The EU's stringent regulatory framework and varying standards outside of the bloc have inevitably led HSE practices and strategies to differ greatly among parties operating inside and outside of the Union: cooperation is growing all the more critical to establish and adhere to best practices that go above and beyond the standards set by EU regulation.
The European Union's influence on HSE standards is self-evident; companies must adhere to stringent and extensive regulations, ranging from frameworks dictating risk assessment processes to those relating to preventive measures and employee safety.
Companies outside of the Union, however, may operate under vastly different frameworks or regulations; in some regions, HSE requirements may be less comprehensive, while others may exceed the standards and demands laid out by the EU.
This creates discrepancies between different companies and internally within those operating internationally or interregionally, posing a risk to both market competition (where companies may opt to divest from projects subject to more stringent regulations) and worker safety for those falling behind modern HSE standards.
Inevitably, as these discrepancies grow more dramatic, they also complicate international cooperation between teams and projects inside and outside of the European Union, potentially rendering such projects more expensive, less safe, and of greater risk to their surrounding environments.
Looking towards a future that undoubtedly requires international and, indeed, global cooperation to solve matters of emergency or crisis (with recent wildfires and pandemics serving as notable reminders of the fragility of the Earth's environment), it is critical that industry convenes and cooperates to ensure a largely seamless transition between regions and countries. Such cooperation will protect and enhance the stringent (but necessary) HSE regulations that have sparked a massive decline in workplace incidents in the EU, while also enabling companies to expand and operate internationally without regulatory barriers or a compromise of workplace safety.
A continuous and consistent approach can level the currently skewed playing field, reducing competitive disadvantages for businesses adhering to stricter regulations. It also ensures consistency in addressing global challenges like climate change, pollution, and occupational hazards.
Essentially, aligning HSE approaches between EU and non-EU businesses is essential for fostering global safety, sustainability, and equity. Divergent standards will create growing health and environmental risks over the coming decades, particularly in global supply chains, where lower standards outside the EU may undermine broader efforts to protect workers and the environment.
Why EU and non-EU companies must align their critical HSE strategies
