The evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is reshaping how businesses operate, and the intersection of ESG and sustainability presents a unique opportunity for Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) professionals to elevate their role and impact. This was the key message delivered by Kathy Seabrook, founder and CEO of Global Solutions, Inc. and a leading voice in the field, during an education session on day one of the ASSP Safety 2024 Conference and Expo.
Seabrook emphasizes the growing recognition of human capital as a core driver of business value, noting that investors and stakeholders are increasingly focused on metrics related to employee well-being and safety. This shift is underscored by regulatory developments, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) focus on human capital disclosure and the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
“People are the core of every line of business,” Seabrook says. “The CEO’s are actually saying that as well. This concept of attracting talent — this survey also included chief human resource officers.”
The International Labour Organization estimates that 2.93 million people worldwide lose their lives each year due to work-related accidents. This staggering figure highlights the significant impact of workplace safety on human capital and underscores the business case for robust EHS programs.
Seabrook points to a recent Accenture survey of 2,600 CEOs across 128 countries, which found that 73% of CEOs cite talent as their greatest challenge in implementing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This finding reinforces the critical link between a company’s workforce — its human capital — and its ability to achieve long-term sustainability objectives.
Moreover, Seabrook highlights the interconnectedness of environmental and social factors within the broader sustainability framework. She argues that EHS professionals are uniquely positioned to drive progress in both areas, as their expertise in risk management, compliance, and employee well-being is directly relevant to key ESG considerations.
“We don’t have to ask for a seat at the table in sustainability,” Seabrook asserts. “We build the table. We are foundational to sustainability.”
Seabrook encourages EHS professionals to embrace the opportunity to collaborate with other departments, such as finance, investor relations, and sustainability teams, to develop comprehensive strategies that integrate ESG principles into core business operations. By demonstrating the tangible value of EHS programs in mitigating risks, enhancing employee productivity, and driving sustainable performance, EHS professionals can solidify their position as key contributors to long-term business success.
