With this week’s news about a Department of Government Efficiency, it’s worth asking—how efficient are the EHS roles we rely on to keep things running?

Is your EHS program adding real value or just adding to overhead?

Fair warning: my comments here may be a bit too blunt for some. So if you’d rather avoid the reality of what’s often left unspoken in departments like EHS, you may want to keep scrolling. But if you’re a Plant Manager ready to tackle some hard truths, read on.

With this week’s news about a Department of Government Efficiency, it’s worth asking—how efficient are the roles we rely on to keep things running? EHS is one of those areas where inefficiency tends to settle in. Roles meant to “ensure compliance” often get tangled in meetings, buried in paperwork, and churning out reports that barely make a difference on the plant floor.

Sure, there are a few standout EHS folks who deliver real results. But they’re rare. Most of the time, EHS departments add cost without driving value, stuck in processes that don’t actually make anyone safer. Imagine if your team could stay compliant and accountable without carrying the weight of redundant roles that only seem to occupy space.

Consider one of our new customers this year. They had an EHS Manager supposedly responsible for compliance, but in reality? Emissions and DPCC reports—outsourced. Stormwater permits and plans—outsourced. Yes, stormwater,...you heard that right. It’s almost unfathomable. Health and safety training—computer-based. The tasks left were PPE ordering and incident investigations—tasks that, with the right coaching and accountability, could easily be handled by lab and production supervisors. Yet this EHS Manager painted a picture of being swamped with meetings, “saving money,” and taking on new initiatives. The truth? It was a costly role with minimal impact.

If you’re wondering what value these roles truly bring, you’re not alone. Like that classic Office Space clip asks, “What, would you say, you do here?” Maybe it’s time to consider a team-based, outsourced EHS subscription service—one that builds true accountability without the bloat and brings real results to the floor.

As you know by now, we’ll keep sharing valuable insights. Cheers!

– Brian