its EHS enforcement, while other states take a more hands-off approach. The practical reality for companies is that compliance doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all manual. On top of all this is uncertainty in our judicial system. Court decisions like Sackett v. EPA have redefined the scope of federal environmental authority. When judges become the arbiters of what constitutes a wetland or navigable water, businesses are left guessing how long a permit will hold, or if it's needed at all. Then there's the political pendulum. Every change in administration seems to rewrite the definition of what compliance looks like. Take PFAS regulations or the March 2025 EPA statement as examples: what one administration tightens, the next might loosen. The whiplash is real. All of this legal and regulatory volatility has very tangible consequences. Project development is delayed or halted because permits are stuck in procedural purgatory. Compliance teams burn out trying to keep pace with the changes. And when missteps occur, because they inevitably do, companies face financial penalties, public scrutiny and reputational risk. There's a cost to being reactive. Get ahead of the chaos. Build for change rather than stability. The best companies don't chase regulations; they anticipate them. They invest in compliance systems designed to flex and adapt as laws evolve. This includes digital platforms for real-time monitoring, data analytics tools to track impact and dashboards that make it easy to report progress internally and externally. But systems alone aren't enough. You also have to invest in people. The people are the core of the business. EHS teams need the training, support and leadership to interpret rules and operate confidently amid ambiguity. You want to create a resilient team of professionals who don't just react but lead. Many leaders choose to offload mental strain from their internal team by bringing in experienced partners who can track regulatory changes full-time. If you go this route, it's important to find the right partner whose job is to know the regulations and how they'll evolve, so you don't have to spend all your energy there. With so much uncertainty, it's tempting to deprioritize sustainability until the dust settles. But sustainability isn't just about compliance. It's about preserving your company values, longevity and reputation. Sustainability is about the air our employees breathe, the water our communities drink and the kind of company we want to be known as. Businesses that stay committed to environmental stewardship even when regulations are unclear are playing the long game. They're minimizing risk, protecting their workforce, and building public trust. Sustainability also supports safety, another key pillar of successful operations. If you're aligning your environmental, safety and compliance goals, you're protecting your people and your brand. If there's one takeaway I'd emphasize, it's this: Companies do have the ability to find stability in an unstable regulatory environment. You can't control the courts or the political climate, but you can control how prepared your team is. You can control the systems you invest in, the partners you rely on and the culture you build internally. Transparency is key internally with teams and externally with stakeholders. Clear reporting, routine audits and shared dashboards create alignment and trust. Make sure your team is equipped with the best possible technology and is mentally and physically well. That's what drives compliance, not just policy memoranda. We're in an era where regulation will likely continue to be turbulent. But if your business prioritizes proactive systems, supports your people and partners wisely, you can operate with confidence—even when the rules keep changing. In the end, compliance is a mindset. And in today's environment, that mindset is more important than ever. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Addressing A Silent Threat To Employee Health: Occupational Cancer
John McQuillan is the founder, chairman and CEO at Triumvirate Environmental . getty Following National Cancer Prevention Month in February, I'm reminded that cancer remains one of the most significant health threats globally, ranking as the second-leading cause of death worldwide. And while lifestyle factors like smoking and diet are well-documented contributors, occupational exposure to carcinogens is a lesser-known but alarming risk. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, about 5% to 8% of all cancers worldwide stem from exposure to workplace carcinogens, underscoring the severity of this hidden danger. As a business owner, I've seen firsthand how employee health can impact not only individuals and their families but also the overall success of a company. A safe work environment isn't just about compliance—it's about valuing people and creating a culture of care. Workplace environments in various industries may expose employees to hazardous materials, increasing employees' risk of developing cancer. Careers with well-known risk factors that come to mind are firefighting and mining. But there are many professions where the risks are less apparent that can result in prolonged exposure to carcinogens. Some of the most concerning carcinogenic substances found in workplaces include asbestos, which is common in construction materials and linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma; benzene, which is found in petroleum and chemical industries and associated with leukemia; formaldehyde, used in healthcare and manufacturing and linked to cancers of the respiratory tract; and lead, found in industrial settings, which poses neurological and organ-related cancer risks. Additional harmful carcinogens include nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and radon. Exposure to these carcinogens can result in aggressive, life-threatening diseases affecting multiple systems and organs. Occupational cancers frequently impact the lungs, liver, brain and bones, lymphatic system and the skin. Beyond physical health, occupational cancer contributes to mental and emotional strain on employees and their families. The cumulative toll that occupational cancer can have irreparable impacts on overall health and well-being of a company and its employees. An Established Connection The link between workplace exposure and cancer has now been officially recognized since 1920. Some of the first recorded causal links date back to 1775 with a high incidence of scrotal cancer in chimney sweeps, and in 1907, when workers developed skin cancer as a result of handling tar or pitch. Even Marie Curie, a pioneer in radioactivity research, which has been used to fight cancer, died after years of exposure to radiation through her work. Curie's death is an example of the risk that can come with innovation. Despite advancements in workplace safety, many industries still struggle with hazardous exposures. Lung cancer is common among agriculture workers across the United States due to prolonged pesticide exposure. Healthcare workers are frequently exposed to formaldehyde in laboratories and medical settings. Construction workers experience high levels of ionizing radiation from prolonged sun exposure and industrial processes. Creating Healthy And Safe Work Environments Employers have a duty to minimize risks and create environments where their teams can thrive. Education and proactive safety measures are an effective way to prevent occupational cancer. Business owners can accomplish this by ensuring that employees understand the dangers associated with workplace carcinogens and establishing a safety committee, a group of dedicated and motivated employees from a variety of relevant internal departments who meet regularly to discuss and tackle safety concerns. It's also essential for employers to provide and enforce the use of respirators, gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE), and implement safety protocols like air quality monitoring, proper ventilation and hazard communication programs. Employers can also increase employee well-being by promoting initiatives that support healthy living and encouraging staff to seek out routine and regular health screenings. The health and safety of employees should be a top priority for every company. Investing in robust workplace safety measures protects workers, and it can also increase workforce retention, positively influence company culture and prevent costly legal and medical expenses. I've seen organizations thrive when they take employee safety seriously. It's not just about regulations—it's about creating a workplace culture that values health, well-being and sustainability. Businesses should seek expert guidance in hazardous waste management. Partnering with professional waste disposal services ensures that hazardous materials are handled safely, protecting both employees and the environment. (Disclosure: My company helps with this, as do others.) Ensure the provider has the necessary permits and certifications, such as OSHA safety training. Different industries face unique waste challenges, so it's crucial to work with a provider experienced in handling the specific hazardous materials relevant to your business. Look for providers who prioritize sustainable waste management solutions, including recycling and waste-to-energy programs, while maintaining the highest safety standards. A good provider should offer rapid response services for spills or unexpected hazardous waste incidents. Reliable waste management partners should provide clear documentation and reporting to ensure regulatory compliance and track waste disposal methods. By prioritizing safety, education and expert intervention, businesses can create healthier work environments and prevent the devastating effects of occupational cancer. The cost of prevention is far less than the cost of inaction. Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
