Comprehensive EHS Glossary: Key Terms and Definitions for Environmental Health and Safety

Accident

An unexpected event that results in injury, illness, or damage to property.

Asbestos

A group of minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion, known to cause health issues such as lung disease.

Audit

A systematic examination of an EHS program or process to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Behavior-Based Safety (BBS)

A process that aims to improve safety by observing and modifying employees’ behaviors.

Compliance

Adherence to laws, regulations, guidelines, and specifications relevant to the industry.

Confined Space

An area that is large enough for a worker to enter but has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy.

Corrective Action

Steps taken to rectify conditions and practices that led to non-compliance or unsafe situations.

Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

A documented plan outlining procedures to be followed during an emergency.

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

A process to evaluate the environmental effects of a proposed project or development.

Ergonomic Injury

An injury caused by repetitive strain or improper posture in the workplace.

Ergonomics

The study of people’s efficiency in their working environment, aimed at preventing injuries and improving productivity.

Exposure

Contact with a chemical, physical, or biological agent that may have harmful effects.

Fall Protection

Systems and procedures used to prevent falls from heights.

First Aid

Immediate assistance given to someone injured or suddenly ill before professional medical help is available.

Flammable

A material that can catch fire easily and burn rapidly.

GHS (Globally Harmonized System)

An international system for classifying and labeling chemicals.

Hazard

A potential source of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons.

Hazard Communication (HazCom)

Standards requiring employers to inform employees about hazardous chemicals they may be exposed to in the workplace.

Incident

An occurrence that could lead to or has led to an accident or other unintended event.

Incident Command System (ICS)

A standardized approach to the command, control, and coordination of emergency response.

Industrial Hygiene

The science of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating, and controlling workplace conditions that may cause workers’ injury or illness.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A process to identify hazards associated with specific job tasks and develop safe procedures to mitigate them.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Metrics used to evaluate the success of an organization in achieving its objectives.

Lead Exposure

Contact with lead, which can cause serious health problems.

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not able to be started up again before the completion of maintenance or repair work.

Machine Guarding

Safety features on or around machinery to protect workers from injury.

Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)

A document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace.

Near Miss

An incident that did not result in injury, illness, or damage but had the potential to do so.

NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

An organization that creates and maintains standards and codes for fire prevention and safety.

Occupational Health

The branch of healthcare dealing with the prevention and treatment of job-related injuries and illnesses.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

The federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.

Process Safety Management (PSM)

A regulation that addresses the management of hazards associated with processes using highly hazardous chemicals.

Respiratory Protection

Safety measures, including masks and ventilators, used to protect workers from inhaling hazardous substances.

Risk Assessment

The process of identifying hazards and evaluating the risk associated with them.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

A method of problem-solving used for identifying the root causes of faults or problems.

Safety Culture

The attitude, beliefs, perceptions, and values that employees share in relation to safety in the workplace.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

A document that provides information on the properties of hazardous chemicals and how they affect health and safety in the workplace.

Safety Management System (SMS)

A systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies, and procedures.

Spill Response

Procedures to address and manage chemical spills.

Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)

A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.

Sustainability

Practices that ensure resources are used in a way that does not deplete them for future generations.

Toxic Substance

A chemical or mixture that may present an unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment.

Training

Education and instruction provided to employees to enhance their knowledge and skills in a specific area.

Unsafe Condition

A condition in the work environment that increases the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Ventilation

The process of supplying fresh air and removing contaminated air from a space.

Work-Related Injury

Any injury that occurs in the course of employment.

Workplace Safety

Policies, procedures, and practices that ensure the health and safety of employees in the workplace.

Zero Incident Goal

A safety goal aiming for zero workplace incidents or accidents.