Integrating EHS and Quality Management Systems

Scope / Objectives
The objective of this presentation is to share strategies and techniques to develop and implement an integrated management system that incorporates EHS, quality and business practices into a single management system.  The scope of the integrated management system can include ISO 14001/RC 14001, OSHA VPP/OHSAS 18001 and ISO 9001 implementation in both single and multi-establishment organizations.
Methods
The traditional approach of assembling a cross-functional team to conduct a gap analysis of company QHSE practices and procedures versus elements of the relevant standards remains valid.  The team, however, should also review and consider whether existing business practices address one or more QHSE elements.  The organization's enterprise resource planning (ERP) software should be used to limit the need for stand-alone QHSE programs. 
Development / Results
This method was used to meet Responsible Care Management System (RCMS) requirements at a multi-establishment chemical distributor.  RCMS requirements were easily incorporated into the distributor's mature ISO 9001 system.  This method is currently being used to platform consistent ISO 14001 and OSHA VPP/OHSAS 18001 management throughout a nation-wide environmental services company.
Conclusion
Systems to manage quality, health, safety & environment (QHSE) and business processes are often developed and implemented independently of each other.  In addition to being inefficient, operating parallel management systems often creates conflicts within the organization.  Integrating QHSE processes with the business enterprise itself into a seamless management system is a cost-effective way to provide additional benefits to the organization.