
Employee involvement enhances safety and operational efficiency in workplaces
Employee involvement enhances safety and operational efficiency in workplaces
- Helena Mulvihill, EHS manager at Amgen, discusses the integration of EHS into daily operations.
- The collaborative approach encourages employee engagement and trust, enhancing workplace safety.
- Involvement in EHS practices leads to improved safety performance and operational efficiency.
Story
In the biotech industry, Helena Mulvihill, the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) manager at Amgen, emphasizes the necessity of integrating EHS practices within operations to ensure safety and reliability. Mulvihill highlights that EHS is fundamentally about protecting individuals while facilitating efficient operations. Her role includes implementing robust EHS management systems that encompass risk assessments, incident management, and performance metrics while facilitating clear communication and engagement across multiple departments. This collaborative approach allows for a dynamic response to both planned and unplanned situations, making adaptability a crucial skill in the field. Mulvihill notes the significance of involving all employees in EHS practices, stating that those closest to the work have the best insights into task performance. By fostering collaboration and a culture of trust, where individuals feel empowered to raise concerns or halt operations if necessary, EHS becomes an integral part of daily tasks rather than a separate, imposed set of rules. This cultural shift promotes responsibility among employees to prioritize safety, showing that active engagement leads to a safer environment and improved operational performance. Furthermore, she highlights that employees can support EHS initiatives even in non-specialized roles by remaining vigilant about their surroundings and the implications of their actions. Small, conscious improvements can lead to significant reductions in workplace risks, showing that EHS is not solely the responsibility of designated safety personnel but is a collective effort that requires participation at all levels of the organization. Finally, Mulvihill connects her work in EHS to broader organizational goals at Amgen. By promoting a holistic understanding of how safety and operations intertwine, employees can transition between various areas of the company, gaining a well-rounded skill set. This cross-departmental collaboration and ongoing dialogue with global colleagues help in continuously improving EHS practices and adapting them to the evolving requirements of the industry.