Latest news with #EHS
Business Wire
6 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Ideagen Announces Acquisition of WorkSafe Guardian to Expand EHS Solutions and Protect Lone Workers
NOTTINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ideagen, a global leader in health, safety and risk management software, has announced the acquisition of WorkSafe Guardian (WSG), an Australian-based provider of lone-worker safety solutions. The addition of WorkSafe Guardian to our portfolio demonstrates our commitment to investing in powerful safety solutions that help businesses protect their staff and operations and address a growing segment of worker safety concern. Share The move enhances Ideagen's portfolio of environmental, health, safety and quality (EHSQ) solutions while reinforcing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region. Speaking about the acquisition, Ideagen CEO, Ben Dorks, said: 'Lone workers are often the most vulnerable of any workforce, either because they are going into unpredictable environments or because it's difficult to alert help if they get into difficulty. 'Organizations have a duty to protect their people, but this is a challenge when the nature of their work takes them into situations they can't control. For industries like health and social care, agriculture or construction, this is a daily occurrence. 'The addition of WorkSafe Guardian to our portfolio demonstrates our commitment to investing in powerful safety solutions that help businesses protect their staff and operations and address a growing segment of worker safety concern.' With more than 15% of the global workforce estimated to be classified as a lone worker (source: National Safety Council), the need for innovative safety systems to protect this workforce has never been greater. Greg Lindner, Co-founder and Director of WorkSafe Guardian, said: 'Joining Ideagen represents an important milestone for WorkSafe Guardian. It provides us with an incredible opportunity to bring our innovative solutions to a much broader global audience, while also enabling us to offer our customers an expanded portfolio of tools and resources to address their compliance needs. 'We're excited to combine our expertise with Ideagen's global network and industry-leading solutions, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional value and support to our clients.' WorkSafe Guardian advanced lone-worker safety solution offers an app-based service that provides 24/7 monitoring, real-time emergency response and reporting features. By combining their industry expertise with Ideagen's global reach and innovative EHS platform, this acquisition will streamline safety management processes and reduce risks for businesses. The acquisition aligns with Ideagen's broader mission to empower organizations with cutting-edge software to enhance operational excellence and drive compliance in risk-heavy environments. From healthcare professionals working alone on home visits to field workers in utilities and construction, the Ideagen WorkSafe Guardian suite will deliver integrated tools designed to safeguard team members wherever their responsibilities take them. This is Ideagen's fifth acquisition of 2025 and underscores Ideagen's commitment to building a robust suite of solutions existing within its Asia-Pacific footprint, which already includes Beakon (acquired earlier in 2025), Ideagen Damstra (January 2024), Ideagen Plant Assessor (January 2024), Ideagen OpCentral (November 2023), Ideagen Lucidity (October 2023), Ideagen OnePlace Solutions (May 2023) and Ideagen CompliSpace (December 2021). About Ideagen Ideagen is a trusted leader in governance, risk and compliance software, supporting organizations globally with solutions that enhance operational performance, address regulatory requirements and mitigate risk. Serving industries including healthcare, manufacturing, energy and financial services, Ideagen's products empower businesses to operate with confidence in an unpredictable world. Learn more at
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
How EHS Best Practices Provide Stability Amid Regulatory Shifts
Ted Kail is the Chief Product Officer at Cority, overseeing Product Management, Solution Marketing and Enablement. The regulatory landscape for environmental, health and safety (EHS) standards is in a state of constant evolution. From efforts to change EPA emissions standards to new workplace safety regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), industries are navigating significant shifts in policies that affect every aspect of their operations. Businesses that adhere to solid EHS best practices will find stability, even amid rapidly evolving and unpredictable regulatory changes. The Costly Impact Of Regulatory Shifts On Business Operations The nature of regulatory change can be both disruptive and costly. As industries adapt to new or modified regulations, companies often face unforeseen expenses, from compliance fines to potential lawsuits due to inadvertent violations. These changes create challenges not just for compliance teams but also for operational efficiency and safety protocols. One of the biggest hurdles companies face is the speed at which regulations evolve. A regulation that was in place for several years can suddenly be overhauled, forcing companies to pivot quickly. For example, when occupational safety regulations or environmental reporting standards change, companies may need to update their safety equipment, retrain staff and redesign their operations to meet new criteria, all of which come with a financial cost. According to a report by the National Association of Manufacturers, the total annual cost of regulatory compliance in the U.S. exceeds $3 trillion, with many companies facing significant financial burdens due to changing regulations. Not to mention, frequent regulatory changes can lead to confusion among employees and stakeholders, especially when it's not clear what exactly needs to be done to stay compliant. This confusion, if not addressed properly, can result in lapses in safety and compliance, putting workers and businesses at risk. How EHS Best Practices Serve As A Safety Net During Regulatory Change So, how can companies stay ahead of these challenges? The key is maintaining robust EHS best practices. While regulations may change, a commitment to high safety standards and continuous improvement will always provide a solid foundation for compliance. Focusing specifically on the S of EHS, the first step is to establish a culture of proactive safety. This involves ongoing education pertaining to safety procedures, emergency protocols and regulatory updates for all employees within an organization. Training is crucial, not just when new regulations are announced, but as part of an ongoing, everyday commitment to safety. OSHA regularly updates its guidelines, and businesses must stay on top of these changes to protect their employees and avoid fines. Ensuring employees are trained in the latest safety measures and compliance standards will help reduce workplace incidents. Another important best practice is regular audits and assessments of both safety systems and compliance processes. These audits can help identify potential gaps in safety protocols before they become serious problems. For example, tools like the ISO 45001 certification can guide organizations in establishing comprehensive safety management systems, fostering a culture of safety that adapts quickly to regulatory changes. Automation tools and software can simplify the tracking of regulatory changes, ensuring that companies are always up to date with the latest standards. Additionally, data-driven approaches can provide insights into safety performance, helping businesses identify trends and areas that may need improvement. Best practices also involve a commitment to transparency. By maintaining open communication with regulatory bodies, employees and stakeholders, businesses can better understand new regulations and demonstrate their commitment to compliance. Transparency, coupled with sound safety practices, helps build trust with employees and the communities in which companies operate. How To Build A Resilient EHS Framework That Adapts To Change Resiliency means not only adapting to changes quickly but also anticipating them. Here is how companies can achieve this: 1. Create flexible safety protocols and implement a robust change management process. The foundation of a resilient business is its ability to adjust swiftly. Instead of rigid safety practices, companies should focus on creating flexible protocols that allow for quick adaptation to new regulations and having access to clear, traceable data that they can leverage to inform operational decisions that improve performance. 2. Implement scalable systems. As businesses grow, their safety and compliance needs will evolve. Scalable safety systems allow for the seamless addition of new safety measures or processes as regulations change without disrupting operations. An example of a scalable solution is implementing a cloud-based EHS management system that can scale with the growth of a business while adapting to changes in regulatory requirements. 3. Leverage EHS technology. With the right tools in place, companies can automate and streamline the compliance process. Software that tracks regulatory changes, manages reporting requirements and monitors safety performance ensures businesses are prepared for whatever comes next. 4. Engage with regulators. Staying ahead of regulatory changes often involves building relationships with industry regulators and policymakers. By engaging early in the regulatory process, businesses can influence the direction of policy and gain a better understanding of upcoming changes. 5. Foster a culture of safety. A resilient business also invests in fostering a culture of safety at every level. Ensuring that safety is part of every conversation—from the boardroom to the factory floor—ensures that everyone is aligned and ready to act when regulations change. In an environment where regulatory changes are inevitable, the businesses that succeed are those that take proactive steps to maintain high standards and continuously adapt. EHS best practices—such as regular audits, robust training, leveraging technology and creating flexible systems—can provide the stability companies need to navigate this ever-changing landscape. The goal for any organization should be to not just react to new regulations but to anticipate them and be ready for whatever changes may come next. By doing so, businesses can protect their employees, avoid compliance pitfalls and foster a safer, more resilient workplace for the future. As the EHS industry faces an increasingly volatile regulatory environment, one thing is clear: Proactive adaptation and continuous improvement are essential. Now, more than ever, companies must prioritize safety and compliance, not as a reactive measure, but as a core part of their resilient business model. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
CBS News
6 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Video shows hotel awning collapse over Brooklyn Heights subway station entrance
Editor's note 5:22 p.m. 8/4/25: This story has been updated to reflect a response to Councilman Restler's remarks by Educational Housing Services. An awning that was attached to a Brooklyn Heights hotel and sat above a subway station entrance collapsed on Sunday morning. The incident, which was captured on surveillance video, happened two days after a local New York City Council member convened a meeting to address conditions there. Hotel St. George awning comes crashing down The footage shows the overhang for the Hotel St. George, which opened more than 100 years ago, crashing down just after 7 a.m. It used to sit right above the entrance to the Clark Street subway station. Luckily, no one was walking underneath at the time. Councilman Lincoln Restler claimed the building is the responsibility of Educational Housing Services, or EHS, which provides dormitory housing. Just this past Friday, Restler says he met with the NYC Transit president about a game plan to address the issues. "We get complaints from our constituents, our neighbors, every week about the stench of sewage, about the grime and the filth," Restler said. "They've been non-responsive to my office, and to the MTA about improving conditions in the station." EHS responded to the councilman's allegations Monday, disputing his assertion and saying they do not own the building. "We are aware of the collapse of the marquee at the St. George residence. We are relieved to report that no injuries were sustained, and we are thankful for the swift response of emergency personnel who secured the area quickly. While EHS provides student housing services within the St. George property, we are not the owners of the building. This has been reported to the public incorrectly by the MTA and several elected officials. We are in active communication with the building's ownership and management to ensure any necessary repairs are addressed promptly. The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely," EHS said in a statement. DOB says structure showed poor maintenance Later Sunday, workers boarded up the subway station entrance. The MTA says trains are skipping stops for the 2 and 3 lines at Clark Street, as the Department of Buildings investigates. A DOB representative said the 15-foot by 20-foot concrete and steel beam that collapsed showed signs of poor maintenance. Inspectors noted that the steel beam is completely corroded through at several locations. They are also inspecting a second similar awning on the other side of the building, which, they say, shows similar signs of poor maintenance. The DOB website shows two open violations from 2021 related to the building's façade, and a third from 2022 in violation of a local law related to façade safety. "We have a service that we are willing and ready to provide, and so not having the ability to provide customers the transportation that they need and deserve is just unacceptable," the MTA President of NYC Transit Demetrius Crichlow added Monday after checking out the damage. "So the first thing is how do we get service back to this station, and there are two entrances that need to be addressed." For now, the DOB has issued a partial vacate order, which means small businesses there, like a shoe repair shop, bodega and florist, cannot operate for the time being. The DOB said there could be enforcement actions as it investigates. Local residents say it's a miracle no one was hurt People who live in the area were stunned by the collapse, and thankful nobody happened to be walking underneath it at the time. "It was kind of wild to see. It made me think a bit more about my surroundings," a local resident named Leon said. "It's a historic landmark. I walk by it with pride every day. No one expects it to fall on your head," Brooklyn Heights resident Adam Green added. "God forbid it happened at 12 o-clock on a Monday, 12 o'clock noon on Monday. It would have been catastrophic," a Brooklyn Heights resident named Freddie said. "I'm just upset. What if I was walking under there?" resident Shakira Chamrai said.
Mint
7 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Office space stock in top 8 cities at nearly 1 bn sq ft valuing USD 187 billion: Knight Frank
New Delhi, India's top eight cities have a total office space stock of 993 million sq ft valued at USD 187 billion and is set to cross the 1 billion sq ft mark by the end of this quarter, according to Knight Frank. At present, the US has 10.2 billion sq ft of office space, China 6.26 billion sq ft and Japan 1.77 billion sq ft. "From under 200 million sq ft in 2005 to nearly 1 billion sq ft in 2025, office supply has grown at a CAGR of 8.6 per cent in the last 20 years," real estate consultant Knight Frank India said in a statement. The consultant projected that the total office stock is set to cross the landmark 1 billion square feet in the September quarter. According to the data till June 30 this year, Bengaluru has a total office space stock of 229 million sq ft valued at USD 49 billion, followed by Delhi-NCR, which has 199 million sq ft worth USD 44 billion, and Mumbai Metropolitan Region has 169 million sq ft valuing USD 41 billion. Hyderabad has 123 million sq ft of office space stock valuing USD 16 billion; Pune 106 million sq ft ; Chennai 92 million sq ft ; Ahmedabad 41 million sq ft ; and Kolkata 34 million sq ft worth USD 4 billion. Of the total office space stock, the consultant mentioned that the share of Grade A spaces stood at 53 per cent, followed by Grade B at 43 per cent and Grade C at 4 per cent. The consultant noted that India's office demand has transformed in the last 35 years. Global Capability Centers have become a major driver of office demand in India. "India's office market is at a defining moment. Poised to cross the 1 billion sq ft threshold in 2025 with 0.99 billion sq ft already achieved, India has become the world's fourth-largest office market," Gulam Zia, Senior Executive Director- Research, Advisory, Infrastructure, and Valuation at Knight Frank, said. India has emerged as a true global office powerhouse, he noted. "India's office stock growth is a testament to its economic resilience. As we build the next wave of workspaces, there is growing responsibility to design and construct office interiors with sustainability and EHS in mind," said Shruti Singh, Co-Founder of Carbon Guardians, which is into Design & Build and managed offices business. The future of office development lies in performance-driven workplaces that align with global sustainability goals and employees' wellbeing, she said. "The scale of expansion ahead is immense and so is the opportunity to embed carbon-conscious thinking into every square foot we create," Singh said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Psychological Safety: The Invisible Foundation of a Strong EHS Culture
What Is Psychological Safety (and Why Should We Care?) In the world of Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS), we often focus on visible safety measures: hard hats, safety protocols, emergency procedures, and compliance metrics. But there's an invisible yet critical component that can make or break your safety culture: psychological safety. Psychological safety is the belief that one can speak up, take interpersonal risks, and make mistakes without fear of punishment or humiliation. It's not about being 'nice' - it's about trust, accountability, and open dialogue. In high-risk industries and environments, psychological safety is foundational to a strong safety culture. Workers are more likely to report near misses, unsafe conditions, or mental health concerns when they feel safe to speak up. In practical terms, psychological safety means your team members feel comfortable saying: without worrying about negative consequences to their reputation, career, or relationships. A psychologically safe team is not only more engaged and resilient, but also more effective in both physical and mental safety performance. Our Role: Creating a Culture Where it's Safe to Speak Up As EHS professionals, we have a unique opportunity and responsibility to champion psychological safety across our organisations. Our position allows us to influence culture at multiple levels, from frontline workers to senior leadership. Spotting the Unseen: Tackling Psychological Hazards Psychological hazards include: Unlike physical hazards, these risks are often 'invisible' - harder to see, harder to quantify, and easier to ignore. When left unaddressed, they contribute to increased stress, burnout, absenteeism, and even accidents. Frameworks like the HSE Management Standards and ISO 45003 provide structure for identifying, assessing, and managing psychosocial risks. EHS professionals can play a key role by: You're Closer than you Think: Building on What Exists You don't need to start from scratch. Psychological safety can and should be integrated into your current programs. How Do You Know It's Working? Signs to Look For What gets measured gets managed. While psychological safety is often considered 'soft,' there are clear ways to assess it: Edmondson's From Talk to Action: Building Trust that Sticks Trust isn't built overnight—but it can be nurtured with consistent, intentional actions: Why it All Matters – and What Comes Next Creating a truly safe workplace means going beyond hard hats and hazard signs—it means ensuring your people feel heard, respected, and safe to speak up. As EHS professionals, embedding psychological safety into our work isn't just good practice—it's essential for the health, safety, and performance of our teams. Let's move from checking boxes to building cultures. Because when your people feel safe to speak, your entire safety program becomes stronger. Questions? Our team is here to help! Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Antea Group
