Terry Dowson

Training and communication are very important components of a successful environmental management system. From a logistics standpoint however, they are often the most difficult to achieve effectively enough to satisfy an external system auditor.

Even with the benefit of recent technological advancements, training an entire workforce in the fundamental disciplines of the EMS is extremely time consuming. Moreover, the popularity of the person responsible for the EMS is hardly enhanced, once Operations Managers realise how much time their employees are spending attending presentations and short courses.

Here are a couple of ideas which may help you to overcome some of the difficulties in setting up you EMS.

Organise an Environment Awareness Week which, if planned carefully, will improve the effectiveness of internal communications, and provide a sound platform for training. The novelty of this venture really lies in the way that resources are utilised.

All organisations rely on products and services provided to them through the supply chain, many of which are quite specialised. Carefully examine your list of suppliers and service providers, and think about the wealth of knowledge they have to offer. Energy companies, raw materials suppliers, suppliers of oils and lubricants, the local Water Company and Environment Agency, suppliers of packaging materials, the list is almost endless! As a supplier to you, they will be only too happy to take part in your Environment Week venture, and provide specialist advice, videos, presentations etc. It will also provide them with an opportunity to promote their own organisations, and to take part in increasing the environmental awareness of the your workforce, the general public. Get the local press involved also, and you may be injured in the rush!

My own experience of this kind of initiative has been very rewarding, with a host of suppliers to my company wanting to take part and offer their help completely free of charge. I am currently organising such an event, in fact I have combined health and safety into the structure, along with key environmental management issues.

It may be best to hire a separate, portable building and some furniture and audio-visual equipment. Oil companies for example can provide advice and practical training for spillage and emergency response. The water companies and local Environment Agencies can help with up to date information on legislation, explain the water cycle, and also help increase awareness of pollution prevention. Talk to the HSE and Environment Agency, and get them to send along free posters and leaflets. Transport companies are also extremely useful in providing information relating to the handling and movement of hazardous substances, and giving advice to relevant people within your organisation.