Clearly, it is in the interests of every business to have an integrated EHSQ system to be able to ensure quality with safety.

Businesses sometimes find themselves at crossroads, unable to decide between safety and quality. Invariably, quality wins due to its direct impact on growth and revenues. But experience shows that environment, health and safety (EHS) have as much impact on the growth and reputation of a business. The cost of any environment, health or safety incident can be steep, as one can see from the BP oil spill example.

The explosion of a rig caused instant death and injuries not only of human beings but also marine life. The accident happened in 2010, but its impact continues to be felt even today and marine life continues to suffer. Investigations revealed that cost measures and poor safety standards not just by BP but its partners as well led to the accident. The company had to pay hefty fines and, needless to say, its business suffered as also its brand image.