Benefits Of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System

In such a competitive marketplace, the priority on most businesses' list is to secure their share of customers. And for some, it stops there. But is that enough?

Surely the aim should not only be to grow your customer base, and the  secure return business, but also to make that customer an ambassador for your business.

This can be achieved in several ways; outstanding customer service and superior products are a great start, but there's still more you can do. You have to make the customer believe in your brand. And that can be done by becoming a socially and environmentally responsible organisation.

Consumer Research

The Queensland government tells us that 'ecofriendly makes business sense', and research reveals that most consumers will pay more, or go out their way, to buy from environmentally conscious organisations.

According to the Queensland government, "promoting your environmentally friendly methods can set your business apart from your competitors and attract new customers who want to buy products and services from an environmentally friendly business".

And probably the best way to become such a business, is to adopt an ISO 14001 environmental management system.

Reduce Your Impact

Globally recognised, ISO 14001 puts the environment right at the heart of your organisation, helping to minimise your business's impact on the environment - and the climate - by reducing your use of natural resources; minimising waste and setting environmental targets.

As well as 'doing the right thing', there are huge benefits to be had, including cost savings, improved staff motivation, improved reputation, better compliance with legislation, and greater customer satisfaction.

For expert help implementing an environmental management system in Queensland, it's best to talk to the experts. While off the shelf solutions are offered online, the one-size-fits-all approach is not recommended - especially if you wish to gain ISO 14001 certification.

Accreditation entitles you to use the ISO 14001 benchmark on all your packaging and marketing materials, showing unequivocally that you have achieved that environmental status.

Discover Why An ISO Safety Management System Is A Good Investment

It feels as if everything has a price these days, doesn't it? And in an increasingly competitive market, the first question a business will ask is, What will it cost me? And what will I get for my money?

In the same way investors look for a Return On Investment when they purchase property or land, so too do employers, when they invest in their staff.

For example, if a business owner is thinking of investing in training for his employees, he has to weigh up what he'll get in return. Increased production? Motivated staff? More skilled workers? That's understandable really.

Legal And Moral Obligation

But what doesn't seem right is when business owners weigh up the ROI on providing workplace safety! That point should be top of the agenda - especially as they have a legal obligation.

I would have thought the ROI on an ISO safety management system was, first and foremost, peace of mind! The knowledge that everyone within the workplace is protected, and the risk of facing prosecution is minimised.

However, for those who require it, it is also possible to calculate the financial gain of having a system in place. The economic cost of work-related injury to the Australian economy for the Year 2012-13, was $61.8 billion (Safe Work Australia).

Cost Of Accidents

During the period 2009-10 to 2011-12, the average cost of a serious claim in - as an example - the construction industry, was $10,200. But on top of that, there's the average 6 weeks or so that the employee will be off work recovering. So there's an additional cost in either downtime, or temporary staff, or both.

Then there's the cost of any prosecution or fine, which can run into millions of dollars.

Implement Safety Management System

Alternatively, an employer can make a call to an Integrated Safety Management system services consultant, such as Standard Consulting in Brisbane.

The consultant can put in place a recognised, accredited Safety Management System, for a fraction of the cost of a workplace accident.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me!