Communication
Another important element of the implementation phase is communication.
This includes both internal and external communication to support continual improvement with respect to environmental protection.
Internal Communication
It's important to focus on communication within the organization. Communication channels must be created to ensure the personnel who need information at any level and function will receive the necessary information in a reasonable time frame. Personnel must also be able to forward suggestions and concerns about the EMS to those management personnel that can appropriately address such issues.
It is quite helpful to allow all personnel the authority to identify system nonconformance or regulatory noncompliance and report issues to the person responsible for managing the corrective and preventive action process. This helps to foster continual improvement. Of course, this only works well if employee suggestions and comments are appreciated and rewarded.
The Strategic Importance of Internal Communications and Employee Engagement
Examples of Internal Communication include:
- notes in pay checks that inform employees about EMS efforts
- training courses
- posted signs with reminders of key EMS goals and actions
- weekly EMS meetings at the facility to review progress with key management personnel
- posting of results of progress toward objectives and targets on facility bulletin boards (for example, waste generation and chemical use rates)
- meetings with senior management to report on the EMS
- employee suggestion box and communications about awards for successful projects
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-3. Posting the results of progress toward objectives and targets on facility bulletin boards are examples of _____.
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