'It's not necessarily the regulations or writing programs—it's the people component' says editor of J.J. Keller benchmark study
A new benchmark report from J.J. Keller & Associates reveals the biggest challenges for environmental health and safety (EHS) professionals today go beyond regulatory compliance—they’re about people. “One of the things I found, and I kind of wrote it in the report itself, is a lot of reinforcing data from my experiences,” says Joe Proulx, EHS editor at J.J. Keller. “It’s not necessarily the regulations or writing programs—it’s the people component.”
Methodology behind benchmark study
The 2024 J.J. Keller EHS Benchmark Study takes a comprehensive look at the realities facing EHS professionals across North America. Conducted through an online survey from November 18 to December 2, 2024, the study invited J.J. Keller’s customers, industry publication readers, and members of its Insights Community Panel to participate. Of the 1,027 responses received, 677 participants completed the survey in full. Their answers paint a detailed picture of the persistent—and emerging—issues shaping the modern EHS landscape.
Top EHS challenges: It’s more than compliance
The findings show that 67% of respondents struggle with developing and maintaining EHS programs, while 66% cite keeping up with regulatory changes as a significant challenge. More than half—59%—point to training and evaluating workers as an ongoing hurdle. “The majority of the challenge is the people component and getting people to be a part of the program, or how to engage them in your organization’s specific culture,” says Proulx.
The report identifies key areas of concern: engaging employees to buy into safety programs, maintaining consistent standards across multiple sites, and balancing EHS needs with other business demands. According to Proulx, this dynamic points to a fundamental truth in modern safety leadership. “It’s about prioritizing the hazards first and then figuring out the regulatory obligations second,” he says. “Once I determine what I need, finding the regulations and the information is the easier part.”
Embracing technology to support EHS success
The report notes safety leaders are increasingly turning to digital tools to help manage complex EHS requirements. Proulx agrees technology plays a crucial role in easing administrative burdens. “Using technology can help alleviate burdensome administrative tasks,” he explains. “It allows safety professionals to spend more time finding hazards and getting that information into software programs that can help prioritize risks.”
Yet even as digital tools become more integrated, Proulx cautions against over-reliance. “The first place to start in using technology more efficiently for EHS is to look at ways in which I can remove those administrative tasks,” he says. “That’s a big time saver for EHS professionals who are going to have a lot going on, a lot of data, and that’s where technology can really be helpful.”
Adapting safety programs for a changing workforce
Beyond technology, the report highlights the shifting expectations of today’s workforce. Proulx points out that generational differences in learning styles and attitudes toward safety pose new challenges for EHS leaders. “One of the things a safety professional really has to understand is the different perspectives of different generations in the workplace,” he says. “You can’t just train people the way you like to learn—it’s different in every generation.”
Looking to the future, respondents in the study anticipate more complex regulatory demands, a greater focus on sustainability, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence and other digital innovations in safety programs. Proulx stresses that while regulations may change with the political winds, the fundamental goal of EHS professionals remains the same. “Regardless of the regulatory changes, we still address our hazards and control them to keep our workers safe,” he says.
Building a safety culture that sustains itself
Proulx sees the key to success lying in the power of culture. He urges EHS professionals to move beyond checklists and audits, instead focusing on fostering a safety-first mindset across all levels of the organization. “The goal is to create a safety program that has a life of its own—one that doesn’t solely depend on the safety leader to sustain it,” he says. “If everybody’s involved, everybody’s continuously thinking about safety, that’s how safety is going to sustain itself.”
This vision of a collaborative, engaged culture resonates deeply in a profession often stretched thin by regulatory complexities and resource constraints. “We have a lot of resources in our organizations that can help,” says Proulx. “That’s where that culture comes in, and that’s where the EHS professional’s role is shifting: from compliance enforcer to culture builder.”
As the study shows, the landscape of EHS is evolving. While regulations and emerging technologies remain crucial, it’s the human element—how people connect, learn, and take ownership of safety—that ultimately shapes the success of safety programs. For EHS professionals across Canada and beyond, the message is clear: fostering a culture of engagement and accountability is the path to a safer, more sustainable workplace.
